Temperatures head above freezing, warm up on the way | Live Updates

WTVD
Last updated: Friday, January 24, 2025 11:20AM GMT
VIDEOS: Winter storm brings another snowfall to central NC

NORTH CAROLINA (WTVD) -- The dangerously cold weather is here to stay for a while, and snow moved through central North Carolina, the Sandhills, and some NC coastal areas.

The ABC11 First Alert Weather Team continues to track the snow and who will see the greatest impact.

This comes only a week after many across central NC got a measurable snowfall since 2022. RDU officially got less than an inch of snow, along with 0.07" of ice. Areas closer to the Virginia border saw the highest amount of snow around 3 to 4 inches.

Schools closings and delays

The Wake County Public School System said all classes are canceled Thursday for students. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools said Wednesday afternoon that Thursday will be a remote learning day.

Click here for full list.

Stay tuned to ABC11 Eyewitness News for the latest and check back here for real-time updates and developments on the winter storm front.

WTVD
Jan 23, 2025, 1:40 PM GMT

Black ice and slick spots still linger as cold air remains

If you have to drive on Thursday morning be on the lookout for black ice and slick spots that are still on the roads.

While a lot of the snow in the Triangle melted, temperatures allowed for refreezing in some areas.

Highways and main roads are mostly clear, but there are trouble spots on side roads.

There are still some icy spots on the orads this morning.
ByTom George, via
Jan 23, 2025, 4:54 AM GMT

Cary driving instructor has helpful tips for black ice patches

ABC11 took a drive around Cary on Wednesday night, where many major roads looked fine, but some of the side streets still had snow on the ground. All it takes is one patch of ice to cause some big problems. And this kind of thing can sneak up on you.

For a quick refresher, ABC11 hit the road with Cary driving instructor David Applewhite from Maintain Your Lane Driving School.

Applewhite said the biggest culprit in North Carolina is people not leaving enough distance between their vehicles.

"If it's ice, I would tell them maybe add a second or two, so, if it's three seconds, at least four to six seconds," Applewhite said.

It wasn't long before those messy ice patches appeared.

"Black ice can be very tricky," Applewhite said. "It looks like a wet road surface."

He said that when you see it, lay off the gas.

"Notice how I take the foot off the accelerator as I go and coast across it," Applewhite said.

But if you do end up slipping and sliding, don't slam on the brakes. And counter to what you might think, don't turn in the other direction.

"I would suggest you to steer into the skid," Applewhite said. "Light taps on the brake and steer into the skid."

And just like he tells his students, patience is a virtue.

"Everyone is running late, so it's very important to plan ahead because you do not know what you're going to run into on the roadway," Applewhite said.

Here's some good advice to stay safe on potentially icy roads.
WTVD
Jan 23, 2025, 1:49 AM GMT

Winter and cold weather alerts issued in central NC

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued two alerts related to the arctic blast, snow and icy roads.

A Winter Weather Advisory issued in central North Carolina went into effect at 6 p.m. Wednesday due to ice on the roads. It is set to expire at 9 a.m. Thursday morning.

A Cold Weather Advisory goes into effect at midnight because of the single-digit temps.

Wednesday night may be the coldest night of the winter. We continue to forecast a low of 13 at RDU, with many outlying areas expected in the single digits amid mainly clear skies, light winds and even a snow cover, according to ABC11 Chief Meteorologist, Don Schwenneker.

There is light at the end of the tunnel! Temperatures could reach back into the 50s on Sunday for the first time in a week

WTVD
Jan 23, 2025, 1:30 AM GMT

Schools in central NC announce decisions for Thursday

With temperatures hovering at freezing on Wednesday and a Winter Weather Advisory and a Cold Weather Advisory in effect tonight schools are making the call for Thursday. Any snow that melted Wednesday will create dangerous black ice tonight and Thursday morning.

This has led some schools to be closed or classes will be remote.

  • The Wake County Public School System said all classes are canceled for students.
  • Durham Public Schools: Closed Thursday
  • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools: Thursday will be a remote learning day.

Check full list here