With this NC winter storm, driving conditions worsen after precipitation stops
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Overnight temperature plunge will freeze road puddles, creating slick ice hazards.
- Advisories extend into morning, when ice accumulation may threaten commutes.
- Authorities urge caution; school districts may delay or cancel classes Tuesday.
Monday’s winter storm may not have produced much in the way of wintry precipitation in the Triangle, but it still has the potential to cause problems driving.
That’s because temperatures are going to plunge overnight, causing puddles and wet spots left on the roads to freeze. Forecasters expect lows in the low 20s in the Triangle and the upper teens not far north and west, turning wet surfaces to ice.
Schools that closed ahead of the storm may have reason to delay or cancel classes again Tuesday.
Roads remained clear of ice and snow in most of North Carolina on Monday. The N.C. Department of Transportation reported some ice- and snow-covered roads in the mountains and along the Virginia state line north of the Triad, where the colder air arrived sooner.
But drivers shouldn’t become complacent as Arctic air filters into the state, Gov. Josh Stein said Monday afternoon.
“These weather conditions will impact much of North Carolina, especially in the western and northern parts of the state,” Stein said in a written statement. “We urge travelers in impacted areas to take all necessary precautions. Please be cautious while driving and monitor local weather reports for reliable updates.”
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the Triangle. It expires at noon Tuesday, long after the precipitation will stop, because of the likelihood of ice in the morning.
“If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks and driveways,” the weather service wrote. “These surfaces could be icy and slippery.”
For the latest on road conditions in North Carolina, go to drivenc.gov/.
This story was originally published December 8, 2025 at 5:15 PM.
