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Watch out for black ice this winter

Black ice possible on Monday commute (Image 1) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

As temperatures get colder and colder, the risk of black ice increases.

Black ice is defined by The Weather Channel as a thin, highly transparent coat of ice. This ice can make it incredibly dangerous when driving, or even just walking. As it gets colder out following rain, snow, or ice storms, the water on the ground might freeze over and cause a sheet of ice to form.

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Because black ice is so thin and transparent, it may be very hard to see. When walking, be careful to avoid patches of black ice so you don’t slip and hurt yourself. If you need to drive, take extreme caution when traveling, especially on backroads that may not have been salted or plowed recently.

The Weather Channel also stated that bridges and overpasses can be particularly bad for those hoping to avoid the ice. This is because the shade makes it less likely for the ice to be melted by sunlight, and cold air can flow under an overpass, making the pavement temperature colder.

If you must travel during winter storms, be very cautious, drive slowly, and watch out for black ice and other obstacles!


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About the Author
Colton Game headshot

Colton joined the WSLS 10 team as a digital content producer in July 2024, soon after graduating cum laude from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in sociology and a minor in psychology.