Key Highlights
- Tuesday’s winter weather leads to road closures and multiple crashes in North Carolina.
- Crews are treating roads affected by overnight freezing moisture on I-540, US-64, and other major highways.
- Several areas including Johnston County and Wake Forest received snowfall early Tuesday morning.
- A truck wrapped around a tree after a wreck on US-64 at Debnam Road near Zebulon.
Winter Weather Causes Chaos in North Carolina
Tuesday’s winter weather conditions in North Carolina have caused significant disruptions, with multiple crashes and road closures affecting major highways. As early morning temperatures dipped into the 20s across the region, moisture from overnight precipitation froze on roads, making travel perilous for many drivers.
Initial Warnings and Snowfall Reports
The WRAL meteorological team issued a winter weather advisory early Tuesday morning, warning of icy road conditions that could persist until noon. By 4:19 a.m., snow totals were reported in Wake Forest at one inch, while Youngsville received half an inch. The region’s schools faced delays and closures as the inclement weather forced students to remain indoors.
Road Closures and Accidents
As of 5:28 a.m., I-540 near Buffaloe Road in Raleigh was reported to be causing backups due to an accident. Meanwhile, on US-64 at Debnam Road, a truck had wrapped itself around a tree following a collision. The State Highway Patrol and DOT crews were treating icy roads in Franklin County, including NC-98, US-1 at Green Street, and MC Wilder Road.
Across the Triangle, Raleigh police reported five crashes related to ice by 4:45 a.m., while Durham police noted one weather-related crash. Further north on I-87 South near Knightdale in Wake County, a tractor-trailer became stuck on an icy bridge, leading to significant delays.
Expert Advice and Safety Tips
WRAL meteorologist Chris Michaels emphasized the importance of caution when driving during such conditions. “If you see a wet spot on the road, assume it is ice,” he advised. The WRAL website also provided an interactive map for school closures and delays throughout central North Carolina, with updates available as more information became available.
Local law enforcement continued to monitor the situation closely, with multiple departments issuing safety tips and advising drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during these hazardous conditions.
Conclusion
The winter weather in North Carolina on Tuesday morning highlighted the importance of preparedness and caution for drivers. As temperatures slowly rose above freezing by 10 a.m., officials hoped that road conditions would improve, but the early morning events underscored the potential dangers posed by such unpredictable weather.