Is there black ice on the road? What to know as snow melts, refreezes
As ice begins to melt and then refreeze, black ice will be an issue in North Texas this week.
The region will finally reach above freezing temperatures around lunchtime on Tuesday, Jan. 27, according to the National Weather Service Fort Worth. The Metroplex has been below freezing since early Saturday, Jan. 24.
Some of the ice and snow on roadways will melt on Monday, Jan. 26, due to the sun shining. However, whatever melts Monday will refreeze overnight and could turn into black ice Tuesday.
What is black ice, and what should you do if you drive on it? Here’s what to know.
What is black ice?
The NWS describes black ice as a “deadly driving hazard defined as patchy ice on roadways or other transportation surfaces that cannot easily be seen.”
Typically, the ice is clear with the black road surface visible underneath. Black ice is more prevalent during the early morning hours, after ice or snow has had a chance to refreeze.
Black ice can also form on roadways whenever it rains and temperatures drop below freezing overnight.
How can you drive on black ice?
Here are a few tips from the National Safety Council on driving on black ice:
- Keep at least a five-second following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. It takes twice as long to stop on black ice.
- Never brake while driving on black ice. Pressing your brakes while on black ice will cause your car to skid. Brake only during your approach.
- Use extra caution driving on bridges, overpasses and tunnels, where black ice is most likely to form.
- Be aware that salt loses its effectiveness at about 15 degrees or colder.
