Black ice may be a big problem for SC days after the snow. Here’s why and how to survive it
Snow impeded traffic across much of South Carolina Wednesday morning, but black ice could become a bigger threat in the coming days, weather experts say.
Reports of snow accumulation abounded across the state on Wednesday — from less than an inch in the Upstate to extremely rare accounts of up to 5 inches in parts of the Grand Strand region. Roads were still slick in downtown Columbia as a thin layer of white snow blanketed much of the Soda City Wednesday morning.
But while emergency responders and weather experts advised drivers to avoid the icy, snow-covered roads on Wednesday, an even bigger threat to traffic may be looming — black ice.
But what is black ice and how long could it be a problem for South Carolina drivers? Here’s what to know.
What is black ice?
Black ice can be a deadly driving hazard. It is patchy ice on roadways or bridges that cannot be easily seen, the National Weather Service states. It is often clear enough that the black road surface underneath is visible, hence its name.
“It is more prevalent during the early morning hours, especially after snow melt on the roadways has a chance to refreeze overnight when the temperature drops below freezing,” the NWS states. “Black ice can also form when roadways are slick from rain and temperatures drop below freezing.”
SC black ice threat
In a recent weather update, the NWS warned that black ice could be a concern for South Carolina drivers on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, then again Thursday night into Friday morning.
“Moisture on roads will refreeze at night and in the morning leading to slick spots,” the NWS states.
Temperatures are predicted to remain bitterly cold, with lows below freezing for much of the state through Saturday.
Driving on black ice in SC
If you must travel on South Carolina roads in the coming days and do encounter black ice, there are steps to take to help avoid a major accident.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, drivers can sometimes spot and avoid black ice, as long as it’s daytime. Black ice almost always forms in smooth, glossy sheets. So, if you see a shiny, glossy patch on an otherwise dull, black road, that’s an indication of black ice that you should avoid, the Forest Service states.
If you do hit black ice, take your foot off the gas and let your car pass over it, the Forest Service states.
“Do not hit the brakes, and try to keep the steering wheel straight,” the Forest Service states. “If you feel the back end of your car sliding left or right, make a very gentle turn of the steering wheel in the same direction.”
Trying to struggle against it and steering in the opposite direction may risk you skidding or spinning out.
