What is black ice? How to identify and stay safe on MS roads after freezing rain
As a severe winter storm impacted the Mississippi Gulf Coast, weather officials warned residents to be wary of black ice, especially while driving.
“We are monitoring how fast cold air will dive into the region early Monday morning following rain earlier today that could lead to a few slippery areas,” the National Weather Service New Orleans said in a Jan. 25 post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
But what exactly is black ice? And how can you stay safe if you see it this winter in Mississippi?
Here’s what to know.
What is black ice?
Black ice is a “nearly invisible, thin glaze of ice on pavement,” according to NWS New Orleans.
The ice forms when moisture in the air freezes when touching the pavement. It’s very dangerous for drivers because it’s hard to see and very slick, experts said.
How to know if you’re dealing with black ice
Keep an eye on weather conditions and be aware of black ice when temperatures reach freezing. Black ice is practically invisible, but if you see a glossy surface next to a dull pavement, that could be a sign of black ice, according to experts at AAA.
“When conditions are slippery, be especially mindful of your surroundings and what is coming up ahead,” AAA experts said.
How to stay safe around black ice
Here are some tips for staying safe if you are driving on black ice, according to Safety Compliance Management, a safety training and consulting company:
- Drive like you have no brakes by using constant pressure on the brake pedal or shifting into a lower gear
- Don’t take any sudden turns
- Go easy on the gas pedal
- Try not to change lanes. Slow down first if you need to
- Listen to the road. If it looks wet but doesn’t sound wet, it probably has black ice
