Residents across the Triangle woke up to a light dusting of snow, with accumulation reaching as far south as Johnston County and up to an inch in the Wake Forest area. This unexpected winter weather is leading to concerns about road conditions early Tuesday morning, particularly as moisture that froze overnight could create hazardous, slick surfaces for drivers.
By 6 a.m., reports indicated a significant accident on I-540 at Buffaloe Road in Raleigh, causing traffic delays and backups. Earlier, at 5:45 a.m., US-264 West near Zebulon had reopened after crews worked to treat the roadway. However, a serious incident was reported involving a truck that was wrapped around a tree on US-64 at Debnam Road.
Further complicating morning commutes, multiple crashes were logged on I-540 near the Neuse River. Icy roads were also reported in Franklin County, particularly along NC-98, US-1 at Green Street, and MC Wilder Road.
As dawn broke, viewer-submitted photographs began appearing, showcasing the region’s snowy landscape. Families took to social media to share images of their children enjoying what many noted as their first snowfall, with a notable mention from Louisburg.
At 4:45 a.m., officials announced the closure of a bridge on US-264 West near Zebulon due to icy conditions, while a wreck on US-64 at Debnam Road prompted further road closure.
By 4:19 a.m., I-87 South had reopened after previously being shut down at exit 13 near Knightdale, where a tractor-trailer became stuck on an icy bridge. The State Highway Patrol confirmed five accidents related to the icy weather conditions on I-87.
Meteorologist Chris Michaels warned drivers that main road temperatures were hovering in the 20s, emphasizing the danger of unexpected ice patches on the roads. “If you see a wet spot on the roads, assume it is ice,” he cautioned.
As of 2 a.m., many schools across central North Carolina announced delays or closures due to weather conditions, causing disruptions for families gearing up for the day. For up-to-date information, residents were directed to a winter weather school closings map, reflecting the impact of the weather event on education in the area.
