Is it safe to drive on North Texas roads on Saturday?

DALLAS — There are some slick spots on the roads Saturday morning – so be careful if you’re out – but the highways and interstates were mostly clear of major accidents Saturday morning.

We had a fair amount of melting on roads Friday.

More melting will happen Saturday, according to the WFAA Weather team, but some slick spots are still possible into Sunday morning. Areas that saw the most sleet and snow may not completely melt during the day on Saturday.

With a light freeze possible Sunday morning, slick spots are still possible mainly for northern North Texas Sunday morning.

WFAA’s Richard Solomon shows how roads are looking in the Plano area : 

WFAA Traffic Anchor Stacia Willson gives an update:

Black ice forms when moisture on the ground freezes into a thin layer of ice, often under specific weather conditions. Several factors contribute to the creation of black ice, and understanding these can help you predict and avoid this dangerous phenomenon.

1. Freezing temperatures: Black ice typically forms when temperatures drop below freezing (32°F or 0°C). If there’s any moisture in the air or on the surface, such as rain, snowmelt or dew, it can freeze rapidly, creating a slick, clear layer of ice. This can happen even when it’s not snowing or raining, so drivers should remain cautious during cold, clear days.

2. Late-night or early morning: Black ice is most common in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is typically at its coldest. During these hours, the sun has set, and the ground is exposed to the frigid air, allowing moisture to freeze quickly. In the morning, the sunlight can warm the surface enough to melt some of the ice, but shaded areas and roads may remain icy for hours.

3. Bridges and overpasses: Bridges and overpasses are more susceptible to black ice formation due to their exposure on both sides to the colder air. Unlike regular roads insulated by the ground, bridges can freeze from above and below, making them especially slippery. Black ice on these surfaces can form faster and more unexpectedly.

4. Melting snow: What to expect this weekend: Snow that melts during the day and creates pools of water on roads and sidewalks. When temperatures drop overnight, these puddles of water freeze into black ice. This scenario is especially common after snowstorms where the sun partially melts snow during the day, but the temperature drops again at night.