Black Ice Causes Traffic Disruptions in Asheville Area

Black Ice Causes Traffic Disruptions in Asheville Area

Asheville, NC — February 5, 2026 — Drivers across Buncombe County encountered hazardous conditions this morning as rain and light snow led to widespread black ice, resulting in at least two crashes and multiple lane closures.

Motorists reported slick roads on major highways and secondary streets before dawn. Temperatures near freezing caused black ice to form unexpectedly, making travel treacherous. One driver noted, “Be careful out there. Roads are way worse than they look,” highlighting the deceptive nature of the conditions.

Emergency responders addressed a crash on New Leicester Highway near Mount Carmel Road in Leicester around 6 a.m., closing all eastbound lanes. Another incident occurred on Interstate 240 eastbound near Charlotte Street at approximately 6:55 a.m., leading to the closure of the right lane near Exit 5B (U.S. 70). Traffic delays were reported as crews worked to clear the scenes.

Residents described roads as “slick as glass,” with reports of vehicles sliding sideways on neighborhood streets. Forecasters had warned of potential black ice early Thursday due to below-normal temperatures. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, reduce speeds, and allow extra travel time until conditions improve later in the morning.

Sources

• 828newsNOW: Drivers warn of black ice as crashes close lanes in Asheville area