Rapidly falling temperatures early Thursday could lead to patches of black ice on area roads and sidewalks, according to a special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service in Upton.
The statement, issued at 3:23 a.m., is in effect until 9 a.m. and includes Suffolk County.
The weather service said light winds and clearing skies are allowing temperatures to drop quickly, with much of the region expected to fall below freezing by sunrise. Those freezing temperatures, combined with snowmelt, could cause areas of black ice.
Drivers are urged to use caution during the morning commute, as black ice can make conditions very slick. The weather service advised leaving extra room between vehicles. Pedestrians should also use caution on untreated surfaces.
In Riverhead, the overnight low is expected to be around 25 degrees, with wind chill values as low as 19, according to the forecast. A slight chance of snow is possible after 1 p.m. Thursday, but no accumulation is expected, the weather service said in its forecast discussion.
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