MDOT Warns of the Black Ice Threat

The Baxter office of the Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging drivers be alert for "black ice," which can rapidly develop during cold temperatures.
Black ice is almost invisible and can easily catch drivers off guard.
It quickly forms in cold weather when the air temperature is just slightly warmer than the pavement, which causes moisture to rapidly freeze, creating a very thin and almost transparent layer of ice on the roadway.
Black ice can form on heavily congested highways from auto exhaust emissions, tire friction and moisture vapors given off by industries located adjacent to the highway.
In addition, black ice often forms on roadways in shaded areas, near lakes and rivers, in tunnels and on overpasses.