Winter weather starting to impact roads across Charlotte metro

CHARLOTTE — Frigid temperatures were starting to impact roads across the Charlotte metro early Friday morning.

A water main break, creating icy conditions for drivers, shut down Providence Road just after 6:30 a.m.

#BREAKING: Providence Rd. is CLOSED near E. Barden Rd. south of Sardis Rd./Fairview Rd. due to that water main break. Full details over on @wsoctv #clt #cltraffic #clttraffic pic.twitter.com/3Wz1LZdsjA
— Traffic Team 9 (@TrafficTeam9) January 10, 2025

An hour later, crews were on the scene of a fire in the 2900 block of Providence Road.

The Charlotte Fire Department said they were called out to Poppy’s Bagels & More just after 7:30 a.m.

Channel 9′s Mark Taylor said Providence Road near Sharon Amity was temporarily down to one lane as firefighters worked to contain the fire.

UPDATE: A look at @CharlotteFD controlling a fire at Poppy's Bagels. IB Providence Rd. is down to 1 lane prior to Sharon Amity Rd. Thankfully no injuries reported. #clt #cltraffic #clttraffic pic.twitter.com/HSGdRyZ42V
— Traffic Team 9 (@TrafficTeam9) January 10, 2025

The North Carolina Department of Transportation told Channel 9 that several roads across Charlotte had already been treated with salt and brine on Thursday. Officials said that will lower the freezing point of water on the roads and hopefully prevent more dangerous ice patches.

>> CLICK HERE for the latest forecast from Severe Weather Center 9

NCDOT said its workers will be on 12-hour shifts to respond to any issues once the storm starts. They have nearly 2,000 trucks ready to go once the storm arrives.

Officials encouraged everyone to stay home and off the roads during the storm if possible.

ALSO: NC transportation officials lay out plans for winter storm

In cities such as Concord, crews are prepared for all kinds of precipitation.

“If it becomes an ice event where we have a lot of downed trees then we’ll transition to having crews clean and clear downed debris,” said Concord Street Superintendent Randy Shue.

If you do have to drive, stay out of the way of road crews, give them extra space when you see them, and trail further behind the cars in front of you.

Winter Weather Guide:

Stay with Channel 9 for the latest winter storm coverage.

(WATCH BELOW: Which Charlotte streets get plowed first?)