By: Richard L. Smith
Residents in Newark and North Jersey residents are waking up to a cold, wet, and icy Thursday morning. A mix of rain and freezing precipitation creates hazardous road conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures remain just above freezing in most areas, but in Morris and Sussex counties, where temperatures have dipped below 32 degrees, freezing rain has created black ice.
Commuters are urged to exercise caution, as misty fog and slick roadways could lead to dangerous driving conditions.
The rain is expected to taper off by noon, with temperatures gradually rising to a high of 49 degrees. Winds will shift west at 9 to 14 mph, with gusts reaching up to 26 mph.
Some clearing is possible later in the day, providing brief relief from the bad start.
By tonight, skies will be mostly clear, but temperatures will drop again to around 28 degrees, with wind chills between 20 and 25 degrees.
Winds will remain steady at 13 to 17 mph, making for a chilly evening.
While conditions will improve later today, the morning commute remains a concern, especially in areas affected by black ice. 
Motorists are advised to drive carefully and be prepared for slick roads and reduced visibility in fog-prone areas.