Originally Posted by KONZ

I can't speak specifically for Allegiant (I don't work there...), but all DC-9s (incl. the DC-9-80) have a requirement to check the upper wings for ice whenever the ambient temperature is < 10 deg C and there's precipitation or the temp/dew-point spread is (I think) less than 2 or 3 degs. Those black strips just outside of the overwing exits aren't for traction as you're going out of the overwing exit. They're rumble strips. When you rub the wand (the long white pole you were referring to) over them, they should feel rough. But if you don't feel the roughness when you rub the wand over them, you have to get deiced... even if it's 10 deg C outside.

The DC-9s all have a super-critical wing. And it's susceptible to icing on even relatively-warm days.

What location were you at?