A powerful winter storm wreaked havoc across Virginia and North Carolina, leading to hundreds of crashes, including a devastating 53-vehicle pileup on Interstate 40 in North Carolina. The Arctic blast brought rare, heavy snowfall and record-breaking cold, leaving roads treacherous and causing widespread disruption.
In Orange County, North Carolina, multiple crashes on I-40 halted traffic, leading to a tragic collision involving a tractor-trailer that struck a passenger vehicle, resulting in one fatality. The driver of the truck was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and speeding for conditions. Statewide, North Carolina Highway Patrol responded to nearly 1,200 crashes on Wednesday alone, forcing closures on I-95 and I-85 near Raleigh.
Virginia also saw dangerous road conditions, with state police reporting over 800 crashes, 45 of which resulted in injuries. Emergency crews in Suffolk conducted dramatic rescues, pulling two people from an SUV that plunged into icy waters.
Norfolk recorded an astonishing 10.2 inches of snow, making it the eighth-highest single-day snowfall in the city’s history. While meteorologists say such snowfall isn’t unheard of, it is exceptionally rare. Residents struggled to cope, with schools shutting down and businesses suffering financial hits as employees were unable to commute.
Across the U.S., the polar vortex shattered decades-old temperature records. Nebraska saw lows of -24°F, Missouri hit -12°F, and Texas experienced record-breaking cold not seen since the deadly 2021 winter storm. Power outages affected thousands, while nearly 1,800 flights were delayed or canceled, particularly in and out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Authorities have urged residents to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel. While the extreme cold lingers, forecasters predict a “big change” next week, offering relief from the deep freeze that has paralyzed the region.
