Interstate 85 in Kannapolis reopened after a chaotic day when over 100 vehicles became stranded. Crashes, driven by heavy snow, caused the chaos. The highway was cleared just before 9:30 p.m., but the cleanup took hours, with help from various emergency teams.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that 30 tractor-trailers were among the vehicles stuck. This incident occurred near Lane Street, where some areas saw up to nine inches of snow.
To manage the situation, the North Carolina National Guard was called in with their All-Hazard Response Teams. They brought six vehicles and about a dozen personnel to assist. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Department of Transportation worked to clear the snow and get traffic moving again.
While no injuries or fatalities have been reported, this event highlights the challenges of winter weather on roads. Safety experts often stress the importance of driving cautiously in snowy conditions. Recent data shows that winter weather contributes to a significant number of traffic accidents each year. In fact, a study by the Federal Highway Administration notes that nearly 20% of all vehicle crashes occur during winter weather.
Though this was a stressful situation for many motorists, social media reactions were mixed. Some shared their frustration, while others expressed gratitude for the quick response of emergency services. This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather and the need for preparedness on the roads.
For further updates on weather-related road conditions, you can check the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Source link
priority, 18517808
