In Virginia, North Carolina, Snow Wreaks Havoc

A severe snowstorm across Virginia and North Carolina has led to hazardous road conditions and numerous accidents. More than 50 vehicles were involved in crashes on an interstate highway. Two separate incidents on Interstate 40 in Orange County, North Carolina, left one dead and 53 vehicles implicated in 12 crashes. The tractor-trailer driver involved was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and speeding. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported nearly 1,200 collisions, causing closures on Interstates 95 and 85 near Raleigh. Virginia documented nearly 500 crashes with at least 45 injuries but no fatalities.

Rescue operations in Suffolk, Virginia, saved two individuals from an SUV that crashed into water. Around 7,500 North Carolina customers lost power, primarily in east-central counties. Across the US, 1,800 flights were canceled or delayed, with 250 involving Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Virginia saw up to 12.5 inches of snow south of Norfolk and 4 inches in Richmond. Forecasters predicted additional snowfall of half an inch. An Arctic air mass brought unprecedented cold to the central US, with record lows expected in the Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley. In Detroit, a significant water main break left residents without power and heat during freezing temperatures. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)