January 10, 2022
By Antonella Sessa
If you have driven on the highway before, you know how excruciating traffic jams can seem. Icy roads, cold temperatures, and snow can lead to accidents, which can build over time to cause unwanted road blockages. Earlier this week, many drivers in Virginia experienced to the highest extent the effects that these conditions have on roadways.
A 40-mile stretch of the I-95 corridor in Virginia, one of the biggest and busiest highways in the country, came to a stop overnight on Monday after a snowstorm led to hundreds of accidents and car troubles. Many of these drivers were without food, supplies, or proper living conditions.
The Virginia government has said they were prepared for the predicted storm, which was a few inches of snow. However, more than a foot of snow fell around the area of the incident. Authorities are reporting that at least 5 people have died as a result of this storm.
Senator Tim Kaine was among those trapped on the highway. He was on his way to the capitol building in Washington D.C. and became stuck overnight with the other travelers.
After several hours, many people began abandoning their cars and some even went as far as to attempt to walk to places where there were restrooms. Authorities slowly made their way to each driver and offered them food and supplies, while tow trucks tried to move abandoned vehicles off of the road.
After over 24 hours, emergency crews began to free the stranded drivers on Tuesday afternoon. Many people rejoiced, but realized that they had long roads ahead of them if they wanted to reach their intended destinations. The interstate reopened on Tuesday night. The Virginia Department of Transportation told all drivers to avoid unnecessary travel overnight and on Wednesday morning, for fear of disaster striking again.