Reports: Over 500 collisions occur amid disruptive snowstorm in North Carolina
As of 7:30 p.m. EST Wednesday, this story is no longer being updated. For a recap on the snowstorm that impacted the southeastern US, click here.
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A storm will continue to spread snow from the Carolinas and Virginia to New England throughout the day on Wednesday, challenging commuters and work crews looking to keep the roads clear.
The heaviest snow is expected to fall across portions of central North Carolina and south-central Virginia, where 4-8 inches of snow are predicted to accumulate.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency on Tuesday ahead of the storm.
“Nearly all of North Carolina will be impacted by this winter storm, and we’re making sure North Carolina is ready,” Cooper said. “I urge all of our residents to be prepared and to stay safe.”
Wintry weather has already been blamed for a slew of road closures and accidents across areas from Texas to Kentucky this week. The snow and ice also forced school and government offices to close and numerous flight delays out of major hubs like Houston and Atlanta.
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5:45 p.m. EAST Wednesday:
In a briefing, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said if must go out drive much slower and keep a lot of space between vehicles. He also said it is important to keep pets out of the cold.
Professional driver Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a difficult time driving in these conditions.
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4:40 p.m. EST Wednesday:
There is a wreck due to icy road conditions on 321 in Lincoln County which is near Shelby, North Carolina.
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4:00 p.m. EST Wednesday:
North Carolina Highway Patrol says driving conditions are hazardous. They are asking everyone to stay off the roads if possible.
Power outages are increasing across the state of North Carolina. Currently 27,444 residents are without power with most outages across central North Carolina.
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3:45 p.m. EST Wednesday:
Over 450 flights have been canceled and another 540 delayed at Charlotte Douglas International Airport today, according to FlightStats.
The heaviest snow in North Carolina is currently falling around Raleigh with some areas northwest of the city measuring over 8 inches of snow. People are encouraged to stay off the roads due to hazardous driving conditions.
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2:15 p.m. EST Wednesday:
Black ice is expected on roads and walkways Thursday morning. Any snow or slush will freeze on roads, bridges and overpasses.
Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect through this evening for all of central NC.
More than 9,000 power outages have been reported statewide across North Carolina.
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1:10 p.m. EST Wednesday:
South Carolina Department of Transportation work crews are trying to stay ahead of the snow and keep interstates clear.
12:41 p.m. EST Wednesday:
In the city of Durham, North Carolina, slick travel conditions are being reported and there have been at least 13 traffic accidents in the city.
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12:19 p.m. EST Wednesday:
Retired NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. is unharmed after his car slid off the road and into a tree in North Carolina.
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11:25 a.m. EST Wednesday:
Due to disruptive and dangerous winter weather conditions in Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards has declared a statewide state of emergency.
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10:19 a.m. EST Wednesday:
In a press conference Wednesday morning, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said there has been an uptick in the number of accidents reported throughout the state.
The North Carolina Highway Patrol has responded to over 500 traffic collisions Wednesday morning and over 700 calls for service.
(Photo/North Carolina Department of Transportation)
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10:07 a.m. EST Wednesday:
Snow is falling around the downtown Charlotte area. Emergency management officials are urging residents to avoid driving as conditions deteriorate throughout the day.
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9:08 a.m. EST Wednesday:
Roads are quickly becoming snowcovered in parts of North Carolina as crews continue to treat the highways and secondary streets.
This North Carolina Department of Transportation image shows Spring Garden Street in Raleigh.
(Photo/North Carolina Department of Transportation)
