Winter Storm Slams North Carolina, Triggers Over 750 Traffic Collisions
The winter storm that hit North Carolina on January 31 left a trail of chaos, causing widespread traffic disruptions and endangering lives. In just one afternoon, the state reported over 750 traffic collisions due to treacherous conditions as heavy snowfall combined with icy roads and a concerning number of driver errors created obstacles for emergency responders.
Brian Horton, Chief of the Greenville Fire Department, underscored the severity of the situation. “We had more wrecks in the last hour than we had all of last weekend,” he said, highlighting how swiftly the storm escalated into an emergency for many in eastern North Carolina.
Snowfall totals reached nearly 20 inches in some areas, with Charlotte’s Douglas International Airport recording 11 inches—its fourth-highest total ever for a single day. The intense snow began early, and by late morning, it had already led to more than 700 flight cancellations or delays. The impact was profound, disrupting not just travel on the ground but air traffic as well.
On Interstate 85 in Cabarrus County, the dangerous weather conditions forced the highway to shut down after a minor collision left over 100 vehicles stranded in freezing temperatures. The closure required assistance from the National Guard, with drivers caught in the backup waiting for hours in worsening conditions. Looting warnings were issued, indicating the desperation of some who were trapped in the chaos.
Michael Mariano from the N.C. Department of Transportation identified a recurrent issue: driver behavior. “Speed was to blame in most of them,” he said, reiterating the importance of heedfulness during severe weather. Sadly, many drivers tested their luck on hazardous roads, resulting in an onslaught of accidents. The State Highway Patrol faced a torrent of calls and had already responded to 340 wrecks by noon, as reports of injuries began to emerge. In one alarming instance, two people sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of a crash at Arrowood Road and Whitehall Executive Park Drive.
The visuals of the storm’s impact were striking, with Charlotte’s major roadways depicted in videos showing spinning cars and disabled vehicles. Emergency responders struggled against nature, as evidenced by a fire engine that was struck by a car while officers managed scenes of multiple accidents.
In a particularly alarming incident in Gastonia, a semi-truck was hit by a train when it attempted to cross tracks during whiteout conditions. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, but the precariousness of the situation remained evident. Authorities continued to manage the fallout throughout the evening, but Justin Graney of North Carolina Emergency Management warned that recovery would extend into the following day as conditions worsened with freezing temperatures.
Public transit systems were also affected. The Charlotte Area Transit System suspended all bus and light rail services, leaving many stranded as essential school and community events were canceled. This storm didn’t just disrupt travel—it halted daily life.
This storm was driven by a bomb cyclone, a potent low-pressure system that exacerbated travel conditions. Ice buildup and constant vehicle collisions severely hampered response efforts from the 66 state-owned and 129 contracted snowplows working round the clock. The National Weather Service continuously updated the public, issuing alerts about extreme cold and wind chills that could reach down to -5°F. They explained, “As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body,” making the situation even more perilous for those stranded outside.
Despite some fortunate outcomes regarding power outages—Duke Energy reported minimal long-term disruptions—the risks posed by the storm were stark. The potential for hypothermia and frostbite loomed for those trapped in cars or trying to navigate on foot through dangerous conditions.
The winter storm also highlighted the vulnerabilities of many North Carolinians when facing unexpected severe weather. With 750 accidents occurring in a single day, the challenges of road travel in the winter were starkly on display. The repeated issues of speeding, traffic incidents, and gaps in snow-related infrastructure only compounded the overall danger.
As Horton observed, the storm’s impact was far-reaching—causing breakdowns, pileups, and flight cancellations. The situation served as a critical reminder of the importance of preparedness and caution, especially during severe winter events. Understanding and respecting the power of winter weather could make all the difference in preventing future incidents.
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