Richmond, Va. — A powerful winter storm that swept through Virginia on Tuesday led to widespread traffic chaos, with hundreds of accidents reported across the state. As of late Tuesday night, the Virginia State Police confirmed a staggering 700 crashes, a sharp increase from just 73 incidents reported earlier in the day.
The storm, which brought snow and icy conditions to much of the Commonwealth, made driving hazardous, particularly in the afternoon and evening. The Virginia State Police issued regular updates, noting the steady rise in traffic collisions as the storm intensified. By 9 p.m., the total number of crashes had more than doubled from earlier in the day.
While no fatalities have been reported, at least 70 individuals have sustained injuries in the crashes. Among the hardest-hit areas were the cities of Richmond, Petersburg, and Hopewell, as well as numerous counties in the region, including Chesterfield, Henrico, and Goochland.
In the Division 1 region, which covers a large portion of central Virginia, there were 163 reported crashes by late Tuesday night, with 21 of those resulting in injuries. Local law enforcement continues to urge motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, as conditions remain treacherous.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), along with other emergency crews, have been working tirelessly to clear the roads, but officials warn that the presence of vehicles on the road only hinders efforts to restore safety and mobility. Drivers have been urged to stay off the roads to provide emergency responders the space they need to manage the ongoing crisis.
Authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s progression, and while the weather is expected to improve in the coming days, the impact of the storm will continue to be felt as cleanup efforts persist.
As the situation remains fluid, Virginians are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution until conditions return to normal.
