Police are advising truckers to use extra caution while traveling along the Virginia-North Carolina border through Friday morning after strong winds overturned at least three semi trucks.
The Virginia, North Carolina state line has been experiencing large amounts of snow and ice this week, with high winds blowing through the area on Thursday morning, January 18th.
At approximately 9:00 a.m., the winds grew so strong that three semi trucks overturned along Interstate 77, blocking the roadway for several hours.
Be careful if you are traveling on I-77 near the VA-NC border today. High winds have blown over 3 tractor-trailers this morning near the 2 mile marker. pic.twitter.com/h5NYoPBXH1
— VA State Police (@VSPPIO) January 18, 2018
The extreme winter and wind conditions, which led to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declaring a state of emergency on Wednesday, January 17th, are expected to last in the area until mid morning on Friday, January 19th.
Driving across the region, especially east of the Blue Ridge will be tricky through Friday morning. Watch for any melted snow to refreeze, while smaller and untreated roads stay snow covered. Be careful. pic.twitter.com/LSJ18Wr8CT
— NWS Blacksburg (@NWSBlacksburg) January 18, 2018
The Virginia State Police are working with North Carolina officials to warn drivers to use extreme caution while traveling along the state line, as well as to be on the lookout for black ice and snow accumulated on the roadways.
Conditions along the state line are expected to improve by Friday afternoon.