Crews face abandoned cars, downed trees

Fairfax County, Va. –– It’s the morning after the first major snowfall of the season and stalled and abandoned cars, icy conditions, downed power lines and trees are making it a slow going for commuters and road crews.

Many school systems have closed, federal offices are opening two hours late, and those commuters who must work today are making plans as to how they’re going to get there.

It was just as tough for commuters yesterday afternoon as Virginia State Police in Northern Virginia were called to 532 calls for help, between 5 and 10 p.m.

One state trooper was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 66, but suffered minor injuries and was able to continue working his shift.

The Springfield Interchange at I-95, 395 and 495, and the interchange at I-495 and 66 were major trouble spots for drivers.

“Unfortunately, Northern Virginia had several major factors happen all at once, which brought traffic to a standstill in several areas,” said Lt. Jim De Ford, Virginia State Police Fairfax Division. “Federal offices closed at 3 p.m., so there was not the usual staggered evening rush hour. That many vehicles on the roads just as the storm changed over from sleet to heavy snow set the stage for an excessive number of crashes and disabled vehicles.”

State officials urge everyone to take it easy on the roads this morning, leave yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination, and to clear off all the snow and ice that may have built up on your vehicles before hitting the roads.