6 Deaths in Virginia Blizzard 2016

By SHARON REED (Patch Staff)

Six people have died in storm-related deaths during the 2016 Blizzard in Virginia, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME).

One storm-related traffic fatality occurred in the City of Chesapeake on Jan. 22. Hypothermia caused five deaths statewide: one on Jan. 22 and four on Jan. 23, according to Virginia State Police (VSP).

Two other fatal traffic crashes occurred in Virginia Beach. The causes of both are still under investigation.

From Friday, Jan. 22 through Monday, Jan. 25, at 7 a.m., troopers responded to a total 8,412 calls for service, including 1,562 traffic crashes and another 2,502 disabled vehicles across the Commonwealth.

Statewide, the Hampton Roads region experienced the most traffic crashes with state troopers responding to 570 crashes. The Metro-Richmond and Northern Virginia regions have had the most disabled, stuck vehicles. State Police Richmond Division responded to 669 disabled vehicles; VSP Fairfax Division responded to 692 disabled vehicles.

VSP reminds motorists that the melted snow yesterday froze again overnight, making road conditions very slick and treacherous across the Commonwealth today.

State police and VDOT continue to advise people to avoid unnecessary travel if possible or at least delay travel in order to allow trucks to treat/clear highways and for the sun to help melt the ice and snow.

The large amount of snow piled up alongside the roads may be obscuring road signs, forcing pedestrians to walk in the roadway, and keeping roadways wet as it melts.

If you have to travel today then please take the following safety precautions:

• Clear off all snow and ice from your vehicle – windows, roof, trunk and lights
• Add extra time to reach travel destination
• Slow speed for road conditions
• Increase driving distances between vehicles for increased stopping distance
• Buckle up and don’t drive distracted
• Move over for all stopped emergency vehicles, highway vehicles and tow trucks.

For road conditions, please call 511 or go to www.511virginia.org and not 911 or #77.

Photo credit: Virginia State Police