An SUV overturned on Interstate 95 Thursday morning and hundreds of other drivers crashed, spun out or broke down in the D.C. area as a winter storm created risky driving conditions.
A black SUV lost control on I-95 in Prince William County, flipping into its side and crashing into a sign for Quantico National Cemetery on the wrong side of the guard rail. No one was injured, Virginia State Police said.
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Virginia State Police troopers responded to at least 270 traffic crashes and 165 disabled vehicles between midnight and 11 a.m. Thursday, including 82 in the Culpeper and Fairfax divisions.
By 9 p.m., the number of crashes in Virginia grew to 442.
Maryland State troopers responded to more than 148 crashes, mostly minor, and 397 calls for service by noon. They also helped more than 90 disabled vehicles.
“Please make an effort to stay off the roads today,” Maryland State Police said.
Interstate 270 was one crash hot spot. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer reported "several" incidents between Middlebrook Road and Watkins Mill Road. Maryland highway authorities reported even more.
A Metro bus was involved in a collision on the Outer Loop of the Capital Beltway between Connecticut Avenue and Rockville Pike. No passengers were on board and no injuries were reported.
Metro is set to restricted bus service starting at noon, operating just 58 routes only on major roads due to winter weather, WMATA said. Metrorail and MetroAccess will run normally.
Piringer said that if your vehicle starts sliding on ice, don't hit the accelerator or breaks. Gently steer into the direction of the skid to help regain control of your car.
Massive fleets of plows and trucks were deployed to clear accumulating snow or slush and treat roads. You can track many of them online in D.C., Virginia and Maryland.
A winter storm warning is in effect until early Friday morning for snow, sleet and freezing rain that could cause slippery and icy roads.
Any wet spot on the road could be ice, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell says. Maryland and Virginia authorities have warned people to stay off the roads if possible.
