High winds topple four trucks on I-77 in Virginia

Updated Feb 3, 2021
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While travel restrictions on commercial vehicles have been listed by the states of New York and New Jersey, the Virginia Department of Transportation has issued a travel advisory for part of Interstate 77. 

The DOT and Virginia State Police are advising commercial vehicles — especially large trucks — to avoid the Fancy Gap region of I-77 near the Virginia-North Carolina state line. That area is, according to the VSP, “is experiencing sustained winds of 35 mph to 40 mph, with dangerous wind gusts of up to 70 mph. Because the severe winds are to continue through the evening Wednesday, Feb. 3, the Virginia State Police is advising commercial motor vehicles with a gross weight of less than 25,000 lbs. to avoid using Interstate 77 through the Fancy Gap region, which is between the 2 and 3 mile markers inside Virginia. Commercial vehicles with a gross weight of less than 25,000 lbs. are advised to seek an alternate route until the winds safely subside.” 

Troopers responded to at least four overturned tractor-trailers on I-77 today. A driver of one of those trucks was transported to a local hospital for what police say were non-life-threatening injuries.