Winter Flurry Frenzy

By: Sydney Johnson

Courtesy: 13NewsNow

Following the winter storm over the weekend, there have been 52 car crashes in the Hampton Roads area, resulting in 5 injuries, one being fatal. While this area was expecting more snow than what was experienced, there is still light snow, high wind speeds, and extreme cold. 

Virginia is no stranger to snow, and citizens prepared for a full storm last weekend, stocking their cabinets and salting the streets. The snow fell throughout the night and barely stuck to the ground in the days that followed. However, the precipitation reduced visibility on the roads, making it a very dangerous night to drive.

Despite the salt laid on the streets, they remained slippery from the sleet. This was the largest contributor to the storm-related accidents, as keeping control of the slushy roads was difficult in the days following the storm. Citizens in cars, however, were not the only people in danger during this storm; the extreme cold temperatures made going outdoors last weekend a laborious task to many.

Some students enjoyed the snow, specifically those from places that do not usually reach low enough temperatures to prompt it. 

Alexa Horton, an HU student from Texas described that this past weekend was her first time seeing snow and experiencing temperatures this low. She stated that she only left her dorm hall if absolutely necessary because of how cold it was, specifically noting that the wind speeds made it difficult to walk around outside. 

“The snow was kind of aesthetic,” said Horton. . 

Even one student used to the weather was also able to look past the inconveniences of the weather. Dylan Paddy, a Chicago native claimed that much of the preparation was an overreaction, despite winds reaching 35 MPH and newscasters recommending people bundle up.  

“It's really not that bad,” said Paddy. 

Even though there was little snow, this extreme weather still affected the citizens of Hampton Roads. The best way to stay safe in these situations is to simply stay inside. If you must go outdoors, make sure to layer up, drive slowly, and be vigilant.