Interstate 85 northbound near Kannapolis shut down Saturday after a massive multi-vehicle pileup trapped more than 100 vehicles in the snow. Authorities said at least 30 tractor-trailers were among the vehicles stuck on the highway.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the incident happened on the northbound side before Exit 63 (Lane Street). Troopers said what started as a smaller crash escalated quickly as slick roads and freezing temperatures locked traffic in place.
The North Carolina National Guard was requested to help with recovery and clearing efforts. Reports said multiple Guard trucks were called to assist alongside local heavy equipment.
Officials urged drivers heading north to avoid the area and use detours around the affected exits. They warned clearing the interstate could take hours because large trucks could not gain traction or momentum in the snow.
