5 of 7 weekend deaths across Virginia blamed on weather

Seven people died during the weekend, and all but two of the deaths have been confirmed as weather-related, according to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

Those two deaths occurred in Hampton, said Bob Spieldenner, a spokesman for the agency. The other five deaths happened in Chesterfield and Essex counties and in Richmond. At least one person died of exposure and another slipped and fell. The medical examiner ruled each to be weather-related, Spieldenner said.  

Since Friday, Virginia State Police responded to 16,000 calls for service across the state, according to a news release from the agency. State troopers were called to 3,215 crashes, about 250 resulting in personal injuries, The Associated Press reported. State Police also reported handling more than 3,500 disabled vehicles. 

About 55,000 residents lost electric power in the southwestern part of the state, and about 500 sought warmth in shelters, the release says. Since Friday, about 30 shelters had been opened for people to sleep until their electricity is restored and roads can be cleared, according to the release. The shelters were opened in the city of Norton and the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Wise, and King and Queen, the release says. 

Interstate highways and primary roads have been mostly cleared but continue to be hazardous because of ice, according to VDOT. The condition of secondary roads varies and ranges from moderate to severe.

The National Guard has moved 150 soldiers into the southwestern part of the state to help with recovery operations, debris removal and other tasks, the release says. The state forestry and fire programs departments also are helping remove debris.