Snowstorm closes major roadways, strands drivers along East Coast

WASHINGTON — High winds, heavy snowfall and drivers flouting advice not to get on the road combined Saturday to close major thoroughfares along the East Coast and leave motorists stranded for hours.

Northbound I-270 in Maryland was closed to clear cars from an earlier crash, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration. The agency tweeted with exasperation, “Too many people out.”

The Maryland Department of Transportation said they helped 237 stuck vehicles in a 21-hour span.

Farther north in Pennsylvania, the I-76 turnpike was completely shut down between New Stanton and Breezewood.

The Pennsylvania National Guard has been called in by the governor to assist. There are 150 National Guard members on duty and another 260 being called up.

Buses full of students who attended the March for Life in Washington were among the stranded. They built an altar in the snow on the side of the road and held a Catholic Mass.

The Temple University women's gymnastics team marked their 24th hour on their team bus.

In Kentucky, Interstate 75 reopened after hundreds of motorists were stranded overnight, the Associated Press reported.

And in an alarming update on the Duquesne basketball team, they may have to stay there a second night.