UPDATE: I-81 Open After Icy Morning Drive; More Snow Possible

Easter and spring decorations got a dusting of snow in Johnson City early Tuesday morning.

By: Josh Smith | 11 Connects - WJHL TV
Published: April 07, 2009

UPDATE at 9:22:
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All lanes of Interstate 81 are open.

UPDATE at 8:09 a.m.
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Around 7:20 a.m., reports of icy roads began to flood some local police dispatch offices.

Here's an update:

Interstate 81 between Exits 1 and 5 is closed because of ice and wrecks.

Interstate 26 at the Unicoi exit is treacherous with numerous cars off the road.

Bridges and overpasses on I-26 in Johnson City are slick.

I-381 ramp linking State of Franklin Road and Highway 11-E in Johnson City is closed because of ice.

Devault Bridge is very slick.

All lanes of Interstate 26 over Sam's Gap are open.

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A springtime blast of wintery weather made for treacherous travel early today in the Tri-Cities Region.

Here’s a quick check of trouble spots according to early updates from emergency dispatchers.

TENNESSEE
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I-26 over Sam’s Gap - 1 lane open in both directions with TDOT laying salt

Slick spots in the mountains of Johnson, Carter, and Greene Counties

VIRGINIA
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Slick spots with snow and black ice on Interstate 81 in Washington and Smyth Counties

Extremely slick roads in Konnarock

Slick bridges and overpasses in Abingdon, Virginia

VDOT crews sent out overnight to lay salt

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