Winter Weather — Southern Worcester, Massachusetts

2013-12-01 · Southern Worcester, Massachusetts

Event narrative

A 65 car pile up occurred on Interstate 290 westbound near exit 14 in Worcester during the early morning hours. Light freezing rain and freezing drizzle was occurring at the time, resulting in slick roads. Thirty-five to forty people were injured, only two seriously. The crash scene was 1500 feet long and included two tractor trailers and two large commercial trucks. The interstate was closed for four and a half hours. Nearby, another accident occurred on Route 9 in Northboro just east of the Route 20 interchange. Twenty-five cars were involved in that crash but no serious injuries were reported.

Wider weather episode

A weak clipper type low pressure system produced light freezing drizzle and light freezing rain across much of Southern New England. This resulted in hazardous driving conditions and caught some drivers unaware, resulting in numerous accidents across the area. A 65 car pile up occurred on Interstate 290 westbound, near exit 14 in Worcester.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 487322. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.