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NASHVILLE — Residents of central Tennessee communities slammed by deadly tornadoes on Dec. 9 described tragic and terrifying scenes in which one mobile home landed on top of another, roofs were ripped from houses and an entire church collapsed during a string of powerful storms that killed six people. Photos of damage showed 18-wheelers toppled over by high winds. Emergency workers and community members cleaned up on Dec. 10 from the severe weekend storms and tornadoes that also sent dozens more to the hospital while damaging buildings, turning over vehicles and knocking out power to tens of thousands. Marco Tulio Gabriel Pérez came to Nashville from Atlanta after hearing that his sister and 2-year-old nephew were killed in the tornado. He said two other children in the family survived with minor injuries. Family members were crying as they looked through the rubble of the trailers on the morning of Dec. 10. “Regrettably, a tragedy happened here. Since it’s a tornado, it came through like you can see here. She lived in this trailer. The other trailer overturned on top of my deceased sister. She remained underneath, the other trailer went on top,” Pérez told The Associated Press in Spanish. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department identified the victims killed north of downtown as Joseph Dalton, 37; Floridema Gabriel Pérez, 31; and her son, Anthony Elmer Mendez, 2. Dalton was inside his mobile home when the storm tossed it on top of Pérez’s residence. Two other children were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, the department said in a statement. Officials elsewhere confirmed that three people, including a child, died after a tornado struck Montgomery County 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Nashville near the Kentucky state line on the afternoon of Dec. 9. They did not immediately provide names. About 60 people were treated for injuries at area medical facilities, including nine transferred in critical condition to a Nashville hospital, said Jimmie Edwards, Montgomery County’s director of emergency services. Twenty-one total injuries were reported in Nashville, city officials said. A church north of downtown collapsed during the storm, resulting in 13 people being treated at hospitals, Nashville emergency officials said in a news release. They were later listed in stable condition. The sanctuary and activities building at Community Baptist Church in Nashville were totally demolished, Donella Johnson, the wife of the church’s pastor, said in a Facebook video. Several members caught by the damage had emergency surgeries for broken hips and legs, she said. The church website had publicized an appreciation banquet for the Johnsons for late afternoon on Dec. 9. “Though we have experienced devastation beyond measure, we did not lose life,” the Rev. Vincent Johnson said. “God took brick and wood and metal and it was mangled in a tornado … yet God preserved us.” At least six tornado tracks were reported on Dec. 9 in central Tennessee, according to the National Weather Service. Agency meteorologist Cory Mueller in Nashville said it was sending out tornado tracking teams on Dec. 10 to attempt to confirm these potential tornadoes and calculate their severity. Mueller said it wasn’t uncommon for tornadoes to be generated during this time of year. Joe Pitts, mayor of the Montgomery County city of Clarksville, said it could be a couple of weeks before power is restored to everyone. Residents of the city of about 166,000 spent Dec. 10 helping one another dig out from the devastating storms, he said.“We know we have people who are suffering because of loss of life, loss of property,” Pitts said. “One thing I love about this city is that when someone has a need, we rally around that need.” At a news conference with Metropolitan Nashville leaders, Mayor Freddie O’Connell said that over 20 structures had collapsed there as a result of the Dec. 9 storm and that “countless others have sustained significant damage.” Nashville Electric Service executive Teresa Broyles-Aplin said electric substations in north Nashville and in nearby Hendersonville suffered significant damage and that outages could last days in some areas. She said it was possible that a widely distributed video showing a fireball in the evening sky on Dec. 9 could have been caused by Nashville Electric equipment. “That gives you a good idea of the extent of damage that we’re dealing with at some of these substations,” she said. Residents in the region are familiar with severe weather in late fall. The Dec. 9 storm came nearly two years to the day after the National Weather Service recorded 41 tornadoes through a handful of states, including 16 in Tennessee and eight in Kentucky. A total of 81 people died in Kentucky alone. Ellen Schlavach and Robyn Robichaud said that a tree fell on their house in the Madison neighborhood of Nashville, and many of their neighbors’ homes were damaged worse. They had been out running errands on Dec. 9 and had seen some warnings that a thunderstorm was coming. They realized things were serious after they got back home and received emergency alerts on their phones. “We very quickly realized that we had to gather up all the pets and hide in the bathroom,” Schlavach said. “The house was shaking. A tree fell on the house. Very loud. Very scary.” Greg Chance of Nashville said that he was watching the news on Dec. 9 with his wife and daughter and knew there was bad weather coming. Within minutes, they went to their safe place at a spot in the kitchen where there were no windows nearby and sat on the floor. “And then the next thing we know, it just sounded like an explosion went off. You could hear stuff flying everywhere. It was crazy. It’s crazy. It is terrifying,” he said, emotion rising in his voice as he described the three of them holding onto each other. He said he worked with Dalton, one of those killed in the storm, at a company that makes fasteners for construction. Chance said he couldn’t sleep knowing that his coworker lost his life and left behind a son. He said the boy and his mother were taken to the hospital with injuries. About 40,000 electricity customers were without power in Tennessee on the evening of Dec. 10, according to PowerOutage.us, down from more than 80,000 on the night of Dec. 9. School would be closed in Clarksville through Dec. 12, officials said. The Tennessee recovery continued as points east faced severe weather on Dec. 10 . Tornado warnings were posted at midday in and around Raleigh, North Carolina, while powerful storms crossed the state. There were no immediate reports of severe damage or injuries.

DES MOINES, Iowa — David Schultz’s semi-truck was found two weeks ago on a rural highway in northwest Iowa, its trailer still filled with baby pigs he was transporting. Schultz’s wallet and phone were inside, and his jacket was on the side of the road. But Schultz was nowhere to be found, and his Nov. 21 disappearance outside Sac City remains a mystery. His wife said something must have gone wrong, calling the 53-year-old father of two a dependable man with a strong work ethic. “This is not something David would do,” Sarah Schultz told the Sioux City Journal. “He would never leave. His family is his life.” Hundreds of people have volunteered to search for Schultz, but after scouring 100,000 acres near the highway, the effort was paused as searchers considered their next steps. Leaders of the search were convinced they would have found Schultz if he had wandered off because of a medical emergency or some other problem. Iowa’s Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting the Sac County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake View Police Department in the case. Iowa DCI referred The Associated Press to the Sac County Sheriff’s Office, which declined to comment on the active investigation. Schultz, of Wall Lake, didn’t arrive as expected with the load of pigs on Nov. 21 in Sac City, Iowa, a small farming town about 90 miles (145 km) northwest of Des Moines. No one could get him on the phone. The truck was found later that afternoon, less than 10 miles northeast of his destination, a livestock dealer in Sac City, according to Jake Rowley, the regional team leader of United Cajun Navy, a nonprofit search-and-rescue organization which typically responds to natural disasters. Schultz’s truck wasn’t running when it was found in the middle of the two-lane highway. It was facing northbound, Rowley said, even though it should have been headed southbound to get to Sac City. The disappearance has mystified surrounding communities in Iowa, prompting more than 250 individual volunteers to join in the search. United Cajun Navy had volunteered to take over the search to allow law enforcement to focus on the investigation, Rowley said, but he hopes to see more from Iowa DCI and other investigators. “Maybe they’re doing a bunch on the computers, but they’re just not really active in the scenario,” Rowley said. “An organization the size of DCI should be able to come in and make a splash, in my opinion.”

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a new policy statement regarding sexual assault against commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. In a statement issued on Thursday, Dec. 7, the FMCSA said the purpose of the policy notice was to “increase awareness of sexual assault against CMV drivers and to emphasize that federal law requires that persons who are convicted of using a CMV to commit a felony must be disqualified from operating a CMV requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP).” Additionally, the FMCSA stated that its policy notice “clarifies that when state courts forward convictions based on the use of a CMV in the commission of felony sexual assault, the state driver licensing agencies (SDLA) must disqualify the driver for the time periods set forth in 49 CFR 383.51(b).” FMCSA officials said that the safety of CMV operators is a critical aspect of their safety mission. Sexual assaults have occurred at truck stops, fueling stations and in connection with CMV driver training, the FMCSA notes. “Truck drivers whose personal safety is at risk cannot devote their complete attention to the safe operation of a CMV and the performance of other safety sensitive functions. state courts and SDLAs play a key role in addressing this problem,” the policy notice states. “FMCSA is aware that state criminal codes use varying terms to describe sexual assault, including rape. As used in this notice, the term ‘sexual assault’ means any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by state law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent.” Using a CMV in the commission of the assault could, for example, include: Felony sexual assault occurring in or upon a CMV or towed unit. Use of a CMV to transport a victim to a site where felony sexual assault is committed. Use of a CMV to conceal a felony sexual assault – e.g., the CMV serves as a shield from public view while the assault is taking place. There may be other circumstances in which a CMV is used in the commission of felony sexual assault, as determined by state prosecutors based on the facts of the case and applicable state law. FMCSA urges state courts to be diligent in forwarding these convictions to the SDLA so the perpetrator will be disqualified from operating a CMV in accordance with 49 CFR 383.51(b) and corresponding state requirements. Legal Basis Federal law mandates that drivers required to hold a CDL or CLP be disqualified by the State from operating a CMV if they are convicted of using a CMV to commit a felony, other than a felony related to controlled substances or human trafficking (49 U.S.C. 31310(b)(1)(C)). Under 49 U.S.C. 31311(a)(15)), a State must disqualify an individual from operating a CMV for the same reasons and time periods as set forth in 49 U.S.C. 31310(b)-(e). The corresponding regulations are set forth in 49 CFR 383.51(b), Disqualification for major offenses, Table 1, and in 49 CFR sections 384.215 and 384.216, which require States to disqualify from operating a CMV a person convicted of an offense specified in 49 CFR 383.51(b), Table 1. A person convicted of felony sexual assault, in which a CMV was used to commit the crime, is therefore subject to disqualification for using a CMV to commit a felony, as set forth in in Table 1, item (6) of 49 CFR 383.51(b), including when the victim of the sexual assault is someone other than another truck driver or a driver trainee.  

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced $110 million in grants for 19 wildlife crossing projects in 17 states, including four Indian Tribes. The funding is made possible by a new program in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and can support projects that construct wildlife crossings over and below busy roads, add fencing and acquire tracking and mapping tools, according to a news release. Overall, BIL makes a total of $350 million available over five years under the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program. Each year, it is estimated that there are more than one million wildlife vehicle collisions in the U.S. Wildlife-vehicle collisions involving large animals result in injuries to drivers and their passengers, representing approximately 200 human fatalities and 26,000 injuries to drivers and their passengers each year. These collisions also cost the public more than $10 billion annually. This includes economic costs caused by wildlife crashes, such as loss of income, medical costs, property damage, and more. “Every year, too many Americans are injured or killed in crashes involving cars and wildlife, especially in rural areas – but President Biden is tackling this challenge through these first-ever roadway safety grants,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The projects we’re funding today in 17 states will reduce collisions between drivers and wildlife and save American lives.” “We are pleased to announce the first round of grants under the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program to projects that will significantly reduce the number of collisions between motorists and wildlife,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “These roadway safety investments will ensure that motorists and wildlife get to their destinations safely and are a win-win for safety and the environment.” Project selections in this round of grants include: The Arizona Department of Transportation will receive $24 million for the Interstate-17 (I-17) Munds Park to Kelly Canyon Wildlife Overpass Project. The project includes nearly 17 miles of new wildlife fencing tying in existing culverts, escape ramps and double cattle guards to reduce wildlife vehicle collisions along Interstate 17 while increasing habitat connectivity for local species, particularly the elk. The Wyoming Department of Transportation will receive $24.4 million to build an overpass, several underpasses, and high-barrier wildlife fencing along 30 miles of US 189 in southwest Wyoming, a rural highway corridor with a high number of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The Colorado Department of Transportation will receive $22 million to build a dedicated overpass on Interstate 25 between Denver and Colorado Springs, the state’s two most populous cities. Once completed, the Greenland Wildlife Overpass will be one of the largest overpass structures in North America, spanning six lanes of interstate highway. It will help reduce vehicle collisions with elk and mule deer along I-25 and connect vital habitats on both sides of the highway from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains. The Stillaguamish Tribe in Washington State will receive $8.5 million to design and construct a wildlife overpass with fencing on rural State Route 20 in Skagit County. The Red Cabin Creek Wildlife overpass at Milepost 76.2 will span two lanes of traffic and is aimed at helping multiple species, including elk. The California Department of Transportation will receive $8 million to reduce wildlife vehicle collisions and connect animal habitats between protected State Park lands on either side of US 101. Improvements include increasing the size of an existing culvert and installing 2.5 miles of fencing at road crossings, allowing for safer roads for drivers. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will receive $840,000 to develop a comprehensive statewide strategic plan with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Game Commission, and others to address the wide-ranging challenges and opportunities associated with the safe management and stewardship for wildlife crossings across the state. The full list of project selections can be found at Wildlife Crossing.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Coast Guard rescued five people from flooded areas on Tuesday, Nov. 5, as an atmospheric river brought heavy rain, flooding and unseasonably warm temperatures to the Pacific Northwest. The conditions also closed rail links, schools and roads in some areas and shattered daily rainfall and temperature records in Washington state. In southwest Washington, a Coast Guard helicopter plucked a man from the roof of his truck in floodwaters near the hamlet of Rosburg and also rescued four people who were trapped in a house surrounded by 4 feet of water, a Coast Guard statement said. Amtrak said that no passenger trains will be running between Seattle and Portland, Oregon, until Thursday, Nov. 7 because of a landslide. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings in parts of western Washington, including in areas north and east of Seattle and across a large swath of the Olympic Peninsula. The wet conditions also brought warm temperatures to the region. At 64 degrees Fahrenheit (17.8 Celsius) in Walla Walla in southwestern Washington, it was as warm as parts of Florida and Mexico, according to the NWS. Seattle reported 59 F at 1 a.m. Tuesday morning, breaking its previous daily record high, the weather service said. Atmospheric rivers, sometimes known as a “Pineapple Express” because the long and narrow bands of water vapor convey warm subtropical moisture across the Pacific from near Hawaii, delivered enormous amounts of rain and snow to California last winter. On the Olympic Peninsula, the small town of Forks — whose claim to fame is being the rainiest town in the contiguous U.S. — saw its rainfall record for Dec. 4 more than double after it received about 3.8 inches of rain, the NWS said. By early Tuesday morning, it had recorded 4.7 inches of rain over 24 hours — more rainfall than Las Vegas has received in all of 2023, according to the agency. About 100 miles farther south, the daily rainfall record for Monday, Dec. 4, was broken in Hoquiam, which received about 2.6 inches of rain, the NWS said. Seattle also set a new rainfall record for that date with 1.5 inches, said Kirby Cook, science and operations officer at the NWS office in Seattle. “We’ll continue to see significant impacts, especially with river crests and rises on area rivers” through the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 6, he said. A section of Washington State Route 106 was closed as rising water levels in the Skokomish River overflowed onto the roadway, state transportation officials said. In Granite Falls, Washington, about 45 miles north of Seattle, video posted on social media by Kira Mascorella showed water surrounding homes and flooding driveways and yards. Mascorella, who lives in nearby Arlington, said it was “pouring down rain” when she woke up Tuesday and was still raining hard late in the afternoon. She said she called out of work because of water on the roadways and wasn’t sure if they would be passable Wednesday. In Monroe, Washington, fire and rescue crews reported bringing to safety four people and a dog who had been trapped in a park by swollen waters. A landslide closed parts of a Seattle trail popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists, the city’s parks department said. Crews were assessing the damage to the Burke-Gilman Trail and working on setting up detour routes. Heavy rains also battered Oregon. Parts of coastal U.S. Highway 101 were closed because of flooding, including in areas around Seaside and at the junctions with U.S. Route 26 and Oregon Route 6, the state’s transportation department said. At least three school districts along the Oregon coast shuttered for the day because of flooding and road closures. Officials have urged drivers to use caution, avoid deep water on roadways and expect delays.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved an almost $624 million funding plan for its incentive programs for electric vehicles — from truck fleet operators to commuters. Under the plan, 63% of the 2023-24 fiscal year’s investment funds will go toward bolstering equitable access, resources and support for low-income and disadvantaged communities, CARB said in a news release. The Fiscal Year 2023-24 Funding Plan for Clean Transportation Incentives also marks the launch of an expanded outreach process that includes surveys, meetings with community-based organizations, and the addition of monthly virtual meetings held in the evenings to increase access for Californians who have barriers to participating in the public process, CARB says. “The shift toward zero emission is only possible if every Californian has access to new and emerging vehicle technology, and our funding plan reflects the importance of equitable access in working toward a clean air future,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “The funding plan also offers a wide range of tools to get Californians into cleaner options, from the trucks that transport goods across the state to e-bikes that can make it easier for residents to meet their everyday mobility needs.” CARB states key highlights in the funding plan include: Continued funding to support the launch of a statewide Clean Cars 4 All and financing assistance projects, which will provide up to $12,000 in vouchers and financing assistance to help low-income Californians replace older cars with zero-emission vehicles. Funding to support the new e-bike incentive project that will give up to $1,250 in vouchers to low-income Californians. $375 million to help public school districts purchase zero-emission buses. $10 million to launch a capacity-building educational effort that will give communities the tools they need to plan a clean mobility project and learn how to apply for funding resources. Almost $60 million to support shared mobility projects, such as car or bike-sharing, in underserved communities. $80 million for drayage fleet operators, as their transition toward zero-emission options begins in 2024. $14.3 million for a financing assistance program that targets operators and owners of small fleets. $14.3 million in vouchers for zero-emission off-road equipment, such as cargo-handling or construction equipment.

BISMARCK, N.D. — Now that winter weather here is — at least in parts of the country — it’s time to start thinking about tire chains. Following is a comprehensive, state-by-state guide to America’s chain laws. Alabama The use of tire chains shall be permitted upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, rain, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid. Alaska Drivers are not permitted to use chains from May 1 through Sept. 15 when north of 60 North Latitude. Drivers are not permitted to use chains from April 15 through Sept. 30 when south of 60 North Latitude. If drivers are operating a vehicle on Sterling Highway, they are not permitted to use chains from May 1 through Sept. 15. Drivers will need to obtain a special permit from the Department of Administration if they would like to use chains in one of these prohibited zones. Arizona The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Arkansas The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. California California does not require trucks to carry chains during any specified time period. When the weather hits, though, it takes at least eight chains for a standard tractor-trailer configuration to comply with the regulations. During the winter months, there might be traction chain controls in the mountain areas. When these are established, drivers will see signs posted along the highway. These signs will also include the type of requirement, which will include one of the following: R1 – Chains, traction devices or snow tires are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles. R2 – Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. R3 – Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions. Colorado From Sept. 1 through May 31, all trucks must carry sufficient chains on Interstate 70 when traveling between mile marker 259 outside Golden and mile marker 133 in Dotsero. If drivers get stopped and do not have chains on their trucks, the fine is $50 plus a surcharge of $16. If drivers do not put chains on their trucks when the law is in effect, the fine is $500 plus a $78 surcharge. If they do not put chains on and they end up blocking the highway, then the fine will increase to $1,000 plus a $156 surcharge. Colorado has two different types of chain laws: Level 1 — Single-axle combination commercial vehicles must chain up. Trucks must have all four drive tires in chains. When level 1 is in effect, all other commercial vehicles must have snow tires or chains. Level 2 — When level 2 is in effect, all commercial vehicles are required to chain up the four drive tires. Connecticut Chains are permitted during hazardous weather from Nov. 15 through April 30. The chains can not be damaging to the highway’s surface. Delaware Drivers are permitted to use chains on highways from Oct. 15 through April 15. Georgia At any time the Georgia Department of Transportation may close or limit access to certain highways during inclement weather. If this occurs, signage will be placed to inform drivers that chains are required in order to proceed. For commercial vehicles, chains must be placed on the outermost drive tires. Idaho Officials with the Idaho Department of Transportation can determine that it is unsafe to drive over Lookout Pass and Fourth of July Pass on Interstate 90, and Lolo Pass on Highway 12. If it is deemed unsafe, then drivers will be required to chain up a minimum of one tire on each drive axle and one axle at or near the rear. Illinois The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Indiana The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Iowa The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Kansas The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Kentucky No person shall use on a highway not covered with ice a vehicle with a chained wheel unless the wheel rests upon an ice-shoe at least 6 inches wide. When chains are used on rubber-tired vehicles, the cross chains shall be not more than three-fourths of an inch in thickness or diameter and shall be spaced not more than ten inches apart, around the circumference of the tires. Louisiana The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Maine Vehicles cannot have tires with metal studs, wires, spikes or other metal protruding from the tire tread from May 1 through Oct. 1. Other than that the use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Maryland The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Massachusetts Massachusetts prohibits the use of studded tires and chains between May 1 and Nov. 1 without a permit. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Michigan The use of chains is allowed for safety when snow, ice or other condition are present. If chains are used, they must not come in direct contact with the roads surface. Minnesota The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Mississippi The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Missouri No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any road or highway of this state between the first day of April and the first day of November while the motor vehicle is equipped with tires containing metal or carbide studs. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Montana If the Montana Department of Transportation determines that highways are too dangerous for travel, they may establish the following recommendations on traction devices: Chains or other approved traction devices recommended for drive wheels. Chains or other approved traction devices required for drive wheels. Chains required for driver wheels. Nebraska The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Nevada It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle, whether it is an emergency vehicle or otherwise, without traction devices, tire chains or snow tires upon any street or highway, under icy or snowy conditions, when the highway is marked or posted with signs for the requirement of traction devices, chains or snow tires. If a highway is marked or posted with signs requiring the use of traction devices, tire chains or snow tires, a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles must be equipped with: Traction devices, tire chains or snow tires if it has a gross weight or combined gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less. Tire chains if it has a gross weight or combined gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds. New Hampshire The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. New Jersey The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. New Mexico The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. New York The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. North Carolina The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. North Dakota North Dakota also allows metal studs within 1/16 inch beyond tread from Oct. 15 through April 15. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Ohio The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Oklahoma The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Oregon Oregon’s law applies to all highways in the state. Signs will tell drivers when they are required to carry chains and when they are required to use them. Drivers will need to have six chains on hand to comply in Oregon. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Pennsylvania The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Rhode Island The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. South Carolina The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. South Dakota The South Dakota DOT has the authority to restrict travel on roads. Signs will alert drivers to these restrictions. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Tennessee The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Texas The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Utah When any designated highway is so restricted no vehicle shall be allowed or permitted the use of the highway, during the period between Oct. 1 and April 30, or when conditions warrant due to adverse, or hazardous weather or roadway conditions, as determined by the Utah Department of Transportation, unless: An operator of a commercial vehicle with four or more drive wheels, other than a bus, shall affix tire chains to at least four of the drive wheel tires. Vermont Vermont has a traffic committee that will decide if use of chains will be required. The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Vehicles with semitrailers or trailers that have a tandem-drive axle towing a trailer shall have chains: On two tires on each side of the primary drive axle, or if both axles of the vehicle are powered by the drive line, one tire on each side of each drive axle; and On one tire of the front axle and one tire on one of the rear axles of the trailer. Virginia The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Washington Any commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds. Gross vehicle weight rating should carry chains from Nov. 1 to April 1 when driving on one of the following routes: Blewett Pass SR-97 between MP 145 and Milepost 185 Chinook Pass SR-410 Enumclaw (MP 25) to SR-12 (MP 342) Cle Elum to Teanaway SR-970 Cle Elum (MP 0) to Teanaway (MP 10) Gibbons Creek to intersection of Cliffs Road SR-14 Gibbons Creek (MP 18) to intersection of Cliffs Rd. (MP 108) Mt. Baker Highway (Ellensburg to Selah) SR-542 (MP22) to (MP 57) Interstate 82 from Ellensburg (MP 3) to Selah (MP 26) Newhalem to Winthrop SR-20 Newhalem (MP 120) to Winthrop (MP 192) Omak to Nespelem SR-155 Omak (MP 79) to Nespelem (MP 45) Satus Pass SR-97 Columbia River (MP 00) to Toppenish (MP 59) Sherman Pass SR-20 Tonasket (MP 262) to Kettle Falls (MP 342) Snoqualmie Pass Interstate 90 North Bend (MP 32) and Ellensburg (MP 101) Stevens Pass SR-2 Dryden (MP 108) to Index (MP 36) White Pass SR-12 Packwood (MP 135) to Naches (MP 187) West Virginia The use of chains is allowed for safety when snow, ice or other condition are present. If chains are used, they must not come in direct contact with the roads surface. Wisconsin The use of chains is allowed for safety when snow, ice or other condition are present. If chains are used, they must not come in direct contact with the roads surface. Wyoming When the chain law is in effect due to snow, ice or other conditions, travel on a highway may be restricted to use only by motor vehicles utilizing adequate snow tires or tire chains. There are two levels: Level 1: When conditions are hazardous, travel can be restricted to vehicles equipped with tire chains, vehicles with adequate snow tires or all-wheel-drive vehicles. Level 2: When conditions are extremely hazardous, travel can be restricted to vehicles equipped with tire chains or all-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with adequate mud and snow or all-weather-rated tires. The operator of a commercial vehicle shall affix tire chains to at least two of the drive wheels of the vehicle at opposite ends of the same drive axle when the vehicle is required to utilize tire chains under this subsection. Any driver that is in violation will face a fine of no more than $250. If the violation results in the closure of all lanes in one or both directions of a highway, the driver will face a fine of no more than $750.  

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Diesel fuel prices are continuing their slow decline. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price for a gallon of diesel fuel in the U.S. sat at $4.146 on Nov. 17. That’s down from $4.209 on Nov. 20 and $4.294 on Nov. 13. Prices are down in all areas of the country, including California, which always has the highest fuel costs due to stricter regulations. There, the average price still sits well above $5, however. As of Nov. 27, the average price for diesel in the Golden State sat at $5.579 per gallon, down from $5.640 on Nov. 20 and $5.699 on Nov. 13. The lowest prices in the nation can be found along the Gulf Coast at $3.793 per gallon on average. What’s driving these lower prices? A weakness in oil prices, which have fallen by more than $15 a barrel, or nearly 20%, since early September. Additionally, demand for fuel has been weak in China and parts of Europe, while production has been strong in Brazil, Canada and the United States.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Monday, Nov. 27, opened the first meeting of his supply chain resilience council by warning companies against price gouging and saying that his administration was working to lower costs for U.S. families. “We know that prices are still too high for too many things, that times are still too tough for too many families,” Biden said. “But we’ve made progress.” The president has blamed inflation on issues such as supply chains and Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, while Republican lawmakers say the run-up in prices was triggered by the $1.9 trillion in coronavirus relief that Democrat Biden signed into law in 2021. Biden used the council meeting to announce 30 actions to improve access to medicine and needed economic data as well as other programs tied to the production and shipment of goods. He said he was tackling “junk fees,” hidden charges that companies sneak into bills just because they can and customers have no alternative. The council follows an earlier task force that was meant to address the supply chain problems that partially fueled higher inflation in 2021 as the United States recovered from the coronavirus pandemic. Inflation remains a sore point for Biden’s approval ratings ahead of next year’s presidential election. After the annualized increase in the consumer price index peaked at 9.1% in June 2022, inflation has eased to a moderate 3.2%. The slowdown has not so far improved U.S. adults’ feelings about the economy. Biden said GOP policies would leave supply chains vulnerable, claiming that Republicans want to cut investments he has made in infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. The president also said companies that are taking advantage of inflation to boost profits are “price gouging.” Among the 30 new actions, Biden will use the Defense Production Act to have the Health and Human Services Department invest in the domestic manufacturing of needed medicines that are deemed crucial for national security. The Cabinet agency has identified $35 million to invest in the production of materials for injectable medicines. The federal government will also improve its ability to monitor supply chains through the sharing of data among agencies. The Commerce Department has developed new tools to assess risks to the supply chain and has partnered with the Energy Department on the supply of renewable energy resources. Shipping companies are beginning to use new data resources from the Transportation Department on freight logistics. The supply chain group is co-chaired by Lael Brainard, the White House National Economic Council director, and Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser. Other members include heads of Cabinet departments, the U.S. trade representative, the chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers and the directors of National Intelligence, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Monday, Nov. 27, will convene the first meeting of his supply chain resilience council, using the event to announce 30 actions to improve access to medicine and needed economic data and other programs tied to the production and shipment of goods. “We’re determined to keep working to bring down prices for American consumers and ensure the resilience of our supply chains for the future,” said Lael Brainard, director of the White House National Economic Council and a co-chair of the new supply chain council. The announcement comes after supply chain problems fueled higher inflation as the United States recovered from the coronavirus pandemic in 2021. While consumer prices are down from last year’s peaks, polling shows that inflation remains a political challenge for Biden going into the 2024 presidential election. Among the 30 new actions, Biden, a Democrat, will use the Defense Production Act to have the Health and Human Services Department invest in the domestic manufacturing of needed medicines that are deemed crucial for national security. The Cabinet agency has identified $35 million to invest in the production of materials for injectable medicines. The federal government will also improve its ability to monitor supply chains through the sharing of data among agencies. The Commerce Department has developed new tools to assess risks to the supply chain and has partnered with the Energy Department on the supply of renewable energy resources. Shipping companies are beginning to use new data resources from the Transportation Department on freight logistics. Besides Brainard, the council will be co-chaired by Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser. Other members include heads of Cabinet departments, the U.S. trade representative, the chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers and the directors of National Intelligence, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

NEW YORK — If you’re looking for traffic congestion caused by big rigs, look no further than the impoverished boroughs and neighborhoods of New York City where property values are low. So says New York City Council member Alexa Aviles, who represents Sunset Park, an area having some of the most congested streets in the city. Aviles championed Introduction 708, a bill requiring the Department of Transportation to redesign its truck route system for the first time in over 50 years. The bill passed by a 44-1 vote on Nov. 15 and drew support from environmental groups and transportation advocates. “Since the pandemic, our neighborhoods have experienced a proliferation of last-mile facilities flooding our streets with truck traffic,” Aviles said. “This is not just a transportation issue. It is a climate issue, a labor issue, a human rights issue.” What Aviles refers to is the fact that New York’s truck routing system was established in the 1970s and has been only slightly modified since. During that time, and particularly since 2000, many distribution centers for ecommerce companies like Amazon, Federal Express and UPS have moved into neighborhoods with low property values. The truck routing system now requires that the vehicles servicing these companies pass through low-income communities, where they create traffic congestion that can lead to increased problems with asthma, cardiovascular diseases and other health concerns, as well as increased pedestrian-traffic conflicts, according to city leaders and environmentalists. A total of 68% of traffic injuries occur on truck routes throughout the city — routes that cover more than 1,300 miles of city streets in five boroughs. Of course, truck routes are vital to industry, and any solution must have input from trucking logistics firms, associations and last-mile delivery industries. The Trucking Association of New York (TANY) supports, in general, the goals of the legislation. “The truck route network is a key safety tool, and we must ensure trucks stay on route,” said Zach Miller, TANY director of metro region operations. Industry statistics indicate that, during the pandemic, package delivery to New Yorkers doubled over previous levels. Since the pandemic, these levels have not decreased. The various neighborhoods and boroughs are being overrun with delivery vehicles. Some 120,000 delivery vehicles hit the streets each day to deliver more than 3 million packages and envelopes to the community. That means 90% of the total delivery traffic in the city is via truck. The city is trying to deal with the demand and the congestion it causes. The New York City Council’s website states, “The city’s truck route network is vital to the region’s industries and commercial enterprises and increasingly important to residents who have shifted buying patterns in favor of home delivery. Yet, the routes come at a cost to the neighborhoods they run through.” Councilwoman Aviles said, “Large corporations cannot continue to exploit our land and roadways without addressing resident needs. Communities like the one I represent should not be forced to bear the weight of the ecommerce alone.” For its part, DOT generally agrees. “The current situation is already problematic, a spokesman said. “We want fewer truck miles on our streets.”

Updated  5:31 p.m. Eastern Time. NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — A vehicle speeding toward a U.S.-Canada bridge from the American side crashed and exploded at a checkpoint in Niagara Falls on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, killing two people and prompting the closing of border crossings in the area, authorities said. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said there was “no indication of a terrorist attack.” Much remained unclear about the crash, which investigators were working to understand. Hochul said it wasn’t clear whether the driver was intentionally heading for the Rainbow Bridge across the Niagara River when the vehicle hit a median and flew into the air. “Based on what we know at this moment,” she said, “there is no sign of terrorist activity in this crash.” It prompted the closing of four border crossings and raised concerns on both sides of the border. The White House said President Joe Biden was “closely following developments,” and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said officials were “taking this extraordinarily seriously.” “This is obviously a very serious situation in Niagara Falls,” Trudeau said in Parliament before excusing himself from Question Period in the House of Commons to be briefed further. The two deceased people were in the vehicle, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Aaron Ferguson, a spokesperson for the city of Niagara Falls, New York, said the vehicle was traveling at high speed from that city and crashed into the border station. Jim Diodati, the mayor of Niagara Falls, Ontario, told The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that what happened appeared to be “an isolated incident.” The U.S. FBI’s field office in Buffalo and other agencies were investigating the blast. Photos and video taken by bystanders and posted on social media showed thick smoke, flames on the pavement and a security booth that had been singed. Videos showed that the fire was in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection area just east of the main vehicle checkpoint. The agency had no immediate comment. Speaking to WGRZ-TV, witness Mike Guenther said he saw a vehicle speeding toward the crossing from the U.S. side when it swerved to avoid another car, crashed into a fence and exploded. “All of a sudden, he went up in the air and then it was a ball of fire like 30 or 40 feet high,” Guenther told the station. “I never saw anything like it.” The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission called the incident “a serious car crash.” From inside Niagara Falls State Park, Melissa Raffalow said she saw “a huge plume of black smoke” rise up over the border crossing, roughly 50 yards (45 meters) away from the popular tourist destination. Raffalow told AP in a message that police arrived soon after, urging visitors to disperse as they began cordoning off the street. Raghu Bhattarai said by phone that he was inside his restaurant, the Niagara Tandoori Hut, near the bridge when he heard a sound he described as a “boom.” A few minutes later, he saw black smoke rising. The bridge and three others between western New York and Ontario were quickly closed as a precaution, and the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport began security checks on all cars and told passengers to expect additional screenings. The safety measures tied up traffic at the airport and elsewhere on one of the busiest U.S. travel days of the year, ahead of the American Thanksgiving holiday. Trudeau said “additional measures” were being contemplated and activated at border crossings across Canada. In Toronto, about 100 miles (about 160 kilometers) away, police said they were increasing patrols as a precaution. New York City police were monitoring the news from Buffalo but already had boosted security at various spots because of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday. The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission reported that all four of its crossings — the others are Lewiston, Whirlpool and Peace Bridge — were closed. Sanchit Chatha, his wife Reyshu and their 13-year-old daughter, Trisha, had stopped in Niagara Falls for lunch en route home to Toronto from Buffalo when they started getting news notifications about the explosion. Worried friends called, knowing the family was in the area. Trisha was concerned at seeing the bridges to Canada shut down, her mother said. “She has a math test tomorrow,” the mother explained as the family waited to find out when the crossings would open. About 6,000 vehicles cross the Rainbow Bridge each day, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inventory. About 5% is truck traffic, according to the federal data. The bridge, constructed in 1941, is just over 1,440 feet (439 meters) long and has a main span constructed of steel, according to the data. By Carolyn Thompson and Jennifer Peltz, The Associated Press. Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo, Deepti Hajela and Jake Offenhartz in New York; Eric Tucker in Washington; Rob Gillies in Toronto; Anthony Izaguirre and Maysoon Khan in Albany, New York; and Christopher L. Keller in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed to this report.