Many areas throughout southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina lost power on Wednesday in the midst of heavy snowfall throughout the region.

Re-freezing could also result in black ice and slick travel conditions. Significant ice accumulations were forecast in eastern North Carolina, the National Weather Service said.

Officials at the California Department of Insurance are warning Southland residents of a “vehicle hostage” scam involving tow truck companies targeting motorists involved in traffic accidents. In a Tuesday news release,