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Overturned tractor-trailer shuts down part of I-85 in Gaston County amid ice storm

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A crash involving an overturned tractor-trailer shut down a stretch of Interstate 85 northbound in Gaston County Sunday as icy conditions from Winter Storm Fern continue to grip the Charlotte area.

I-85 was closed at Exit 20 at New Hope Road, according to a Facebook post shortly after 4 p.m. from the Gastonia Fire Department. Officials have not released details on how the crash occurred, the name of the driver or whether any citations were issued. It is also unclear whether anyone was injured.

This image provided by the Gaston County Scanner Radio Facebook page shows an overturned tractor trailer on Interstate 85 in Gaston County near exit 20. That’s in northeast Gastonia and west of Charlotte.
This image provided by the Gaston County Scanner Radio Facebook page shows an overturned tractor trailer on Interstate 85 in Gaston County near exit 20. That’s in northeast Gastonia and west of Charlotte. Gaston County Scanner Radio

The wreck comes as Winter Storm Fern covers the region sleet and ice, creating dangerous travel conditions across major roadways. Officials are urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and use extreme caution if they must be on the roads.

“Falling trees and large limbs could pose a threat to life and property,” an Ice Storm Warning for the Charlotte area from The National Service reads. “Ice covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.”

Freezing rain and patchy fog are expected to continue Sunday, with highs near 28 and up to four-tenths of an inch of ice possible, forecasters say. Freezing rain could linger into early Sunday evening, adding another light glaze overnight before skies clear Monday, when highs reach the upper 30s, followed by a drop to around 11 degrees Monday night.

This story was originally published January 25, 2026 at 5:10 PM.

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Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.

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