Virginia Intersection Paralyzed by Snake-Induced Power Outage During Rush Hour

An eastern rat snake caused a power outage at a busy intersection in Virginia during rush hour after it slithered into an electrical box and cut power to the traffic lights. Animal Control safely relocated the nonvenomous snake, which likely entered the box in search of food. Traffic was snarled for about 45 minutes before the lights resumed working, and authorities reminded motorists to use extreme caution when proceeding through powerless traffic signals.