FALLING WATERS, W.Va. (AP)- West Virginia State Police say whiteout conditions along Interstate 81 led to two pileups that killed two, injured at least seven and involved 44 cars.

First Sgt. C.K. Zerkle says the crashes, one northbound and one southbound, occurred around 8:45 a.m. Wednesday in heavy snow and winds.

The seven injured in the southbound wreck were flown by helicopters to area hospitals.

He didn’t know how many vehicles were involved in each crash.

The northbound lanes remain closed Wednesday, but the south lanes have reopened.

Backups initially extended in Maryland.

81 SB traffic is backed up from 23MM in WV to exit 5 in MD. 70WB to 81SB JCT starting to back up #mdtraffic

— Capt.Michael Pannill (@HPD9701) March 26, 2014

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