From VDOT Richmond
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VDOT Lifting Lane Closures For Memorial Day Weekend
VDOT Installs I-64 Congestion Warning System On Afton Mountain
Afton Mountain I-64
From VDOT
“The Virginia Department of Transportation’s Culpeper and Staunton districts are testing a new congestion warning system on Interstate 64 over Afton Mountain to enhance safety for motorists traveling along the corridor. The system will be live starting today, May 20, while testing is taking place. The system is expected to be fully operational this summer, after testing is complete.
The system uses detection sensors installed along the eastbound and westbound mountain grades to continuously monitor traffic speeds and traffic flow. When sensors detect stopped vehicles or significant speed reductions indicating congestion, flashing warning lights automatically activate to alert approaching drivers to use caution and prepare to slow down.
The congestion warning system is expected to be most active during peak travel periods, when traffic volumes increase along the corridor, and may also activate when incidents such as vehicle crashes or disabled vehicles cause traffic to slow or stop. By providing advance notice of sudden slowdowns, the system helps reduce the risk of rear-end crashes and improves overall driver awareness on steep mountain inclines.
The installation of this technology reflects VDOT’s continued commitment to proactive, data-driven safety improvements across both districts, particularly in areas where terrain and traffic patterns create higher crash risks.
In addition to the congestion warning system, VDOT will upgrade interchange lighting at I-64 exit 99 (Afton). This portion of the project is scheduled to go under construction by this summer. Details about both improvements are on the VDOT project page.
Motorists are reminded to remain alert for warning signals, reduce speed when flashing lights are activated, and allow additional following distance when traveling mountain corridors.
Local updates about conditions in VDOT’s Culpeper District are posted on X.com/VaDOTCulp and the Culpeper District Facebook page.
Local updates about conditions in VDOT’s Staunton District are posted on Facebook and X.”
VA Army National Guard & Chesterfield County Fire & EMS To Hold Helicopter Training Wednesday
Wintergreen / Beech Grove
Nelson County, Virginia
From Wintergreen Fire & Rescue
“The Virginia Army National Guard and Chesterfield County Fire & EMS will be conducting their annual hoist training tomorrow. (May 20, 2026) 2 Blackhawk helicopters will arrive around 9:00am and they will be conducting drills until approximately 3:30pm.
The aircraft base will be on Beech Grove Road across from Blue Toad Cider and the mountain landing zone is on Laurel Springs Drive.
Expect to see and hear helicopters hovering for extended periods of time over the Plunge Park at Blackrock Circle, Shamokin Springs off of Laurel Springs Drive, and Peggy’s Pinch off of Old Stoney Creek Road. Expect trail closures in these locations. Please do not approach the aircraft at any time. This is not a “public relations” event.
Traffic on Laurel Springs Drive will be stopped long enough for “touch and go” operations.
This is the third year for this training, and it is remarkable there has not been a single complaint. Our community is obviously supportive of emergency preparedness, and we greatly appreciate your patience.
The teams here tomorrow operate anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as anywhere they are deployed by the Army. They are the people who will be coming to help us if a need ever arises. The pilots and crew feel as if our topography gives them the best possible training they can achieve within a reasonable flight from their base in Richmond.
We are very fortunate to have such a close working rapport with this team. Many localities would love to have this arrangement.
Again, thank you in advance for your patience.
Curtis Sheets, Chief
Wintergreen Fire & Rescue”
Amherst : VSP Investigating Fatal Sunday Night Head-On Crash
Amherst County, VA
Verbatim Release From VSP
“Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred last night (May 17, 2026) at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Winesap Road in Amherst County.
A 2017 GMC Sierra was travelling westbound on Winesap Road when it crossed the centerline and struck a 2008 Ford F150 head-on.
A passenger in the Sierra, Tristan T. Fluharty, 19, was taken to an area hospital. Fluharty succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The driver of the Sierra, River L. McDowell, 19, and a juvenile passenger, were also taken to the hospital for their injuries.
The driver of the Ford, George Jarvie, 21, was also taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Charges are pending.
The crash remains under investigation.
Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Coordinator
Virginia State Police”
Elevated Fire Danger Today : May 5, 2026
ELEVATED FIRE DANGER TODAY
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
340 AM EDT Tue May 5 2026
Washington-Extreme Western Allegany-Central and Eastern Allegany-
Western Garrett-Eastern Garrett-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-
Frederick-Page-Warren-Clarke-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-
Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Fairfax-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western Highland-
Eastern Highland-Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Northwest Prince William-
Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-
Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-Western Grant-
Eastern Grant-Western Mineral-Eastern Mineral-Western Pendleton-
Eastern Pendleton-
Including the cities of Hagerstown, Halfway, Frostburg, La Vale,
Reynolds, Westernport, Cumberland, Ellerslie, Brady, Rawlings,
McCoole, Mountain Lake Park, Oakland, Grantsville, Kitzmiller,
Christian, Churchville, Staunton, Waynesboro, Spottswood,
Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg, Linville, Clary, Strasburg,
Alonzaville, Woodstock, Hawkinstown, Mount Clifton,
Mount Jackson, Albin, Cedar Grove, Gainesboro, Winchester,
Compton, Fairview, Hamburg, Kimball, Luray, Rileyville, Ingham,
Arco, Bentonville, Buckton, Cedarville, Front Royal, Glen Echo,
Howellsville, Berryville, Stringtown, Greenfield,
Charlottesville, Overton, Shady Grove, Fordsville, Five Forks,
Madison Mills, Twymans Mill, Castleton, Flint Hill,
Hackleys Crossroads, Rock Mills, Washington, Burr Hill, Everona,
Lahore, Madison Run, Nasons, Orange, Unionville, Cardova,
Catalpa, Culpeper, Reva, Stevensburg, Winston, Rapidan, Burke,
Fairfax Station, Reston, Annandale, Chantilly, Langley, McLean,
Arkendale, Garrisonville, Shiloh, Widewater, Brookfield,
Falmouth, Glendie, Fredericksburg, Rollins Fork, Dahlgren,
Airlie, Bethel, Warrenton, Turnbull, Hightown, Mill Gap,
New Hampden, Clover Creek, Liberty, McDowell, Monterey, Mustoe,
Possum Trot, Sirons Mill, Lucketts, Gleedsville, Leesburg,
Dulles International Airport, Oak Grove, Sterling Park,
Countryside, Chester Gap, Skyland, Montebello, Haymarket,
Woolsey, Dale City, Independent Hill, Aden, Manassas, Lake Ridge,
Woodbridge, Montclair, Purgitsville, Frenchburg, Romney,
Three Churches, Wapocomo, Points, Springfield, Hancock,
Berkeley Spgs, Smith Crossroads, Magnolia, Paw Paw, Martinsburg,
Ranson, Shenandoah Junction, Bloomery, Charles Town, Middleway,
Bakerton, Millville, Brake, Bean Settlement, Fisher, McNeill,
Moorefield, Beechwood, Wilsonia, Bayard, Cabins, Kline Gap,
Landes, Masonville, Petersburg, Seymourville, Welton, Piedmont,
Sulphur City, Antioch, Keyser, New Creek, Ridgeville,
Russelldale, Headsville, Fort Ashby, Riverton, Brandywine,
Franklin, Oak Flat, Ruddle, and Sugar Grove
340 AM EDT Tue May 5 2026
…ELEVATED FIRE DANGER FOR WESTERN MARYLAND…EASTERN WEST
VIRGINIA…NORTHERN…CENTRAL AND WESTERN VIRGINIA TODAY…
The combination of 10 hour fuel moistures of 8 to 10 percent,
relative humidity around 25 percent, and wind gusts of 30 to 35
mph will lead to an increased risk for the rapid spread of
wildfires this afternoon.
Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette
butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate
containers. Additionally, exercise caution if operating any
equipment that could create sparks and keep vehicles off of dry
grass. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could
easily ignite and spread fire quickly.
Lastly, remember to obey local burn bans. For more information about
wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and
education, please visit your state forestry or environmental
protection website.
For West Virginia, visit www.wvforestry.com…
For Maryland, visit dnr.maryland.gov…
For Virginia, visit dof.virginia.gov…
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
324 AM EDT Tue May 5 2026
Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-
Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-
Including the cities of Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista,
Stuart, Rocky Mount, Bedford, Amherst, Martinsville, Danville,
Lynchburg, Appomattox, South Boston, and Keysville
324 AM EDT Tue May 5 2026
…INCREASED FIRE DANGER TODAY FOR PORTIONS OF WESTERN AND SOUTH
CENTRAL VIRGINIA…
The combination of lower relative humidity values in the 20-30
percent range, dry fuels, and SW winds gusting to 20-30 mph will
result in an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires
Tuesday across western and south central Virginia.
Residents are urged to exercise caution handling any potential
ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches. Be
sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses
and tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread
quickly.
Area Vineyard & Orchard Owners Assessing Damage From Recent Freeze
Central Virginia Blue Ridge
Farming of any kind carries a certain risk. You’re always facing a battle of sorts with Mother Nature. Floods, droughts, and such. For vineyard owners it’s especially concerning each spring as they head out of winter into spring. That’s when the first buds on grapevines begin to appear. It’s a very vulnerable time. A late spring frost or freeze can ruin an entire season overnight.
A run of hot weather sometimes touching 90° allowed everything to bud out, only for those buds and blooms to be killed by temperatures days later that took a dive into the mid 20s.
That concern is becoming a reality for the 2026 season in the Central Virginia Blue Ridge. Grayson Poats, semi-retired from his vineyard consulting and management days, says 2026 assessments are still ongoing, but initial reports are highly concerning.
“I’m not sure this will be like what we called the Mother’s Day Massacre back in 2020, but I am hearing of significant damage at many places,” Grayson tells us.
Grayson says one of his clients near Lovingston faired pretty well because he thinks this particular freeze was elevation dependent. “This freeze seemed to affect some of the vines at lower elevations but those say around 1000 feet and above did ok.”
And it’s not just vineyards.
What Grayson told us closely pairs with what John Bruguiere, owner of Dickie Brothers Orchard, told us Wednesday afternoon. “In our apple orchard the losses were confined mainly to the lower elevations. Anything up higher wasn’t as affected. But I can tell you from talking to other growers from around the region, this freeze has caused major damage in a lot of places.
Outside of our immediate area (above) it seems more vineyards are running into the same issue. Considerable damage to vines as a result of the hard freeze and frost that came after very warm temperatures that had everything budding.
Back in April of 2007, and again in 2020 as mentioned above, the situation was similar.
Above, in Bridgestone, the story was the same. Lots of damage.
Above, Steve Barnard, the winemaker at Keswick Vineyards explains just how bad the damage is there.
We have inquires our to some of the Nelson vineyards, but are being told the situation is similar, anything in the lower elevations got the most damage with crops up higher getting the least amount of damage.
Grayson does tell us there is a bit of a silver lining to all of this. “Some of the wineries I have spoken to tell me they have considerable inventory from last year on hand. So, if this had to happen I guess it’s a little better now than in a year when inventory is low. But it’s still bad, no matter when it happens.
Elevated Fire Danger Today (April 20, 2026)
ELEVATED FIRE DANGER FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA TODAY
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
100 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2026
Augusta-Rockingham-Page-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-
Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Stafford-Spotsylvania-King George-
Southern Fauquier-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Including the cities of Christian, Churchville, Staunton,
Waynesboro, Spottswood, Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg, Linville,
Compton, Fairview, Hamburg, Kimball, Luray, Rileyville, Ingham,
Greenfield, Charlottesville, Overton, Shady Grove, Fordsville,
Five Forks, Madison Mills, Twymans Mill, Castleton, Flint Hill,
Hackleys Crossroads, Rock Mills, Washington, Burr Hill, Everona,
Lahore, Madison Run, Nasons, Orange, Unionville, Cardova,
Catalpa, Culpeper, Reva, Stevensburg, Winston, Rapidan,
Arkendale, Garrisonville, Shiloh, Widewater, Brookfield,
Falmouth, Glendie, Fredericksburg, Rollins Fork, Dahlgren,
Turnbull, Hightown, Mill Gap, New Hampden, Clover Creek, Liberty,
McDowell, Monterey, Mustoe, Possum Trot, Sirons Mill,
Chester Gap, Skyland, and Montebello
100 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2026
…ELEVATED FIRE DANGER FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA TODAY…
The combination of 10 hour fuel moistures around 10 to 12 percent
relative humidities around 20 to 25 percent, and frequent wind
gusts around 20 to 25 mph will lead to an increased risk for the
rapid spread of wildfires today. Even with some light rainfall
yesterday, there was adequate sun and gusty winds this afternoon
to rapidly dry fuels.
Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette
butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate
containers. Additionally, exercise caution if operating any
equipment that could create sparks and keep vehicles off of dry
grass. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could
easily ignite and spread fire quickly.
Lastly, remember to obey local burn bans. For more information about
wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and
education, please visit your state forestry or environmental
protection website.
For Virginia, visit dof.virginia.gov
$$
BELAK
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1222 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2026
VAZ007-009>020-022>024-032>035-043>047-058-059-201400-
Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-
Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-
Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-
Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-
Including the cities of Tazewell, Marion, Bland, Pearisburg,
Wytheville, Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, Independence, Whitetop,
Troutdale, Volney, Galax, Floyd, New Castle, Clifton Forge,
Covington, Hot Springs, Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle, Lexington,
Buena Vista, Stuart, Rocky Mount, Bedford, Amherst, Martinsville,
Danville, Lynchburg, Appomattox, South Boston, and Keysville
1222 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2026
…INCREASED FIRE DANGER THROUGH THIS EVENING FOR CENTRAL,
SOUTHERN, WESTERN, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA…
The combination of low relative humidity values in the 20 to 30
percent range, dry fuels, and gusty winds will result in an
increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires across Virginia
through this evening.
Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution handling any
potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and
matches. Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any
dry grasses and tree litter that ignite will have the potential to
spread quickly.
Virginia residents are reminded that open burning is prohibited
before 4 PM EDT each day through April 30th.
Upgraded : Freeze Warning In Effect Late Monday Night Into Tuesday Morning
FREEZE WARNING
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1135 PM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026
District of Columbia-Southern Baltimore-Prince Georges-Anne
Arundel-Charles-St. Marys-Calvert-Central and Southeast
Montgomery-Central and Southeast Howard-Southeast Harford-Nelson-
Albemarle-Fairfax-Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-
Spotsylvania-King George-Central and Southeast Prince
William/Manassas/Manassas Park-
1135 PM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026
…FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 10 AM EDT TUESDAY…
* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 expected, especially
in outlying areas away from larger bodies of water.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, northern, and southern Maryland,
and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 2 AM to 10 AM EDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1215 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2026
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-
Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-
Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-
Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-
Charlotte-
Including the cities of Hot Springs, Floyd, Amherst, Bland,
Tazewell, West Jefferson, Blacksburg, Salem, South Boston,
Wytheville, New Castle, Troutdale, Pulaski, Clifton Forge,
Whitetop, Marion, Covington, Lynchburg, Volney, Danville,
Independence, Martinsville, Lexington, Radford, Buena Vista,
Bedford, Appomattox, Galax, Fincastle, Sparta, Rocky Mount,
Pearisburg, Stuart, Boone, Keysville, and Roanoke
1215 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2026
…FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM EDT
TUESDAY…
* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 25 possible.
* WHERE…Portions of northwest North Carolina and central, south
central, southwest, and west central Virginia.
* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
Madison County : Med-Flight 1 Rescues Hiker From Old Ragged Mountain
Old Ragged Mountain
Madison County, Virginia
From VSP Richmond:
“At approximately 12:15 p.m. this afternoon (April 19, 2026) Med-Flight-1 rescued an injured hiker on Old Rag Mountain in Madison County. The hiker suffered a head injury.
Med-Flight 1, based at the Chesterfield County Airport, received the initial call at approximately 11:10 a.m. and began getting ready to fly the approximately 80 nautical miles to the rescue site.
An initial hoist rescue was unsuccessful because of wind conditions, but a second attempt at a different direction and altitude was able to get to the hiker.
A Chesterfield County Fire and EMS Flight paramedic was lowered to the ground and secured the hiker, who was then lifted to the helicopter and flown to UVA Medical Center.
Med Flight-1 is a joint effort between Virginia State Police pilots and paramedics from the Chesterfield County Fire and EMS Department.
April 1, 2026, was the 42nd anniversary of the start of the Med-Flight-1 program.
Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Coordinator
Virginia State Police”
Upgraded to Freeze Warning (See Text) : Freeze Watch : For Much Of The Blue Ridge
FREEZE WATCH
The previously issued Freeze Watch issued earlier has no been replaced by a Freeze Warning for late Monday night in Tuesday morning.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
838 AM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026
Southern Baltimore-Central and Southeast Montgomery-Central and
Southeast Howard-Southeast Harford-Nelson-Albemarle-Fairfax-
Stafford-Spotsylvania-Central and Southeast Prince
William/Manassas/Manassas Park-
838 AM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026
…FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING…
* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 29 to 32 degrees
possible, especially northwest of Interstate 95.
* WHERE…In Maryland, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and
Southeast Montgomery, Southeast Harford, and Southern Baltimore
Counties. In Virginia, Albemarle, Nelson, Spotsylvania, Central
and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Fairfax, and
Stafford Counties.
* WHEN…From late Monday night through Tuesday morning.
* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap or drain or allow them to
drip slowly.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
838 AM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026
Washington-Frederick-Carroll-Northern Baltimore-Cecil-Northwest
Montgomery-Northwest Howard-Northwest Harford-Augusta-Rockingham-
Shenandoah-Frederick-Page-Warren-Clarke-Greene-Madison-
Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-
Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Northwest Prince William-Morgan-
Berkeley-Jefferson-
838 AM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026
…FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING…
* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 to 30 degrees
possible.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, and
northern Maryland, central, northern, northwest, and western
Virginia, and eastern West Virginia.
* WHEN…From late Monday night through Tuesday morning.
* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap or drain or allow them to
drip slowly.
