“In November 2025, Nelson County residents residing on Crystal Lane in the Faber, Virginia area have reported a series of larcenies (thefts). Several of these reports include the larceny (theft) of multiple firearms.
As a result of this investigation, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office has charged Mr. Thomas
Matthew Benz in relation to these larcenies.
Pursuant to the recent execution of a search warrant, all reported missing property and firearms have been located and seized by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation will remain on-going.
“The US Army National Guard will be conducting annual helicopter hoist training tomorrow. Between the hours of 9AM and 3PM you may observe two Blackhawk helicopters flying low and slow, hovering, and raising/lowering personnel. There will be two landing zones used. The main zone is located on Beech Grove Road, and the second zone is on Laurel Springs Drive.
Please do not approach the aircraft at any time.
Laurel Springs Drive will experience approximately 12 closures, each lasting approximately 5 minutes. If you need to travel in that area, please allow extra time.
Wintergreen Fire & Rescue personnel will be cooperating throughout the day. If at any point an actual emergency occurs which requires the helicopters to vacate the area, a plan is in place to assure that will happen.
IMPORTANT – Please avoid the Blackrock Plunge trail and the Upper Shamokin Springs trail during the training hours. We will have spotters in place to make certain no hikers wander into a high-hazard area.
Thanks to all in the community for supporting this annual training event.”
RED FLAG WARNING – DANGEROUS FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS POSSIBLE TODAY
Update at 10:30 AM
At least one brush / wildfire has been reported Sunday morning in Nelson along Rockfish River Rd. Conditions continue to be very dangerous for wildfires across the entire area.
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1205 AM EST Sun Nov 16 2025
District of Columbia-Prince Georges-Anne Arundel-Charles-
St. Marys-Calvert-Northwest Montgomery-
Central and Southeast Montgomery-Northwest Howard-
Central and Southeast Howard-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-
Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-
Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Fairfax-
Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-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-Jefferson-Hardy-Eastern Grant-Eastern Pendleton-
1205 AM EST Sun Nov 16 2025
…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST
THIS EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES FOR CENTRAL AND
SOUTHERN MARYLAND…EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA…AND NORTHERN AND
CENTRAL VIRGINIA…
The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington DC has
issued a Red Flag Warning for the threat of rapid fire spread,
which is in effect from 8 AM this morning to 6 PM EST this
evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.
* TIMING…From 8 AM this morning to 6 PM EST this evening.
* WINDS…Northwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph across
northern Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and northwestern
Virginia. Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph across
the Washington DC metro, southern Maryland, and the central
Virginia piedmont.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as around 20 percent.
* IMPACTS…Any fire that develops will catch and spread
quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
* FUEL MOISTURE…10-hour fuel moisture around 7 or 8 percent.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
232 AM EST Sun Nov 16 2025
…DANGEROUS FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS POSSIBLE TODAY…
.Gusty winds combined with low relative humidity and dry fuels
will result in the potential for dangerous fire behavior this
afternoon and evening.
Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Wilkes-Yadkin-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-
232 AM EST Sun Nov 16 2025
…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST
THIS EVENING FOR MUCH OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA…
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Red Flag
Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidities, which is in
effect from 11 AM this morning to 6 PM EST this evening. The Fire
Weather Watch is no longer in effect.
* AFFECTED AREA…Central, western, and southwest Virginia, and
north central North Carolina
* TIMING…From late morning into the early evening.
* WINDS…Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 20 percent.
* TEMPERATURES…Up to 69.
* LIGHTNING…None.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds, dry fuels, and low relative humidity
values will be favorable for rapid fire growth.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now….or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE…UPDATED
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1224 PM EST Sat Nov 15 2025
District of Columbia-Prince Georges-Anne Arundel-Charles-
St. Marys-Calvert-Northwest Montgomery-
Central and Southeast Montgomery-Northwest Howard-
Central and Southeast Howard-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-
Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-
Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Fairfax-
Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-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-Jefferson-Hardy-Eastern Grant-Eastern Pendleton-
1224 PM EST Sat Nov 15 2025
…FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITIES FOR
CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN MARYLAND…EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA…NORTHERN
AND CENTRAL VIRGINIA…
* TIMING…From Sunday morning through Sunday afternoon.
* WINDS…Northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. The
strongest winds will be across the ridges and northern Virginia
and central Maryland.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 15 to 25 percent possible.
* IMPACTS…Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
may occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag
Warnings.
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
246 PM EST Sat Nov 15 2025
…FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FOR PARTS OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA,
SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA, AND NW NORTH CAROLINA…
.Gusty winds combined with low relative humidity and dry fuels
will result in a high chance for adverse and dangerous fire
behavior Sunday.
Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Wilkes-Yadkin-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-
246 PM EST Sat Nov 15 2025
…FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOR SW AND SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA AND
PORTIONS OF NW NORTH CAROLINA FOR WINDY CONDITIONS AND LOW
RELATIVE HUMIDITY…
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Fire
Weather Watch for SW and South Central Virginia and Portions of NW
North Carolina, which is in effect from Sunday morning through
Sunday afternoon.
* AFFECTED AREA…In North Carolina, Fire Weather Zone 003
Surry, Fire Weather Zone 004 Stokes, Fire Weather Zone 005
Rockingham, Fire Weather Zone 006 Caswell, Fire Weather Zone
019 Wilkes and Fire Weather Zone 020 Yadkin. In Virginia, Fire
Weather Zone 007 Tazewell, Fire Weather Zone 009 Smyth, Fire
Weather Zone 010 Bland, Fire Weather Zone 011 Giles, Fire
Weather Zone 012 Wythe, Fire Weather Zone 013 Pulaski, Fire
Weather Zone 014 Montgomery, Fire Weather Zone 015 Grayson,
Fire Weather Zone 016 Carroll, Fire Weather Zone 017 Floyd,
Fire Weather Zone 018 Craig, Fire Weather Zone 019 Alleghany
VA, Fire Weather Zone 020 Bath, Fire Weather Zone 022 Roanoke,
Fire Weather Zone 023 Botetourt, Fire Weather Zone 024
Rockbridge, Fire Weather Zone 032 Patrick, Fire Weather Zone
033 Franklin, Fire Weather Zone 034 Bedford, Fire Weather Zone
035 Amherst, Fire Weather Zone 043 Henry, Fire Weather Zone
044 Pittsylvania, Fire Weather Zone 045 Campbell, Fire Weather
Zone 046 Appomattox, Fire Weather Zone 047 Buckingham, Fire
Weather Zone 058 Halifax and Fire Weather Zone 059 Charlotte.
* WINDS…Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 22 percent.
* TEMPERATURES…Up to 66.
* LIGHTNING… None.
* IMPACTS… Gusty winds, dry fuels, and Low RH values will lead
to prime conditions for wildfires to spread across portions of
the area on Sunday.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.
For more information from NOAA/National Weather Service visit
http://www.weather.gov/rnk/fire
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM EST SUNDAY (Including Wintergreen)
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1249 PM EST Sat Nov 15 2025
Central and Eastern Allegany-Western Garrett-Northern Virginia
Blue Ridge-Eastern Grant-Eastern Mineral-
1249 PM EST Sat Nov 15 2025
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM EST SUNDAY…
* WHAT…West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…In Maryland, Central and Eastern Allegany and Western
Garrett Counties. In Virginia, Northern Virginia Blue Ridge. In
West Virginia, Eastern Grant and Eastern Mineral Counties.
* WHEN…From 6 AM to 6 PM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
For many it was quite the light show! The Northern Lights officially known as, Aurora Borealis, were showing off all across the U.S. Tuesday night. Here in the Blue Ridge they were equally spectacular.
“It may not feel like it now, but winter weather is approaching. To prepare, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is stocking supplies and inspecting equipment to ensure crews and materials are ready for when the first snowflakes fall.
“Virginians count on VDOT to provide a safe and reliable transportation system, and preparation is key to keeping the roads as clear of snow and ice as possible so the public can safely travel on them,” said VDOT Chief of Maintenance and Operations Kevin Gregg. “VDOT is prepared for the season ahead, and we’re urging the public to prepare themselves as well to help make this winter a safe one.”
The agency is responsible for treating and clearing snow from nearly 60,000 miles of state-maintained roads. Preparation for winter is a year-round activity at VDOT. Crews spend time checking equipment and performing test-runs on clear roads to prepare for snowy and icy conditions. They also use snowplow simulators to practice driving through various obstacles to test their ability before facing real-world conditions.
VDOT continues to hire contractors to assist with winter weather response. As with every snow season, the agency begins to recruit contractors as early as June. VDOT also regularly uses internal office staff to support the winter weather process.
Along with staffing and equipment that is prepped and ready for the winter season, the agency stocks materials to treat roads before and during a snow event, which includes more than 625,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasive as well as more than 2 million gallons of brine.
PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE
Snow, sleet or ice can cause dangerous road conditions for every driver. Preparing your vehicle is one step you can take before the first winter weather event.
When the temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure, so make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure. Additionally, if the tires are old, they may need replacing to ensure the treads provide sufficient traction for driving.
Check your battery, especially if you’ve had recent issues that required you to jump start it.
Check brake lights, headlights, turn signals and emergency flashers.
Make sure the windshield wiper fluid reservoir is full and that all windshield wipers work.
Prepare an emergency driving kit. It should have items such as flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food and abrasive material for traction, such as cat litter or sand.
During winter, regularly monitor weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and road conditions prior to hitting the road. Motorists are encouraged to use VDOT’s free mobile 511 app, visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov or call 511 from any phone in Virginia to get up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions.”
Via NWS : A Red Flag Warning is in effect Wednesday for areas generally along & west of the BRP and Skyline Drive. Other areas to the east, though not under a warning, will see an increased risk of wildfires during to high winds and very dry conditions.
RED FLAG WARNING
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
334 PM EST Tue Nov 4 2025
Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-
Eastern Highland-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Hampshire-Hardy-Eastern Grant-
Eastern Mineral-Eastern Pendleton-
334 PM EST Tue Nov 4 2025
…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM EST WEDNESDAY DUE
TO A COMBINATION OF GUSTY WINDS, DRY FUELS, AND LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITY FOR THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY AND THE EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA
PANHANDLE…
* TIMING…From 11 AM to 6 PM EST Wednesday.
* WINDS…Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 20 percent.
* IMPACTS…Any fire that develops will catch and spread
quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
* FUEL MOISTURE…
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
207 PM EST Tue Nov 4 2025
Washington-Frederick MD-Central and Eastern Allegany-Augusta-
Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-Nelson-
Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Northern Fauquier-Eastern Highland-Western Loudoun-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-Eastern Grant-
Eastern Mineral-Eastern Pendleton-
Including the cities of Hagerstown, Frederick, Ballenger Creek,
Cumberland, Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg,
Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market, Winchester,
Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal, Berryville, Lovingston,
Charlottesville, Stanardsville, Madison, Washington, Orange,
Gordonsville, Culpeper, Warrenton, Monterey, Purcellville,
Big Meadows, Wintergreen, Romney, Paw Paw, Martinsburg,
Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Moorefield, Petersburg, Antioch,
Keyser, New Creek, Ridgeville, Russelldale, Headsville,
Fort Ashby, Brandywine, Franklin, Oak Flat, Ruddle,
and Sugar Grove
207 PM EST Tue Nov 4 2025
…ELEVATED FIRE DANGER WEDNESDAY FOR EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA,
PORTIONS OF WESTERN MARYLAND, AND MUCH OF CENTRAL AND NORTHWEST
VIRGINIA…
The combination of 10 hour fuel moistures around 10 percent,
relative humidities around 25 to 30 percent, wind gusts around 20-30
mph, and high temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s will lead to
an increased risk for the rapid spread of wildfires on Wednesday.
This will be preceded by a night of very poor recoveries, which will
enhance dry conditions across the area, especially in the higher
elevations.
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 on environmental
protection website.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
119 PM EST Tue Nov 4 2025
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes-
Yadkin-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 West Jefferson, Sparta, Dobson, Danbury,
Eden, Yanceyville, Boone, Wilkesboro, Yadkinville, 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
119 PM EST Tue Nov 4 2025
…INCREASED FIRE DANGER ACROSS SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA AND NORTHWEST
NORTH CAROLINA WEDNESDAY…
Southwest to west winds are going to increase to 10 to 20 mph
Wednesday, with gusts 20 to 30 mph across much of the area.
Humidity levels dropping into the 30s in the afternoon along with
continued drying fuels will result in an increased danger of
wildfire spread.
Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities on whether
you can burn. If you do burn, use extreme caution since fires can
quickly get out of hand under these conditions.
The time has, sadly, come once again. That is if you like those carefree long summer days! I do!!
Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. It officially ends at 2AM Sunday morning (November 2, 2025). That’s when we return to eastern standard time in this time zone.
But, for those of us that turn in at a reasonable hour, it’s best to set your clock back one hour before heading to bed Saturday night.
Here’s to that perceived extra hour of sleep we lost last spring!
NCREASED RISK FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD THIS AFTERNOON
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
326 AM EDT Thu Oct 23 2025
Augusta-Rockingham-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Orange-
Culpeper-Stafford-Spotsylvania-King George-Southern Fauquier-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Including the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft,
Harrisonburg, Lovingston, Charlottesville, Stanardsville,
Madison, Orange, Gordonsville, Culpeper, Falmouth,
Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, Turnbull, and Wintergreen
326 AM EDT Thu Oct 23 2025
…INCREASED RISK FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD THIS AFTERNOON…
The combination of recent dry conditions, relative humidity
falling to 25 to 30 percent, and sustained west winds 10 to 15
mph with gusts of 20 to 25 mph will likely result in an elevated
threat for the rapid spread of fires today, particularly from late
morning through late afternoon.
Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities on whether
you may burn outdoors. If you do burn, use extreme caution since
fires can quickly grow out of control under these conditions.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
306 AM EDT Thu Oct 23 2025
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes-
Yadkin-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Roanoke-
Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-
Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Dobson, Danbury,
Eden, Yanceyville, Boone, Wilkesboro, Yadkinville, Wytheville,
Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, Independence, Whitetop, Troutdale,
Volney, Galax, Floyd, Roanoke, Salem, Stuart, Rocky Mount,
Bedford, Amherst, Martinsville, Danville, Lynchburg, Appomattox,
South Boston, and Keysville
306 AM EDT Thu Oct 23 2025
…INCREASED FIRE DANGER FROM 11 AM UNTIL 7 PM TODAY…
Dry and windy conditions remain in place for today. Relative
humidities this afternoon will fall into the 20 to 25 percent
range across portions of northwest North Carolina, the Piedmont of
Virginia, and portions of the New River Valley. Wind gusts of 20
mph to locally 35 mph are also expected through late morning into
early evening.
These conditions, combined with dry fuels such as fallen leaves
and dead brush, will result in an increased threat of any fires
burning out of control across northwest North Carolina and
portions of the Piedmont and New River Valley regions of Virginia.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Please consult your
local burn permitting authorities as to whether burning is allowed
today.
