RED FLAG WARNING URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC 314 AM EDT Tue Apr 18 2023 District of Columbia-Southern Baltimore-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-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-Eastern Grant- Eastern Mineral-Eastern Pendleton- 314 AM EDT Tue Apr 18 2023 ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR VIRGINIA, SOUTHERN MARYLAND, AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA PANHANDLE... The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low humidity, which is in effect from noon today to 8 PM EDT this evening. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent. * IMPACTS...Critical fire weather conditions are expected through this evening. All outdoor burning is discouraged, as fires could rapidly spread and become uncontrollable. * FUEL MOISTURE...Dropping to 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.
RED FLAG WARNING : High Wildfire Danger Today For Most Of Blue Ridge : 4.18.23
Fire Weather Watch : (Upgraded to RED FLAG WARNING)

THIS WATCH HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO A MORE CRITICAL RED FLAG WARNING. CLICK HERE FOR THAT ADVISORY.
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC 1225 PM EDT Mon Apr 17 2023 District of Columbia-Washington-Frederick MD-Carroll- Northern Baltimore-Cecil-Southern Baltimore-Prince Georges- Anne Arundel-Charles-St. Marys-Calvert-Extreme Western Allegany- Central and Eastern Allegany-Northwest Montgomery- Central and Southeast Montgomery-Northwest Howard- Central and Southeast Howard-Northwest Harford-Southeast Harford- 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-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-Eastern Grant- Western Mineral-Eastern Mineral-Eastern Pendleton- 1225 PM EDT Mon Apr 17 2023 ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING FOR NORTHERN AND CENTRAL VIRGINIA, EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA, MOST OF MARYLAND, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA... The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has issued a Fire Weather Watch for northern and central VA, eastern WV, most of MD, and DC, which is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening. * WINDS...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph in the lower elevations. West 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph in the mountains. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...15 to 25 percent. * IMPACTS...The combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong gusty winds may result in favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires Tuesday afternoon. * FUEL MOISTURE...Less than 8 percent PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions may occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.
Elevated Fire Danger (4.12.23) : EXPIRED

ELEVATED THREAT FOR THE SPREAD OF WILDFIRES THROUGH THE EARLY EVENING
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC 903 AM EDT Wed Apr 12 2023 District of Columbia-Prince Georges-Anne Arundel-Charles- St. Marys-Calvert-Augusta-Rockingham-Page-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene- Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Fairfax- Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania- King George-Southern Fauquier-Western Highland-Eastern Highland- Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge- Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park- Including the cities of Washington, Bowie, Suitland-Silver Hill, Clinton, College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Camp Springs, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Severn, South Gate, Severna Park, Arnold, Odenton, St. Charles, Waldorf, Lexington Park, California, Chesapeake Beach, Huntingtown, Dunkirk, North Beach, Lusby, Prince Frederick, Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg, Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Lovingston, Charlottesville, Stanardsville, Madison, Orange, Gordonsville, Culpeper, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Falmouth, Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, Turnbull, Hightown, Monterey, Big Meadows, Wintergreen, Dale City, Manassas, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, and Montclair 903 AM EDT Wed Apr 12 2023 ...ELEVATED THREAT FOR THE SPREAD OF WILDFIRES THROUGH THE EARLY EVENING... West to northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph are expected with gusts around 20 to 25 mph through this afternoon and relative humidity values will fall to between 20 and 30 percent. Given recent dry weather, fuels are very dry. Therefore, an elevated fire danger will continue until about 8 PM before the winds gradually weaken and humidity rises. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during this time. Please refer to your local burn permitting authority on whether you can burn. If you do burn, use extreme caution and ensure fire suppression is readily available.
Frost Advisories, Freeze Watches & Warnings – EXPIRED

Via NWS : Various freeze and frost advisors are in effect overnight into Monday morning – April 10, 2023. Click on image above for the absolute latest updates.
FROST ADVISORY / FREEZE WATCH / WARNING
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
606 PM EDT Sat Apr 8 2023
Nelson-Albemarle-Spotsylvania-
Including the cities of Lovingston, Charlottesville,
and Fredericksburg
606 PM EDT Sat Apr 8 2023
…FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 10 AM EDT
SUNDAY…
…FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING…
* WHAT…For the Frost Advisory, temperatures as low as 32 to 36
degrees will result in frost formation. For the Freeze Watch,
sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 to 32 degrees possible.
* WHERE…Nelson, Albemarle and Spotsylvania Counties.
* WHEN…For the Frost Advisory, from 2 AM to 10 AM EDT Sunday.
For the Freeze Watch, from late Sunday night through Monday
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
freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should
be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have
in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-
ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
606 PM EDT Sat Apr 8 2023
Washington-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-
Clarke-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western Loudoun-Hampshire-
Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-
Including the cities of Hagerstown, Staunton, Waynesboro,
Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg, Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson,
New Market, Winchester, Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal,
Berryville, Stanardsville, Madison, Washington, Orange,
Gordonsville, Culpeper, Warrenton, Turnbull, Purcellville,
Romney, Paw Paw, Martinsburg, Charles Town, Shepherdstown,
and Moorefield
606 PM EDT Sat Apr 8 2023
…FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 10 AM EDT
SUNDAY…
…FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING…
* WHAT…For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing temperatures of 28
to 30 degrees west of the Blue Ridge, and 30 to 32 degrees
east of the Blue Ridge are expected. For the Freeze Watch, sub-
freezing temperatures as low as 28 possible.
* WHERE…Portions of north central Maryland, central, northern,
northwest and western Virginia and eastern and panhandle West
Virginia.
* WHEN…For the Freeze Warning, from 2 AM to 10 AM EDT Sunday.
For the Freeze Watch, from late Sunday night through Monday
morning.
* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions will 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
freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should
be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have
in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-
ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
253 PM EDT Sat Apr 8 2023
Rockbridge-Amherst-Appomattox-Buckingham-
Including the cities of Lexington, Buena Vista, Amherst,
and Appomattox
253 PM EDT Sat Apr 8 2023
…FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 10 AM EDT
SUNDAY…
…FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING…
* WHAT…For the Frost Advisory, temperatures as low as 33 will
result in frost formation. For the Freeze Watch, sub-freezing
temperatures as low as 30 possible.
* WHERE…Rockbridge, Amherst, Appomattox and Buckingham
Counties.
* WHEN…For the Frost Advisory, from 2 AM to 10 AM EDT Sunday.
For the Freeze Watch, from late Sunday night through Monday
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
freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should
be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have
in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-
ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
Firefly Celebrates 20,000 Connections – Donates $10K Scholarships For Local Students

Afton
Nelson County, Virginia
Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC), celebrated the milestone of 20,000 rural broadband connections this month at a private ceremony at Veritas Winery, demonstrating Firefly’s incredibly rapid growth and commitment to connecting central Virginia to reliable, affordable high-speed internet.
CVEC and Firefly accelerated their efforts to make broadband service available to all 39,000 CVEC members and completed mainline fiber construction of over 4,000 miles of fiber at the end of 2022 for a project total of $150 million. Connections for CVEC members will continue for the next few months in remaining project areas.

Firefly is expanding its reach in the region, which is great news for residents and businesses in the area who do not receive their electricity from CVEC and wish to take advantage of their lightning-fast internet. Through the Regional Internet Service Expansion (RISE) project, a partnership with 13 counties designed to bridge the digital divide and bring Firefly’s lightning-fast internet to unserved and underserved homes and businesses in rural central Virginia, Firefly will make broadband service available to another 50,000 underserved locations that are served by utilities such as Appalachian Power, Dominion Energy, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, and Southside Electric Cooperative.
Senator Creigh Deeds, Virginia District 25 remarks, “Bringing fiber broadband to rural communities is life-changing for the residents and a game changer in terms of remote learning and telework opportunities. We have been so fortunate for the vision and leadership of Gary Wood, the Central Virginia Electric Cooperative team, and the Board of Directors. When I think about Firefly’s 20,000th connection, I think about the number of school children who can more readily access outside learning materials, the small business owner who can now operate with lower overhead, and the older couple who can now video chat with their grandchildren. It is indeed worthy of a celebration.”
Over 165 guests joined on Wednesday, including Board of Directors, local and state elected officials, contractors, lenders, suppliers, business and residential customers, and business partners who have contributed to the company’s success. Welcoming remarks were offered by Firefly Communications Manager, Melissa Gay, Firefly’s Board Chairman George Goin, and luncheon sponsors Calix and Graybar.
Speakers at the celebration included Bruce Maurhoff, Firefly COO and Sr. VP, Tina Mallia; Firefly CFO and VP, Allen Powell; Board of Directors Chairman for S&N Communications; Firefly Business Customer Bill Tonkins of Veritas Winery; Firefly Residential Customer Susan McSwain of Nelson County; Congressman Bob Good VA-05; Senator Mark Peake District 22; Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger VA-07; Tamarah Holmes, Office of Broadband Director for Department of Housing and Community Development; Jonathan Chambers, Partner at Conexon; and Gary Wood, Firefly CEO and President.
On reaching this milestone, Firefly President and CEO, Gary Wood, concludes, “Firefly has reached this milestone through the power of partnerships. All of the folks in this room today have played a critical part in reaching 20,000 rural broadband connections and transforming the lives of those who reside in rural central Virginia. Firefly is grateful to its loyal customers who trusted in us since we announced the start of the project in 2018. We have connected so many already, but there are at least twice that many who now want to be connected. We will keep moving as fast as we can until we achieve universal service in our area.”
Congressman Bob Good, VA-05, stated, “I am glad to celebrate Firefly Fiber Broadband’s efforts to reach over 20,000 rural homes in the 5th District with high-speed broadband internet. This greatly benefits education, local businesses, economic development, and thousands of citizens in our district.”
Firefly and CVEC joined with two business partners, CoBank and S&N Communications, to give back to the community as part of the celebration. Firefly donated $10,000 to the Roberta I. Harlowe Scholarship, awarded by VMDAEC Education Scholarship Foundation, which has provided 998 scholarships totaling $900,000. The scholarship, named for the former VMDAEC Scholarship Foundation Chair and current Vice Chair for the Board of Directors at CVEC Roberta Harlowe, will be awarded in the amount of $2,000 to winning students in the CVEC territory. Firefly’s donation will be matched by CoBank’s Sharing Success program, totaling a contribution of $20,000 to local scholarships for high school students.
Additionally, CVEC donated $10,000 to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (BRAFB), which serves multiple counties throughout the cooperative’s service area. S&N Communications, Inc., Firefly’s fiber construction partner, matched CVEC’s donation in the amount of $10,000. According to the BRAFB, one dollar provides four meals for those in need. The donation of $20,000 will supply over 80,000 meals to the local community.
– – –
About Firefly Fiber Broadband
Headquartered in Palmyra, VA, Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative. Firefly offers lightning-fast internet via fiber to the premise that is reliable and priced fairly with no hidden equipment costs or special introductory pricing that increases the base cost of phone or internet later. Firefly has no contracts, no data caps, or slowdowns, and offers symmetrical upload and download speeds. Firefly Light offers 100 Mbps for $49.99; Firefly Flash offers 1 Gbps for $79.99, and Firefly Voice is $34.99 with a $5.00 discount when bundled with the internet. For more information, visit www.fireflyva.com/rise.
About Central Virginia Electric Cooperative
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is a member-owned, not-for-profit, electric utility serving over 38,000 homes, farms and businesses in the rural portions of 14 Virginia counties. CVEC is proud to be a Four-Star Cooperative for Service Excellence certified by the Touchstone Energy Service Excellence Program. CVEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information, visit www.mycvec.com.
About Calix
Calix, Inc. is a telecommunications company that specializes in providing software platforms, systems, and services to support the delivery of broadband services. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.
About CoBank
CoBank is a $158 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing, and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water, and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 75,000 farmers, ranchers, and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure, and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and maintains an international representative office in Singapore.
About Conexon
Conexon works with Rural Electric Membership Cooperatives to bring fiber to the home to rural communities. We analyze economic feasibility, secure financing, manage construction, train employees, optimize business performance and determine optimal partnerships. We will be with you from a project’s conception all the way through to its long-term sustainability.
About Graybar
Graybar, a Fortune 500 company, specializes in supply chain management services, and is a leading North American distributor of high-quality components, equipment, and materials. We serve the construction market, the commercial, institutional, and government (CIG) market, and the industrial and utility markets. Graybar products and services support new construction, infrastructure updates, building renovation, facility maintenance, repair and operations, and original equipment manufacturing.
About S&N Communications
Headquartered in Louisa, VA, S&N Communications, Inc., is a leader in providing reliable and cost-effective construction, site assessment and acquisition, tower construction and maintenance, logistics, and inventory management services to their customers. S&N is committed to propelling the wired and wireless communications, gas, and electric industries into the future.
About Veritas
Veritas Winery was started by Andrew and Patricia Hodson in 1999. Born out of their love of wine and commitment to producing quality wine, Veritas has grown into a 20-year-old family business that is on the leading edge of the Virginia wine industry. With over 50 acres in the Monticello wine region, and producing a complex portfolio of wine ranging from sparkling to beautifully balanced red wines, Veritas wine quality starts in the vineyard, and the terroir of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Winemaker Emily Hodson, daughter of Andrew and Patricia, has been the winemaker at Veritas for over 15 harvests and continues to author the beginning chapters of a young and vibrant wine region. Her philosophy is simple – she strives to give each varietal natural, balanced expression by focusing on attention to detail and cultural practices. Her old-world principles of viticulture and vinification are met with her innovative take on winemaking using state of the art technology and principles to capture the true essence and character of each varietal.
VDOT : Traffic Alerts For Area : April 10-16 (unless otherwise noted)
LYNCHBURG DISTRICT TRAFFIC ALERT April 10-16, 2023
April 6, 2023 LYN-23-14
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Highway work requiring road/lane/structure closures is planned; however, work may be delayed/canceled due to weather or other issues. Items in italics contain new/updated information. For up-to-date information, call 511 or
visit www.511Virginia.org.
District-wide activities:
Crews will perform various activities throughout the district to include, but are not limited to bridge & guardrail maintenance, brush/tree/limb cutting, pothole/surface/shoulder work, surface treatment operations, work orders, mowing, boom axing, drainage repairs/work and roadside cleanup.
Work at specific locations: Please note district-wide activities above.
Appomattox County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Bedford County:
Route 221 (Forest Rd.) intersections Route 1425 Graves Mill and Route 1426 Gristmill Rd. Lane closures and changes in traffic pattern are likely. Expect lane closures on Rte. 221. Also, between the hours of 9 p.m. 6 a.m., Graves Mill will be closed between Rte. 221 and Gristmill Rd. Traffic will be detoured through Gristmill Rd. Signing, Barricades, Flaggers and Police will be in place to direct traffic. Started May 1 2022 and est. comp. May 18, 2023.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Amherst County:
Buckingham County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Campbell County:
Route 29 N over NSRR, near airport –Bridge and approach work; est. comp. May 2023.
Route 460B Timberlake Road intersection Route 622 Waterlick Road – Safety improvement project. Lane closures/changes in traffic pattern are likely. Estimated completion May 12, 2023. Crews will be working in the median on Timberlake Road between Tomahawk Drive and Homewood Drive. Signs and Flaggers will be in place to direct traffic.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Charlotte County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Cumberland County:
Route 621 (Brook Hill Road) – Culvert replacement. Route 621 will be closed from Route 13 (Old Buckingham Road) to Route 620 (Stoney Point Road) in Amelia County. This closure is set to begin on April 3, 2023 and is planned to end on May 12, 2023. Adequate signs for the closure and detour will be in place. The detour will use Route 13 (Old Buckingham Road) to Route 654 (Sunnyside Road) to Route 600 (Stoney Point Road) to Route 620 (Stoney Point Mill Lane) and crossing into Amelia County. (Route 620 becomes Stoney Point Road in Amelia County). The detour then goes back to Cumberland County and Route 621 (Reed Rock Road/Fowlkes Bridge Road).
Please note district-wide activities above.
Halifax County:
Routes 501 & 610 – Passing lane project. Lane closures and shoulder closures will continue as needed with work along the shoulders. Fixed completion- May 5, 2023.
Route 733 – Bridge replacement project. Route 733 (East Hitesburg Rd.) will be closed to thru traffic between Route 602 (Hitesburg Church Rd.) and Route 734 (Red Banks Rd.) from January 30, 2023 through May 5, 2023. VDOT will provide adequate signs for the closure and detour during the closure. The detour will use Route 602 (Hitesburg Church Rd.) to Route 734 (Red Banks Rd.) back to Route 733 (East Hitesburg Rd.)
Please note district-wide activities above.
Lynchburg:
Route 29/460 (Campbell Ave–Concord Turnpike) – Bridge replacement. Northbound 29/ eastbound and westbound 460 speed limit 45 mph. Lane closures changes in traffic pattern are likely. Completion July 31, 2023.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Nelson County:
Route 60 over James River – Bridge Deck replacement. Lane closures and changes
in traffic patterns rescheduled and began the week of June 6. Est. comp July 14, 2024. Please note district-wide activities above.
Pittsylvania County:
Route 29 at Bannister River – Road closure for bridgework. Motorists should expect delays on Route 29 at the Bannister River in the Tightsqueeze area of Pittsylvania County. The northbound bridge will close for repair and both north and south traffic will cross the southbound bridge. Bridgework began April 4, 2022 and is continuing until approximately August of 2023.
Route 686 (Elkhorn Road) at Elkhorn Creek – Bridge Superstructure Replacement. Route 686 (Elkhorn Road) will be closed to through traffic from Route 680 (County Line Road) to Route 640 (Java Road) from April 24, 2023 to approximately June 2, 2023. A detour will utilize Route 680 (County Line Road) to Route 666 (Yeatts Store Road) to Route 640 Java Road and back to Route 686 (Elkhorn Road). VDOT will post adequate signs for the detour.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Prince Edward County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
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We’re 18 Years Old Today! (4.1.2023)

Nelson County, Virginia
18 years ago on this very day the first issue of then Nelson County Life Magazine was launched. Boy, how things have changed since those days! All of us have seen a lot since then. Whether it was a blizzard or a derecho, or sadly something even worse, we tried our best to let people know. Remember the large fire at Wintergreen Resort’s Copper Mine Restaurant? There have been so many stories covered. Thousands.
This is a good place to let you know all of the old Nelson County Life issues have been archived by the Rockfish Valley Foundation, along with all of the Blue Ridge Life issues. This was done in a cooperative effort with the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library where all of the 193 issues are stored in print and electronically.

Back in 2013 we changed the name from Nelson County Life to Blue Ridge Life. That allowed us to include things in nearby counties that might not fit under the NCL umbrella.

April 1, 2021 we made the decision 16 years in the print business had been enough. It was another bittersweet moment, but kids were growing, times were changing and those monthly print deadlines, 193 of them in all, were wearing us down. So with our final issue we called it quits for the printed edition.


We really wouldn’t change much in those years. It was an exciting ride, and still is! We’re still here, just not in the printed edition.
We thank each and every one of you for staying with us for nearly 2 decades. Let’s see what the next 20 years will bring! No foolin’!
High Wind Warning : Portions Of Blue Ridge Saturday Into Sunday AM (Updated 6:40 AM 4.1.23)

HIGH WIND WARNING Includes Wintergreen Resort
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
246 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
Washington-Central and Eastern Allegany-Augusta-Rockingham-
Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge–
Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-Eastern Mineral-
Including the cities of Hagerstown, Cumberland, Staunton,
Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg, Strasburg, Woodstock,
Mount Jackson, New Market, Winchester, Luray, Shenandoah,
Stanley, Front Royal, Berryville, Big Meadows, Wintergreen,
Romney, Paw Paw, Martinsburg, Charles Town, Shepherdstown,
Moorefield, Antioch, Keyser, New Creek, Ridgeville, Russelldale,
Headsville, and Fort Ashby
246 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO
2 AM EDT SUNDAY…
* WHAT…West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph
expected.
* WHERE…Portions of north central and western Maryland,
central, northwest and western Virginia and eastern and
panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 8 AM this morning to 2 AM EDT Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines.
Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be
difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
640 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Watauga-Wilkes-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-
Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-
Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-
Amherst-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-
Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Dobson, Boone,
Wilkesboro, 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, Bluefield, Flat Top,
Hinton, Hix, Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Alderson,
Quinwood, Duo, and Rainelle
640 AM EDT Sat Apr 1 2023
…HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EDT SUNDAY…
* WHAT…West winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 to 65 mph
expected.
* WHERE…Portions of northwest North Carolina, southwest Virginia
and southeast West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 8 AM Saturday to 4 AM EDT Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines.
Scattered power outages are likely. Widespread power outages
are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Expect several periods of high wind gusts
today and tonight.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around
trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of
your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive.
Be aware of where you are parking your vehicle and walking to
avoid damage or injury from falling trees limbs and branches.
High Wind Watch For Much Of The Blue Ridge Saturday (Includes BRP & Wintergreen Resort)

HIGH WIND WATCH (The watch area will likely expand & be upgraded to warnings later)
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
649 AM EDT Fri Mar 31 2023
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Watauga-Wilkes-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-
Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-
Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-
Amherst-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-
Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Dobson, Boone,
Wilkesboro, 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, Bluefield, Flat Top,
Hinton, Hix, Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Alderson,
Quinwood, Duo, and Rainelle
649 AM EDT Fri Mar 31 2023
…HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT…
* WHAT…West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 65 mph
possible.
* WHERE…Portions of northwest North Carolina, southwest Virginia
and southeast West Virginia.
* WHEN…From Saturday morning through late Saturday night.
* IMPACTS…Damaging winds could blow down trees and power
lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be
difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe
location prior to the onset of winds.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
312 AM EDT Fri Mar 31 2023
Garrett-Washington-Extreme Western Allegany-
Central and Eastern Allegany-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-
Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-Western Grant-
Eastern Grant-Western Mineral-Eastern Mineral-Western Pendleton-
Eastern Pendleton-
Including the cities of Mountain Lake Park, Oakland, Grantsville,
Hagerstown, Frostburg, Cumberland, Staunton, Waynesboro,
Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg, Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson,
New Market, Winchester, Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal,
Berryville, Hightown, Monterey, Big Meadows, Wintergreen, Romney,
Paw Paw, Martinsburg, Charles Town, Shepherdstown, Moorefield,
Bayard, Mount Storm, Petersburg, Elk Garden, Antioch, Keyser,
New Creek, Ridgeville, Russelldale, Headsville, Fort Ashby,
Riverton, Brandywine, Franklin, Oak Flat, Ruddle, and Sugar Grove
312 AM EDT Fri Mar 31 2023
…HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT…
* WHAT…West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph
possible.
* WHERE…Portions of north central and western Maryland,
central, northwest and western Virginia and eastern and
panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…From Saturday morning through late Saturday night.
* IMPACTS…Damaging winds could blow down trees and power
lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be
difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe
location prior to the onset of winds.
VDOT Road & Traffic Report Updates For March 27- April 2, 2023
LYNCHBURG DISTRICT TRAFFIC ALERT March 27-April 2, 2023
March 23, 2023 LYN-23-13
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Highway work requiring road/lane/structure closures is planned; however, work may be delayed/canceled due to weather or other issues. Items in italics contain new/updated information. For up-to-date information, call 511 or
visit www.511Virginia.org.
District-wide activities:
Crews will perform various activities throughout the district to include, but are not limited to bridge & guardrail maintenance, brush/tree/limb cutting, pothole/surface/shoulder work, surface treatment operations, work orders, mowing, boom axing, drainage repairs/work and roadside cleanup.
Work at specific locations: Please note district-wide activities above.
Appomattox County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Bedford County:
Route 221 (Forest Rd.) intersections Route 1425 Graves Mill and Route 1426 Gristmill Rd. Lane closures and changes in traffic pattern are likely. Expect lane closures on Rte. 221. Also, between the hours of 9 p.m. 6 a.m., Graves Mill will be closed between Rte. 221 and Gristmill Rd. Traffic will be detoured through Gristmill Rd. Signing, Barricades, Flaggers and Police will be in place to direct traffic. Started May 1 2022 and est. comp. May 18, 2023.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Amherst County:
Buckingham County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Campbell County:
Route 29 N over NSRR, near airport –Bridge and approach work; est. comp. May 2023. NOTE: On March 20, 21, 27, & 28, the northbound lane may encounter brief traffic stoppages (2-5 minutes) for crane operation.
Route 460B Timberlake Road intersection Route 622 Waterlick Road – Safety improvement project. Lane closures/changes in traffic pattern are likely. Estimated completion May 12, 2023. Crews will be working in the median on Timberlake Road between Tomahawk Drive and Homewood Drive. Signs and Flaggers will be in place to direct traffic. On March 28 & 29 between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., there will be intermediate traffic closures up to 15 Minutes in the intersection of 460B (Timberlake Road) and Route 622 (Waterlick Road) to set mast arms for the new signals. Troopers, flaggers, signs, and message boards will be utilized to notify and control traffic.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Charlotte County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Cumberland County:
Route 621 (Brook Hill Road) – Culvert replacement. Route 621 will be closed from Route 13 (Old Buckingham Road) to Route 620 (Stoney Point Road) in Amelia County. This closure is set to begin on April 3, 2023 and is planned to end on May 12, 2023. Adequate signs for the closure and detour will be in place. The detour will use Route 13 (Old Buckingham Road) to Route 654 (Sunnyside Road) to Route 600 (Stoney Point Road) to Route 620 (Stoney Point Mill Lane) and crossing into Amelia County. (Route 620 becomes Stoney Point Road in Amelia County). The detour then goes back to Cumberland County and Route 621 (Reed Rock Road/Fowlkes Bridge Road).
Please note district-wide activities above.
Halifax County:
Routes 501 & 610 – Passing lane project. Lane closures and shoulder closures will continue as needed with work along the shoulders. Fixed completion- May 5, 2023.
Route 733 – Bridge replacement project. Route 733 (East Hitesburg Rd.) will be closed to thru traffic between Route 602 (Hitesburg Church Rd.) and Route 734 (Red Banks Rd.) from January 30, 2023 through May 5, 2023. VDOT will provide adequate signs for the closure and detour during the closure. The detour will use Route 602 (Hitesburg Church Rd.) to Route 734 (Red Banks Rd.) back to Route 733 (East Hitesburg Rd.)
Please note district-wide activities above.
Lynchburg:
Route 29/460 (Campbell Ave–Concord Turnpike) – Bridge replacement. Northbound 29/ eastbound and westbound 460 speed limit 45 mph. Lane closures changes in traffic pattern are likely. Completion July 31, 2023.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Nelson County:
Route 60 over James River – Bridge Deck replacement. Lane closures and changes
in traffic patterns rescheduled and began the week of June 6. Est. comp July 14, 2024.
Route 723 (Old Roseland Road) – Culvert Replacement. Route 723 (Old Roseland Road) will be closed to thru traffic from Route 151 (Patrick Henry Highway) to the intersection of Route 655 (Roseland Road) from February 13, 2023 to approximately April 7, 2023. A detour will be in place with signage. The detour will utilize Route 151 (Patrick Henry Highway) to Route 655 (Roseland Road) back to Route 723 (Old Roseland Road).
Please note district-wide activities above.
Pittsylvania County:
Route 608 over the Roanoke River – Bridge Painting. Beginning March 10, 2023 and will be in operation until early April. Flagging operations will be in place.
Route 29 at Bannister River – Road closure for bridgework. Motorists should expect delays on Route 29 at the Bannister River in the Tightsqueeze area of Pittsylvania County. The northbound bridge will close for repair and both north and south traffic will cross the southbound bridge. Bridgework began April 4, 2022 and is continuing until approximately August of 2023.
Route 686 (Elkhorn Road) at Elkhorn Creek – Bridge Superstructure Replacement. Route 686 (Elkhorn Road) will be closed to through traffic from Route 680 (County Line Road) to Route 640 (Java Road) from April 24, 2023 to approximately June 2, 2023. A detour will utilize Route 680 (County Line Road) to Route 666 (Yeatts Store Road) to Route 640 Java Road and back to Route 686 (Elkhorn Road). VDOT will post adequate signs for the detour.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Prince Edward County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
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CULPEPER DISTRICT: March 27-31, 2023
CULPEPER — The following highway work is scheduled, weather permitting, in the Culpeper District during the next week. Traffic movements may be restricted and speed limits reduced in work zones. (NEW) or (UPDATE) indicate revisions since last week’s report.
Culpeper District traffic information is also available on Twitter at @VaDOTCulp and on VDOT’s website at http://www.virginiadot.org/tr
Albemarle County
Albemarle Design-Build Projects – Be alert for construction activities in the following areas:
-
U.S. 250 (Richmond Road) at Interstate 64. Construction of diverging diamond interchange. Speed limit is reduced to 25 miles per hour. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 1140 (Peter Jefferson Parkway) and Route 1146 (Hunters Way) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Sunday through Friday, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
-
U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) at Route 151 (Critzer Shop Road). New roundabout. Be alert for equipment and workers near the travel lanes. Speed limit is reduced to 25 miles per hour. Expect flagging operations Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the following areas:
-
U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) between Route 172 (Little Rock Lane) and Route 692 (Plank Road) in the eastbound and westbound lanes.
-
Route 151 (Critzer Shop Road) between U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) and Route 803 (Goodloe Lane), in the northbound and southbound lanes.
Survey work – Expect shoulder closures in the following areas, daily through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
-
Interstate 64, in the eastbound and westbound lanes, at Exit 118A (Lynchburg) and Exit 118B (Charlottesville/Culpeper) on the exit ramps to U.S. 29 (29 Bypass Expressway).
-
U.S. 29 (Fontaine Avenue Extended) between Route 782 (Stribling Avenue Extended) and the ramp to U.S. 29 (29 Bypass Expressway) in the southbound lanes.
-
U.S. 29 (29 Bypass Expressway) between the ramp onto Interstate 64 East to the exit ramp from Interstate 64 East onto U.S. 29 (29 Bypass Expressway) in the northbound lanes.
-
U.S. 29 (29 Bypass Expressway) between the ramp to U.S. 29 (Fontaine Avenue Extension) and the ramp from U.S. 29 (Fontaine Avenue Extension) in the northbound lanes.
-
U.S. 29 (29 Bypass Expressway) between the ramp to Interstate 64 West and the intersection of the ramp from U.S. 29 South (29 Bypass Expressway) onto Interstate 64 West in the northbound lanes.
-
U.S. 29 (29 Bypass Expressway) between the ramp to Interstate 64 West and the intersection of the ramp to Interstate 64 West from U.S. 29 South (29 Bypass Expressway) in the southbound lanes.
-
U.S. 29 (29 Bypass Expressway) between the ramp to U.S. 29 (29 Bypass Expressway) to Route 702 (Fontaine Avenue Extended) and the ramp to U.S. 29 (29 Bypass Expressway) in the southbound lanes.
-
U.S. 29 (29 Bypass Expressway) between the exit ramp to Interstate 64 West and the on ramp to Interstate 64 East in the southbound lanes.
(UPDATE) Utility work under VDOT permit – Expect lane and shoulder closures in the following areas, daily.
-
Interstate 64 between mile marker 117 and Exit 121 (Scottsville/Charlottesville) in the eastbound lanes, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
-
Route 1403 (Berkmar Drive) between Route 1438 (Hilton Heights Road) and Route 631 (Rio Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes. This is a total road closure.
Interstate 64 – Ditch cleaning and brush removal. Expect mobile right and left shoulder closures between mile marker 100 and mile marker 124 in the eastbound lanes, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Interstate 64 – Tree removal operations. Expect right shoulder closures between mile marker 124 and mile marker 148 in the eastbound lanes, daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
U.S. 29 (Monacan Trail) – Pipe repairs/installation. Expect lane closures between Route 804 (Thackers Lane) and Route 633 (Cove Garden Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(UPDATE) U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) – Soil borings. Expect right lane and right shoulder closures between Route 854 (Carrsbrook Drive) and Route 1670 (Ashwood Boulevard) in the northbound lanes, Monday through Thursday, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
(NEW) U.S. 250 (Ivy Road) – Bridge painting. Expect alternating lane closures with flaggers at Route 240 (Three Notched Road) in the westbound lanes, Sunday through Friday, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
(NEW) Route 231 (Gordonsville Road) – Pothole patching operations. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between Route 615 (Lindsay Road) and Route 646 (Lovers Lane) in the northbound and southbound lanes, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Culpeper County
(NEW) U.S. 29 (James Monroe Highway – Bridge mount sign inspections. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between Route 718 (Mountain Run lake Road) and U.S. 15 (Orange Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, Sunday through Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
U.S. 522 (Germanna Highway) – Tree trimming operations. Expect lane closures with flaggers between Route 3 (Germanna Highway) and Route 647 (Algonquin Trail) in the northbound and eastbound lanes, daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
U.S. 522 (Sperryville Pike) – Other construction. Expect alternating lane closures with flaggers between Virginia Avenue and Aspen Street in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(NEW) Route 669 (Carrico Mills Road) – Paving operations. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 675 (Thoms Road) and Route 3 (Germanna Highway) in the northbound and southbound lanes, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fauquier County
(NEW) Interstate 66 – Ditch cleaning operations. Expect mobile, alternating lanes closures between mile marker 16 and mile marker 33 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Interstate 66 – Bridge deck repairs. Expect alternating lane closures between mile marker 29 and mile marker 32 in the westbound lanes, nightly, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. During right lane closures, Exit 31 (The Plains/Old Tavern) will be closed.
(NEW) Route 602 (Rogues Road) – Pipe repair/installation. Expect a total road closure between Route 652 (Kennedy Road) and Academic Avenue beginning Saturday, April 1 at 6 a.m. and ending Sunday, April 2 at 8 p.m. Drivers should follow detour signs around the work. Local residents will have access to private homes in the area.
(UPDATE) Route 602 (Rogues Road) – Utility work under VDOT permit. Expect shoulder closures at Route 670 (Old Auburn Road) in the northbound lanes, Sunday and Monday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Route 612 (Brent Town Road) – Milling. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 610 (Aquia Road) and Route 639 (Cromwell Road) in the northbound and southbound lanes, Wednesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(NEW) Route 687 (Opal Road) – Pipe repairs/installation. Expect alternating lane closures between U.S. 15 (James Madison Highway) and Route 651 (Lees Mill Road) in the westbound lanes, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Greene County
U.S. 33 (Spotswood Trail) — Road reconstruction. Both shoulders are closed between Route 680 (Pinewood Court) and U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) in the eastbound and westbound lanes while crews work behind barrels. Traffic is diverted onto the newly constructed eastbound lanes while crews reconstruct the westbound lanes. Drivers should use caution through the work zone and stay alert for construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway daily. Expected completion in summer 2023.
(NEW) U.S. 33 (Spotswood Trail) – Tree trimming operations. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures between Route 609 (Fredericksburg Road) and U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Louisa County
(NEW) Interstate 64 – Ditch cleaning operations. Expect left lane and left shoulder closures at mile marker 137, Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(UPDATE) Interstate 64 – Shoulder repairs. Expect right shoulder closures with mobile work zone between mile marker 131 and mile marker 147 in the eastbound and westbound lanes, daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(NEW) U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway) – Tree trimming operations. Expect alternating lane closures with flaggers between Route 208 (New Bridge Road) and the Spotsylvania County line, daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Orange County
U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway) – Tree trimming operations. Expect alternating lane closures with flaggers between Route 20 (Constitution Highway) and the Spotsylvania County line, in the northbound and southbound lanes, daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
U.S. 522 (Zachary Taylor Highway) – Tree trimming operations. Expect alternating lane closures with flaggers between the Culpeper County line and Route 20 (Constitution Highway), in the northbound and southbound lanes, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Road conditions and other real-time travel information can be found on the 511 Virginia website, the free VDOT 511 mobile app or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia. VDOT updates are also on Facebook and the district’s Twitter account, @VaDOTCulp.