Kicks Off Summer Travel Season
VDOT provides traffic and travel information to plan ahead
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VDOT Lifts Lane Closures For Memorial Day Weekend
Chestnut Ridge Natural Area Preserve Doubles In Size
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation-Richmond
A Virginia natural area preserve near the West Virginia border featuring old-growth forests has doubled in size with funding support from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has expanded Chestnut Ridge Natural Area Preserve by purchasing 775 acres of land, bringing the size of this preserve in Giles and Bland counties to 1,596 acres.
“With this expansion of Chestnut Ridge Natural Area Preserve, we are protecting core forest habitat for native plants, natural communities and animals in the Central Appalachian region,” said DCR Director Matthew Wells. “This addition also protects a ConserveVirginia land conservation priority, including a scenic corridor and 1.5 miles of riparian forest along Dry Fork, a native trout stream.”
Virginia’s natural area preserve system was established to protect habitats for rare plants and animals as well as the state’s best examples of natural communities. A natural community is an assemblage of native plants and animals that occurs repeatedly on the landscape under similar ecological conditions.
The original Chestnut Ridge preserve has an outstanding example of a Central Appalachian Chestnut Oak-Northern Red Oak forest with old-growth characteristics including individual trees over 300 years old. Two additional natural communities have been documented on the newly acquired portions of the Chestnut Ridge preserve, both of which are among the best of their types in Virginia. These include Central Appalachian Montane Oak-Hickory Forest Central and a globally and state imperiled Central Appalachian Mountain Pond.
“Our protection work to expand the amount of forest land and natural communities in and around Chestnut Ridge will go a long way to ensuring that the existing old-growth forests in the heart of the natural area preserve remain undisturbed and resilient,” said Jason Bulluck, director of the Virginia Natural Heritage Program at DCR, which manages the state’s 66 natural area preserves. “The entire area is classified as an ‘outstanding’ ecological core – the highest possible ranking in the Virginia Natural Landscape Assessment.”
The preserve, originally 233 acres, was established in 2006 with an open space easement and natural area deed of dedication recorded by the former landowners through a grant from the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation. In 2020, the first preserve expansion occurred through DCR’s purchase of additional forested areas lying to the north and the south.
The name of the preserve is a nod to the American chestnut, a formerly significant component of the forest here. Once an integral part of forests throughout the Appalachian region, this species has been decimated everywhere by the chestnut blight fungus, but, with the development of novel genotypes, may someday be restored across its native range.
As DCR’s ownership began only in 2020, resources have not been made available for public access facilities, parking areas nor established trails on the property.
Funds for the latest acquisition were awarded through VOF’s Forest Community Opportunities for Restoration and Enhancement (CORE) Fund, which was established to mitigate for forest fragmentation caused by the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
Three Ridges Touring Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant
Nelson County, Virginia
Three Ridges Touring, a premier outdoor guide company based in Nelson County, Virginia, has received a $4,230 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Marketing Leverage Program (MLP) for its “Find Your Adventure” marketing program. This award is part of more than $3.2 million in grants given by VTC to 236 local and regional tourism marketing programs across Virginia to increase visitation and revenue for the state’s localities through tourism.
Travel confidence is increasing in this post-pandemic era. As a result, more couples and families are seeking unique and memorable experiences in the mountains. Three Ridges Touring specializes in curated outdoor tours tailored to clients’ ideal adventure, whether they seek thrills, restorative connections, or grounding experiences. Clients can choose from hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and backroad bike touring adventures designed for their skills and needs. Three Ridges Touring operates under permits with the US National Forest Service and National Park Service/Blue Ridge Parkway to provide clients with an unparalleled experience where adventure knows no bounds.
Three Ridges Touring Owner and Lead Guide Laura Wolf is passionate about sharing outdoor experiences with adventure seekers. “I find joy in the simplicity of being out in nature, and I’m dedicated to helping others experience that same sense of wonder and connection.” With extensive knowledge of the local landscape and a team of expert guides, Three Ridges Touring is committed to unforgettable experiences that showcase the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Three Ridges Touring is taking adventure to new heights by partnering with Love Ridge Mountain Lodging and The Indigo House B&B. “Together, we are elevating the outdoor experience and creating unforgettable memories in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains that will last a lifetime,” says Wolf of the partnership.
Nelson County Director of Economic Development and Tourism notes, “Three Ridges Touring is a valuable partner of Nelson Tourism. Laura participated in the Drive Outdoor strategic planning with Virginia Tourism Corporation and continues to help the County expand its presence in the outdoor recreation industry by helping families find their adventure.”
Virginia entities partner to apply for funding using the hub and spoke tourism partnership model. Partners may include Virginia cities, towns, counties, convention, and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other tourism-related businesses. “VTC’s tourism marketing and sponsorship programs are designed to increase visitor spending by leveraging limited marketing dollars, to stimulate new tourism marketing through partnerships, and to extend the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand to drive visitation,” said Rita McClenny, VTC President and CEO. More information on VTC’s Marketing Leverage and Regional Marketing Programs can be found at vatc.org/grants.
Wild Virginia Hosts Webinar – First Wildlife Corridor Action Plan
We are pleased to invite you to join us on Thursday, May 18th for a webinar highlighting Virginia’s first Wildlife Corridor Action Plan. This event is free and open to the public, with a runtime of 6:30-7:30pm EDT. Tickets can be reserved on Eventbrite.
The release of Virginia’s first Wildlife Corridor Action Plan is a huge step toward mitigation of animal-vehicle collision rates, which are among the highest in the nation. But what does the document entail? At this event, Wild Virginia will be joined by Amy Golden of the Virginia Department of Transportation for an in-depth look at the plan—what it contains, what it means for habitat connectivity, and how its release can serve as a springboard for future efforts to lower the rate of collisions and increase safety for wildlife and people alike.
As an active resource for helping interested parties understand the WCAP and implement informed protection efforts, Wild Virginia is hosting the webinar as a first step toward making wildlife corridors safer for everyone involved. The webinar will be an overview and thorough breakdown of the contents of the plan, which will form a guideline that can be cited in reference to the specific needs of various regions and groups within Virginia. Wild Virginia will remain involved to offer technical support to these groups, so that individualized solutions can be designed based on specific data and infrastructure.
Wild Virginia is a proud partner of the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative, which aims to protect people and wildlife by reducing animal-vehicle conflicts and improving safe wildlife passage through the sharing of research, expertise, and solutions. This collaborative supported the initial passage of the bill enabling the WCAP, and is committed to following through to capitalize upon the momentum of the plan’s release.
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Wild Virginia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is protecting and connecting your favorite wild places. We educate citizens, landowners, and other stakeholders about threats to our forests through hikes, outings and events. We advocate for the connectivity and integrity of Virginia’s forests and waters. We influence decision makers by mobilizing citizens. Our three main campaigns are outings & education, water & energy, and habitat & connectivity. Become a member today! By joining Wild Virginia, you add your voice to hundreds of other Virginians speaking out to protect our wild places.
Summer Music Events To Be Held At Virginia State Parks
Enjoy music surrounded by the beauty of nature.
From Virginia State Parks:
Virginia State Parks will have music series this summer that will include bluegrass, jazz, gospel, country, rock and roll, symphony and contemporary. Each location has a variety of music throughout the year so there is something that everyone can enjoy.
Treat yourself to the music series available at the following five Virginia State Park locations this year:
- Belle Isle State Park features Music by the River
- Hungry Mother State Park features Music in the Park
- Pocahontas State Park features Pocahontas Premieres
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park features Ray Judd’s Music in the Park
- Westmoreland State Park features Music on the Cliffs
“Westmoreland’s Music on the Cliffs is a chance for the Friends group to showcase local musical talent that covers a range of genres,” said Westmoreland State Park Manager Steve Davis. “This event has become a must attend series for many people, especially the local residents, because they look forward to enjoying good music as they gaze at the Potomac River from the top of Horsehead Cliffs.”
“Our summer concert series is presented by the Friends of Hungry Mother State Park and all proceeds benefit the park through their projects,” said Hungry Mother State Park Manager Andrew Philpot. “These artists, both individuals and small groups, are wonderful to hear and we host a variety of different music to keep things fresh every week. Plus, you can’t beat the amazing lake view combined with music that is sure to make you feel good.”
“Country and bluegrass music are rooted in this area of Virginia,” said Smith Mountain Lake State Park Manager Brain Heft. “Our Friends Group has been sponsoring these events for over 20 years. It is a great opportunity for our guests to enjoy an evening looking out over Smith Mountain Lake, listening to this traditional music, watching, and even participating in clogging. We hope you join us for these fun concerts.”
In addition to the music series, there are concerts, festivals and music camps taking place at several Virginia State Park locations this year. These events are a great way to get outdoors and connect with nature, friends and family while enjoying rhythmic music.
Most series run from May until October and begin at 6 p.m. or later. Some concerts are free, and some concerts require a ticket purchase, but parking fees are required at all park locations upon entry. You don’t have to camp to enjoy the series, but camping is a great way to enjoy the music at night and explore the park during the day.
Each park location offers a unique view for the summer concerts so be sure to check out at least one of the many music series available this year. Find more Virginia State Park music events here.
VDOT : Routine Traffic Alerts For Week Of May 8-12
LYNCHBURG DISTRICT TRAFFIC ALERT May 8-14, 2023
May 4, 2023 LYN-23-18
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. Starting May 1, 2022 and est. comp. May 18, 2023.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Buckingham County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Amherst County:
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. NOTE: On Tuesday, 5/8, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., the contractor will be placing pavement and line marking. Expect delays. State Police will be on site to 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:
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.) until approximately June 23, 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. Estimated completion July 14, 2024.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Pittsylvania County:
Route 29B in the Town of Chatham – Sidewalk replacement beginning May 8, 2023 and continuing until approximately May 26, 2023. Expect sidewalk closures and lane closures. 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.
Route 460 at Intersection of Route 307 – Milling and paving expected nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting May 7, 2023 continuing until May 12, 2023. A detour of Route 460 westbound will occur on the nights of May 7 and May 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night. Motorists will be routed around the closure using Route 617 (Sayler’s Creek Road) and Route 307 (Holly Farms Road).
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VDOT : LYNCHBURG DISTRICT TRAFFIC ALERT April 24-30, 2023
LYNCHBURG DISTRICT TRAFFIC ALERT April 24-30, 2023
April 21, 2023 LYN-23-16
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.
RED FLAG WARNING : High Wildfire Danger Today For Most Of Blue Ridge : 4.18.23
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.
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.
