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Winter Storm Creates Havoc Across Area

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Central Virginia Blue Ridge

As predicted a major winter storm began moving though the area early Tuesday morning. Heavy snowfall combined with sleet and freezing rain made travel hazardous all across the area. To the south in in Southwestern Virginia a major ice storm plunged more than 100,000 people into the dark from downed trees and broken power poles.

A closer look at one of the semis that lost control attempting to go over the mountain and through Brents Gap Tuesday afternoon, February 11, 2025


Above, (updated) as of Thursday AEP crews were still dealing with extensive ice damage to the power grid in SW Virginia counties.

Of course with all of the snow and ice, Virginia State Police were busy working accidents.
“The winter storm that moved into Virginia Tuesday continues to impact the Commonwealth; however, the number of crashes has slowed this afternoon.

Since midnight on Feb. 11, 2025, (as of 4 p.m. on Feb. 12, 2025), there have been 951 crashes statewide, including 95 with reported injuries.  There have been no fatalities.

In the Virginia State Police’s Appomattox Division, covering much of central/western Virginia (Staunton, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, South Boston), there have been 121 crashes, eight of which had reported injuries.”

Varying amounts of snow fell but generally in the Central Virginia area amounts ranged from 8″ to around 1 foot.

Photo Bu Yvette Stafford : In spite of the headaches caused from the storm, it left some beautiful scenes across the area like this one in Roseland, Virginia of Nelson County.

Warmer temps are on the way that will melt a lot of the snow, followed by heavy rains over the coming weekend.

Another round of winter weather and cold temps are on the way for next week!

VSP : 11 AM Crash Update Across Area

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From VSP Richmond:

“The winter storm that moved into Virginia overnight continues to impact the Commonwealth.
Since midnight tonight (as of 11 a.m. on Feb. 11, 2025), there have been 73 crashes, with a reported four injuries.  There have been no fatalities.
In the Virginia State Police’s Appomattox Division, covering much of western/central Virginia (including Charlottesville, Staunton, Lynchburg, and South Boston), there have been 7 crashes with no reported injuries.
Virginia State Police continue to encourage drivers to stay off the roads during the storm and allow the Virginia Department of Transportation and other emergency crews more space to work.

If you must travel, drivers are reminded to do the following:

• Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
• Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
• Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.
• Buckle Up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.
• Check Your Vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
• Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.

For the latest in road conditions and updates, please call 511 on a cell phone or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at www.511virginia.org [511virginia.org].

Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Coordinator
Virginia State Police”

Weather Bulletin : Winter Storm Warning For Most Of Area Tuesday (2.11.25) Into Wednesday AM

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Central Virginia Blue Ridge

WINTER STORM WARNING
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
248 AM EST Mon Feb 10 2025

Augusta-Rockingham-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Orange-
Spotsylvania-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-Northern Virginia
Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Western Pendleton-Eastern
Pendleton-
248 AM EST Mon Feb 10 2025

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TUESDAY TO 7 AM EST
WEDNESDAY…

* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow
accumulations between 4 and 6 inches and ice accumulations up to
two tenths of an inch.

* WHERE…Portions of central, northwest, and western Virginia and
eastern West Virginia.

* WHEN…From 10 AM Tuesday to 7 AM EST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning
commutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
437 AM EST Mon Feb 10 2025

Botetourt-Rockbridge-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-
Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-
Including the cities of Lexington, South Boston, Fincastle,
Bedford, Appomattox, Keysville, Buena Vista, Danville, Lynchburg,
Amherst, and Martinsville
437 AM EST Mon Feb 10 2025

…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TUESDAY TO NOON
EST WEDNESDAY…

* WHAT…Heavy mixed winter precipitation expected. Total snow and
sleet accumulations 3 to 6 inches and ice accumulations up to two
tenths of an inch possible. Locally higher ice amount along the
Blue Ridge.

* WHERE…Portions of southwest Virginia.

* WHEN…From 6 AM Tuesday to noon EST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS…Numerous power outages and tree damage are likely due to
the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. Power outages may last
multiple days. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday
morning and evening commutes and the Wednesday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is
winterized and in good working order.

Joe Thomas Returns To Broadcast Radio In Mornings After Court Battle

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Staunton
Augusta County, Virginia

Back in April of 2024 we told you about Joe Thomas being shown the door at his former radio station in Charlottesville. He’d been on-air there for well over a decade. At the time Thomas had purchased a trio of stations in nearby Crozet, Staunton and Harrisonburg. The talk radio station group has been branded as The New WTON Radio.

The owners of the station group in Charlottesville filed court action against Thomas to stop him from airing his popular morning show Joe Thomas In The Morning. The judge in the case issued a temporary injunction preventing the show from airing on regular AM-FM radio in the mornings, but allowed it to to continue on streaming services and a replay in the afternoons over broadcast radio.

This week, that all ends. Below, a release Joe sent us late Sunday night.

“Where did Joe go?” That’s the question that many of Joe Thomas’ longtime radio listeners have asked since an injunction was imposed keeping him off his 101.1fm transmitter in the Albemarle/Nelson County area. That injunction expires on Tuesday, February 11th and Joe’s morning show will return LIVE to the Charlottesville and Waynesboro listening areas as well as Staunton on the flagship 1240am and in Harrisonburg on 98.9fm at 5am on the 12th!

“We’ve been here all along on the station’s web stream but boy it will be good to be back on the air!” Thomas said, “A few things have changed in the past 6 months,” he added. “Not the least of which is a new network affiliation on the Talk Media Network bringing the show to 100 cities from Norfolk to San Francisco!”

Charlottesville Radio?
Never say never,” Said Thomas, “but if the listeners want us back, they know what a grassroots campaign can lead to. Just ask the guy in the White House. So call your favorite station and ask them to put us on!”

BRL’s forecaster Tommy Stafford is the weather voice of the three stations in Crozet, Staunton and Harrisonburg on the hour and half hour.

Here’s a direct link to the live streaming version if you aren’t near an AM-FM off air broadcast.

Freezing Rain Causes Some Issues

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Central Virginia Blue Ridge
Near Waynesboro, VA

As expected, freezing rain moved in overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning. Though it didn’t created massive headaches there were enough problems to be aggravating.

From our Facebook page, video of VDOT clearing route 250 heading into Waynesboro down Afton Mountain. Thursday – February 6, 2025. (click images above to see video)

Above, on Afton Mountain coming down into Waynesboro along Route 250 traffic was stopped for a bit due to limbs falling into the road.

In addition to the freezing rain folks got an unusual event with thunder and lightning as well.

Numerous power outages were reported in the Waynesboro area due to limbs down on power lines.

As temps warm throughout the afternoon the freezing rain will change to plain rain with temps warming rapidly into the upper 50s by mid afternoon as winds shift to the south.

Winter Weather Advisory (Cancelled) Ice Storm Warning Until Noon Thursday 2.6.25

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WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
137 PM EST Wed Feb 5 2025

District of Columbia-Cecil-Southern Baltimore-Prince Georges-Anne
Arundel-Charles-St. Marys-Calvert-Central and Southeast
Montgomery-Central and Southeast Howard-Southeast Harford-Nelson
Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Orange-Culpeper-Fairfax-Arlington/Falls
Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania-King George-Southern
Fauquier-Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas
Park-
137 PM EST Wed Feb 5 2025

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING
TO 10 AM EST THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet
accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations between a glaze
up to one tenth of an inch.

* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, northeast, northern, and southern
Maryland, and central, northern, and northwest Virginia.

* WHEN…From 9 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Light sleet moves into the area this evening,
then a mix of freezing rain and sleet develops after midnight.
Most of the area will see a mix of sleet and freezing rain through
the night, with rain mixing in along and east of Interstate 95.
Temperatures will warm Thursday morning after sunrise, and
precipitation transitions to rain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road
conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by
calling 5 1 1.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
137 PM EST Wed Feb 5 2025

Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Page-Warren-Central Virginia Blue
Ridge

137 PM EST Wed Feb 5 2025

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING
TO NOON EST THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet
accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations between one
tenth and two tenths of an inch.

* WHERE…Portions of central, northwest, and western Virginia.

* WHEN…From 7 PM this evening to noon EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road
conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday
morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A light mix of freezing rain and sleet will
begin this evening, that transitions to a steady freezing rain
tonight, though sleet likely continues to mix in at times.
Temperatures will warm Thursday morning, and precipitation
transitions to rain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road
conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by
calling 5 1 1.

Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while
driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken
on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and
slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
142 PM EST Wed Feb 5 2025

VAZ019-020-024-060600-
/O.CON.KRNK.WW.Y.0008.000000T0000Z-250206T1200Z/
Alleghany VA-Bath-Rockbridge
Including the cities of Covington, Clifton Forge, Lexington, Hot
Springs, and Buena Vista
142 PM EST Wed Feb 5 2025

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST
THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Freezing rain. Additional ice accumulations up to two
tenths of an inch.

* WHERE…Alleghany VA, Bath, and Rockbridge Counties.

* WHEN…Until 7 AM EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous. Difficult travel conditions are
possible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday
evening and Thursday morning commutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible
power outages. The latest road conditions for the state you are
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while
driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken
on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and
slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

ICE STORM WARNING
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
137 PM EST Wed Feb 5 2025

Garrett-Washington-Extreme Western Allegany-Central and Eastern
Allegany-Frederick VA-Clarke-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge
Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-Western Grant-Eastern
Grant-Western Mineral-Eastern Mineral-
137 PM EST Wed Feb 5 2025

ICE STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO
NOON EST THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Significant icing expected. Total snow and sleet
accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations between two
tenths and three tenths of an inch.

* WHERE…Portions of north central and western Maryland, northwest
Virginia, and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.

* WHEN…From 7 PM this evening to noon EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous. Power outages and tree damage
are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The
hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A light mix of freezing rain and sleet this
evening will transition to a steady freezing rain tonight.
Temperatures will warm Thursday morning, and precipitation
transitions to rain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep an extra
flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Prepare for possible power outages. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is
winterized and in good working order.

VDOT Plans For Approaching Winter Weather

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CULPEPER — The Virginia Department of Transportation is preparing for a winter storm that is forecast to bring sleet and freezing rain to much of western and northwestern Virginia. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of the Piedmont region, where precipitation is predicted to begin Wednesday evening and continue through the morning Thursday. Freezing rain is forecast to cause icy roads during the Thursday morning commuting hours.

Do not travel during this storm. Anyone on the road before the storm arrives on Wednesday should monitor local weather forecasts and road conditions and drive with extreme caution as conditions will deteriorate quickly as air temperatures fall below freezing. Pavement temperatures are also expected to drop, with significant ice accumulations up to one-quarter inch forecast through Thursday morning. Icy conditions will occur first on bridges, overpasses, ramps and in shaded areas.

VDOT is mobilizing resources to prepare for the storm. In the nine counties of the Culpeper District crews will be on duty overnight on Wednesday and will begin spreading salt and sand to improve traction and melt ice after precipitation begins. Since the storm is forecast to begin as rain brine will not be used for this event since the rain will wash it off the road, rendering it ineffective.

Safety and Travel Resources

When winter weather arrives, residents and motorists should plan travel ahead of time, check road conditions,prepare an emergency car kit, follow forecasts and announcements and limit travel based on conditions.

Prior to travel, motorists should visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov, call 511 or check the 511 Virginia mobile app for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions. Remember to check conditions along your entire travel route as conditions may change in other regions of the state.

Local updates about conditions in VDOT’s Culpeper District are posted to X.com/VaDOTCulp and theCulpeper District Facebook page. Visit VDOT’s winter weather page for more information about winter weather preparations and response.

(END)

VDOT’s nine-county Culpeper District includes the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock. The independent city of Charlottesville maintains its own roads.

 

Weather Bulletin : Winter Storm Watch BRP & Skyline (See latest updated alert)

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WINTER STORM WATCH
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
457 AM EST Tue Feb 4 2025

Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
457 AM EST Tue Feb 4 2025

WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING

* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Ice accumulations up to
three tenths of an inch possible. Total snow and sleet
accumulations of less than an inch, with localized amounts up to 1
inch possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE…Central Virginia Blue Ridge and Northern Virginia Blue
Ridge.

* WHEN…From Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.

* IMPACTS…Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous. Power outages and tree damage
are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The
hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening and
Thursday morning commutes.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Precipitation likely begins as sleet
Wednesday morning, though it could mix with freezing rain at
times. Sleet and freezing rain mix Wednesday afternoon, eventually
becoming a steady freezing rain Wednesday night. The highest ice
accumulation is expected along the eastern facing slopes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is
winterized and in good working order.

Zone Forecast Product
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
632 AM EST Tue Feb 4 2025

Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Including the city of Wintergreen
632 AM EST Tue Feb 4 2025

WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING

.TODAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. Northwest winds 15 to
20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.TONIGHT…Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming mostly
cloudy. Cooler with lows in the upper 20s. North winds 10 to
15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, becoming east around 5 mph after
midnight.
.WEDNESDAY…Cloudy with a chance of freezing rain. A slight
chance of sleet in the morning, then a chance of sleet in the
afternoon. Ice accumulation around a trace. Much cooler with
highs in the lower 30s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of
precipitation 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Freezing rain likely in the evening, then
freezing rain and rain after midnight. Lows in the mid 20s.
Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Chance of
precipitation near 100 percent.
.THURSDAY…Rain and freezing rain likely in the morning, then
partly sunny in the afternoon. Not as cool with highs in the mid
50s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance
of precipitation 70 percent.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain.
Lows in the lower 40s.
.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 50s.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain, freezing
rain, snow and sleet. Lows in the lower 30s. Chance of
precipitation 50 percent.
.SATURDAY…Sleet, freezing rain likely with a chance of rain.
Highs around 40. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…Rain likely with a chance of sleet. Lows in the
mid 30s. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.
.SUNDAY…Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain. Highs in the mid
50s. Temperature falling into the mid 40s in the afternoon.
Chance of rain 50 percent.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.
.MONDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

Increased Fire Danger For Part Of The Area : Tuesday 1.28.25 (EXPIRED)

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INCREASED FIRE DANGER
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1014 AM EST Tue Jan 28 2025

Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Orange-Culpeper-Stafford-
Spotsylvania-King George-Southern Fauquier-
Including the cities of Lovingston, Charlottesville,
Stanardsville, Madison, Orange, Gordonsville, Culpeper, Falmouth,
Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, and Turnbull
1014 AM EST Tue Jan 28 2025

…INCREASED FIRE DANGER FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA
TODAY…

Relative humidities will drop to around 25 to 35 percent this
afternoon. Sustained west to northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph,
with gusts to 20 to 30 mph are expected. Due to dry conditions
from the lack of recent precipitation, there is an increased risk
for the spread of wildfires. Fuel moistures of 10 to 15 percent
can be expected.

Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities whether
you may burn outdoors. If you do burn outside, use extreme
caution. For Virginia, burning information can be found at
dof.virginia.gov.

Albemarle : VSP Investigating Fatal Plane Crash

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Monocan Drive East
Albemarle County, Virginia

From Virginia State Police:

“Virginia State Police is investigating a small plane crash that occurred today (Jan. 25, 2025) at approximately 12:51 p.m. in a wooded area off of Monacan Drive East in Albemarle County.
There is one reported fatality.

State police are in the process of notifying next of kin.

The flight originated from Rockingham, N.C.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified.

Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Coordinator
Virginia State Police”

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