Traffic will detour using Goodloe Lane and Old Turnpike Road, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
VDOT CULPEPER DISTRICT
Route 151 (Critzer Shop Road) in northwestern Nelson County will be closed overnight on Wednesday just south of its intersection with U.S. 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike). The closure will complete the installation of three temporary stream diversion pipes for the roundabout project at the intersection.
Route 151 will close to traffic between U.S. 250 and Route 803 (Goodloe Lane) from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday. During the detour, flaggers and signs will direct motorists onto Goodloe Lane and Route 795 (Old Turnpike Road). The traffic will alternate directions with flow controlled by the flaggers. The flaggers will give emergency vehicles priority along the detour route.
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 Culpeper District’s Twitter account, @VaDOTCulp.
Via NWS : Wind advisories in effect Saturday afternoon across parts of the Blue Ridge along with an increased risk of wildfires. Click on our alerts page (here) for latest updates across the region.
WIND ADVISORY
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
147 AM EST Sat Feb 19 2022
Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Page-Warren-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Including the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft,
Harrisonburg, Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market,
Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal, Big Meadows,
and Wintergreen
147 AM EST Sat Feb 19 2022
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 PM EST
THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, mainly for elevations above 1500 feet.
* WHERE…Central Virginia Blue Ridge and Northern Virginia Blue
Ridge, and Page, Augusta, Shenandoah, Rockingham and Warren
Counties.
* WHEN…From noon today to 7 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may
result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
250 AM EST Sat Feb 19 2022
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-
Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt- Rockbridge-Bedford-Amherst-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Boone, 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, Bedford, Amherst,
Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Alderson, Quinwood, Duo,
and Rainelle
250 AM EST Sat Feb 19 2022
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST
THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.
* WHERE…Portions of southwest Virginia, northwest North
Carolina and southeast West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 AM this morning to 6 PM EST this evening.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs and weaker trees could be blown down and a few power
outages may result.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
643 AM EST Sat Feb 19 2022
District of Columbia-Frederick MD-Carroll-Northern Baltimore-
Cecil-Southern Baltimore-Prince Georges-Anne Arundel-Charles-
St. Marys-Calvert-Northwest Montgomery-
Central and Southeast Montgomery-Northwest Howard-
Central and Southeast Howard-Northwest Harford-Southeast Harford- Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-Fairfax-
Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western Loudoun-
Eastern Loudoun-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge–
Including the cities of Washington, Frederick, Ballenger Creek,
Eldersburg, Westminster, Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Elkton,
Baltimore, 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, Germantown,
Damascus, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring,
Lisbon, Columbia, Ellicott City, Jarrettsville, Aberdeen,
Lovingston, Charlottesville, Stanardsville, Madison, Orange,
Gordonsville, Culpeper, Dale City, Manassas, Woodbridge,
Lake Ridge, Montclair, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville,
Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria,
Falls Church, Falmouth, Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, Warrenton,
Turnbull, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Big Meadows,
and Wintergreen
643 AM EST Sat Feb 19 2022
…INCREASED FIRE DANGER IS EXPECTED SATURDAY AFTERNOON…
Gusty winds are expected this afternoon across much of the area.
Low relative humidities are forecast during this time as well,
with values below 30 percent. While some areas had rain in the
last 24 to 48 hours, windy conditions and low humidity on Friday
will have dried out fuels across the area. All of these factors
combined will result in an elevated risk for the spread of fires
this afternoon.
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.
Via NWS : Some parts of the Central Virginia Blue Ridge are at an increased risk if fire on Saturday. Click the image above to see the latest alerts from NWS.
INCREASED FIRE DANGER IS EXPECTED SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
152 PM EST Fri Feb 18 2022
District of Columbia-Frederick MD-Carroll-Northern Baltimore-
Cecil-Southern Baltimore-Prince Georges-Anne Arundel-Charles-
St. Marys-Calvert-Northwest Montgomery-
Central and Southeast Montgomery-Northwest Howard-
Central and Southeast Howard-Northwest Harford-Southeast Harford-
Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-Fairfax-
Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western Loudoun-
Eastern Loudoun-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Including the cities of Washington, Frederick, Ballenger Creek,
Eldersburg, Westminster, Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Elkton,
Baltimore, 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, Germantown,
Damascus, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring,
Lisbon, Columbia, Ellicott City, Jarrettsville, Aberdeen,
Lovingston, Charlottesville, Stanardsville, Madison, Orange,
Gordonsville, Culpeper, Dale City, Manassas, Woodbridge,
Lake Ridge, Montclair, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville,
Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria,
Falls Church, Falmouth, Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, Warrenton,
Turnbull, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Big Meadows,
and Wintergreen
152 PM EST Fri Feb 18 2022
...INCREASED FIRE DANGER IS EXPECTED SATURDAY AFTERNOON...
Gusty winds are expected Saturday afternoon across much of the
area. Low relative humidities are forecast during this time as
well, with values below 30 percent. While some areas had rain in
the last 24 hours, windy conditions and low humidity on Friday
will have dried out fuels across the area. All of these factors
combined will result in an elevated risk for the spread of fires
Saturday afternoon.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during this time. Please
refer to tour local burn permitting authority on whether you can
burn. If you do burn, use extreme caution and ensure fire
suppression is readily available.
“After 24 years of exceptionally dedicated service, Nelson County Administrator, Stephen Carter will be retiring as of July 31, 2022.
“During his tenure, Mr. Carter has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Board of Supervisors and the County’s citizens, for which the Board is eternally grateful”, says Board of Supervisors Chair, Jesse Rutherford.
Mr. Carter began his employment as County Administrator in August of 1998 and has dedicated himself to the betterment of the County ever since. A few of the many initiatives completed during his time as Administrator include: Construction of two elementary schools and Middle school and renovation of the High School along with ongoing significant funding for Nelson County Public Schools, implementation of the Countywide 911 Street Address/Signage program, Construction of a new judicial and law enforcement wing and renovation of the existing Courthouse spaces to comply with current security and technology standards; Construction of the Piney River Water & Sewer project, Completion of the Blue Ridge Railway Trail, including restoration of a Historic Depot Building, Completion of the Nelson Memorial Library addition and renovation project, Facilitation of a significant grant to expand the Blue Ridge Medical Center; providing for a dental clinic, facilitation of a significant grant to rehabilitate the Old Ryan Elementary School into apartments, Facilitation of the establishment of the Lovingston, Schuyler, Afton-Greenwood, South Rockfish Valley, and Norwood-Wingina Historic Districts, Construction and opening of the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail as a regional attraction, working for 20+ years to obtain grants to complete the project, Facilitation of high speed fiber internet in the County through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Grant funding, which primarily funded the construction of a middle mile fiber backbone network including several towers for wireless internet deployment in unserved and underserved areas of the County, Fostering of the County’s flourishing tourism industry, making the County less reliant on property tax revenues, Establishment of the County’s Parks and Recreation Department, Establishment of Nelson County as the first Virginia Tourism Corporation accredited rural tourism program in the Commonwealth, Implementation of a Paid EMS program to supplement the volunteer EMS agencies; increasing service delivery within the County while offsetting costs with a revenue recovery component, Facilitation of ongoing significant funding for Emergency Services vehicles for volunteer fire and EMS agencies, Streamlining of the solid waste & recycling collection system; establishing staffed sites and membership in the Region 2000 Services Authority, Establishment of the Colleen Business Park and other economic development initiatives, Securing VDOT grant funding for multiple highway safety improvement projects, Implementation of significant emergency services radio and microwave system upgrades, Establishment of Nelson County as one of the top fiscally managed counties in VA per the State Auditor of Public Accounts, 2017 Report, The ongoing provision of outstanding leadership during the Covid-19 Pandemic, and Facilitation of the Covid-19 Personal Property and Machinery and Tools Tax Relief initiative, which provided tax relief of $2,905,557 to the citizens and businesses of Nelson County in 2020.
Additionally, Mr. Carter provided exceptional representation of the County on various regional Boards such as: The Region 2000 Services Board, the Albemarle, Charlottesville Regional Jail Board, and the Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development Board.
Board Chair, Jesse Rutherford states “While the Board and the County will miss Mr. Carter’s steadfast leadership tremendously, we hope he enjoys a happy and healthy retirement with his family. A search will begin for his replacement with the Board’s goal being to retain someone of Mr. Carter’s caliber, who will continue to implement the Board’s vision for the County moving forward.”
Photo Via VSP : A tractor trailer came to rest in the trees off the shoulder after a collision on Route 29 SB February 11, 2022. The crash between the semi and a the driver of a Dodge Charger caused a lengthy shutdown of Route 29 and other nearby highways.
Verbatim release from VSP below:
“Virginia State Police Trooper L.G. Pingley is investigating a two-vehicle crash in Nelson County. The crash occurred Feb. 11, 2022 at 1 p.m. on Route 29 less than a mile south of Route 776.
A 2020 Dodge Charger was traveling south on Route 29 when it lost control and ran off the left side of the highway. The Dodge went into the median, became airborne, re-entered the southbound lanes and struck the side of a tractor-trailer. The impact of that crash caused the Dodge to overturn several times and finally come to rest in the median. Meanwhile, the tractor-trailer ran off the right side of the highway and struck several trees.
Photo by VSP : The Dodge Charger involved in the crash came to rest in the median. February 11, 2022
The driver of the Dodge, Sheldon C. Anderson, 34, of Lynchburg, Va., was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the car. He was transported to UVA Medical Center for treatment of serious, but non-life threatening, injuries.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, Richard D. Crowley, 58, of Reidsville, N.C., was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital for treatment of serious, but non-life threatening, injuries. He was wearing a seatbelt.
The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.
Thanks,
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”
Via VDOF : Virginia’s annual Burn Ban takes effect from February 15th until April 30th.
Virginia’s 4 PM Burning Law is in effect from February 15 through April 30 each year. It is important to note that some localities may have even more restrictive regulations on outdoor burning than the state’s 4 PM Burning Law. All burners are encouraged to check with their locality before starting any outdoor burning.
The 4 PM Burning Law bans open-air burning prior to 4:00 p.m. if the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which could carry fire to the woods. Burning is allowed between 4:00 p.m. and midnight as long as the burner takes proper precautions and attends the fire at all times.
It is critical that burners take precautions before using fire, as there may be legal and financial implications. Even if a person takes all proper precautions and obtains any locally required permits, whoever started the fire is responsible for suppressions costs should the fire escape. Violation of the 4 PM Burning Law is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500.
Reason for the 4 PM Burning Law
Debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires, closely followed by intentionally set or “arson” fires. The 4 PM Burning Law was adopted during the 1940s to reduce the number of wildfires which occurred each spring, when Virginia has traditionally seen an increased number of fires.
Fires are more likely during late winter and early spring because winds are usually elevated, the relative humidity is lower, and the fuels on the forest floor are extremely dry, having “cured” all winter without the shade of tree leaves. After 4:00 p.m., winds usually calm down and the relative humidity levels rise, both of which reduce the potential for a debris fire or any outdoor open-air fire to escape.
Open-Air Burning
The 4 PM Burning Law applies to open-air burning, which means any outdoor fire that is not covered and/or contained within non-flammable barriers.
For example, a typical campfire is considered an open-air fire. However, an open-air fire MAY be acceptable if it meets the following criteria: it is completely contained within a ring of rocks, cinderblocks, metal ring, or a similar device and is covered by a ¼ inch or smaller metal screen.
If these criteria are met, the fire still must be attended at all times, and all flammable material should be cleared from a 20-foot area around the fire. Campers must also have ready access to water, rake and shovel.
Fires built in commercially-available chimineas or fire pits with a ¼-inch or smaller metal screen are not considered open-air fires and are therefore legal, IF they are in good condition to prevent the spread of fire to surrounding areas. Check with local authorities and/or VDOF with any concerns or questions.
Exemptions to the 4 PM Burning Law
This law does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired barbeque grills. Users are still encouraged to take proper care and precaution by clearing all flammable material from around the grill, and stay with it until it is completely extinguished or turned off.
If burning operations are greater than 300 feet from the woods or flammable grass/vegetation that would allow the fire to spread to the woods, the 4 PM Burning Law does not apply. Otherwise, there are few exceptions to the 4 PM Burning Law.
However, Certified Prescribed Burn Managers can apply for exemption permits to complete specific types of burning during the restricted period.
“At 6:54 p.m. on Saturday (Feb. 12), Virginia State Police responded to a crash involving a pedestrian on Route 608 just west of Route 610.
A 2011 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling west on Route 608 when it struck a pedestrian walking in the travel lane. The pedestrian was walking with traffic and not wearing any reflective clothing.
The pedestrian, Cynthia S. McConkie, 64, of Stuarts Draft, Va., died at the scene.
The driver of the Malibu was uninjured. The crash remains under investigation.
—
Shelby Crouch
Public Relations Coordinator
Virginia State Police”
Photo By Yvette Stafford : The late Ted Hughes in a photo shoot we did in our April 2019 issue about Mr. Hughes Buggy Works in Amherst County.
Amherst / Nelson County
Near Piney River, Virginia
By Tommy Stafford
Of the thousands of stories we covered over 16 years in the print edition of Blue Ridge Life Magazine, (previously Nelson County Life Magazine) a few people really stick out. You don’t forget them. Ted Hughes is one of those people. Like many of you, we recently learned of Ted’s passing just a few days ago on February 9th.
Mr. Hughes was one of our absolute favorite people. An icon for sure. If it was any kind of a craftsmanship or restoration, Mr. Hughes was a part of it.
Photo By BRL Mountain Photographer Paul Purpura : Back in July 2015 Mr. Hughes (R) was big time busy in assisting with the placement and restoration of an authentic caboose in Piney River at the trail head. It was one of his pet projects that stands today for visitors to see.To read our entire story on Mr. Hughes early days of the caboose project in Piney River click on the image above. Jennie Tal Williams wrote that August 2015 story and Paul Purpura photographed it.
People living in and near Piney River, Virginia can tell you far more about Mr. Hughes than we can. But for the short decade or so we got to know him, we can say there was no better person, no more gracious human than Ted Hughes.
Just 3 short years ago Yvette wrote and shot this story on Mr. Hughes restoration shop just over the line in Amherst County, Virginia. To see our April 2019 story click on the image above.
As far back as October 2013, Lynn (Backroads Magazine) Coffey who was writing for us in those days, did a story about Mr. Hughes. He was a fascinating man, indeed. Lynn went on to include Mr. Hughes in one of her many books about living in the Blue Ridge. He was featured in her book call Appalachian Heart. Click on the image above to read Lynn’s story from our October 2013 edition.And here’s yet another story we did on Mr. Hughes back in 2013. Writer/Photographer Marcie Gates did one of the first stories about him that ever appeared in our magazine. Click on the image above to read Marcie’s fantastic look at Mr. Hughes.
We could go on all day about Mr. Hughes. As you can see from the stories above we thought a lot of him. So do the people that knew him best. His family, his friends, his Piney River and Amherst community.
We will miss you Mr. Ted Hughes. This area won’t be the same without you in it. But every time I pass the caboose on the side of the road at the Piney River Trailhead, I will always remember you and smile. Thank you for making the Blue Ridge a much better place.
Via NWS : A WINTER STORM WARNING remains in effect until Sunday afternoon for areas along and immediately west of the Blue Ridge Parkway. (This includes Wintergreen Resort) Winter Weather Advisories, elsewhere. Click our alerts page for the latest updates
WINTER STORM WARNING
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC 809 AM EST Sun Feb 13 2022 Augusta-Central Virginia Blue Ridge- (Including Wintergreen) 809 AM EST Sun Feb 13 2022 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with up to 8 inches locally. * WHERE...Central Virginia Blue Ridge, and Augusta County. * WHEN...Until 4 PM EST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heaviest accumulations will be on non- paved surfaces. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury. Additional winter weather products including advisories can be viewed by clicking here.
Via NWS : Expected snowfall totals for the area through Sunday afternoon. A couple of small pockets in the 6-8″ range are possible. Check our alerts page for the absolute latest updates from NWS. Currents alerts are also shown at the top of he home page in red.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
350 AM EST Sat Feb 12 2022
Augusta-Nelson-Central Virginia Blue Ridge- (Including Wintergreen
& Montebello)
350 AM EST Sat Feb 12 2022
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6
inches is expected, with locally up to 8 inches possible.
* WHERE...Augusta and Nelson Counties, and Central Virginia Blue
Ridge.
* WHEN...From late tonight through Sunday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Plan on hazardous travel due to the potential for
accumulating snow on roadways.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation arrives before midnight as a
rain/snow mix before becoming all snow during the overnight
hours. Snow could become heavy at times Sunday morning.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
&&
$$
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
341 AM EST Sat Feb 12 2022
VAZ024-035-121800-
/O.NEW.KRNK.WS.A.0003.220213T0600Z-220213T1800Z/
Rockbridge-Amherst-
Including the cities of Lexington, Buena Vista, and Amherst
341 AM EST Sat Feb 12 2022
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5
inches possible.
* WHERE...Rockbridge and Amherst Counties.
* WHEN...From late tonight through early Sunday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Travel could become difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Light to occasionally moderate snow will
develop after midnight tonight continuing through Sunday morning
as colder air moves into the region while low pressure moves
northward near the southeast and Mid-Atlantic coast. Snow
accumulations in the valleys will generally be 2-4 inches while
along the Blue Ridge near the Rockbridge/Amherst County line and
along the Rockbridge/Bath/Alleghany County line snowfall amounts
of 3 to 5 inches will be possible.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant
snow...sleet...or ice accumulations that may impact travel.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of
weather information for the latest updates. Additional details
can be found at www.weather.gov/blacksburg.
