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RED FLAG WARNING : High Risk Of Wildfires Today

Tommy
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RED FLAG WARNING : High Risk Of Wildfires Today
A Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 11 AM until 6 PM. During this time there’s a high risk of wildfires across the area.

RED FLAG WARNING
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
328 AM EST Thu Mar 11 2021

Washington-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-
Clarke-Eastern Highland-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-
Eastern Pendleton-
328 AM EST Thu Mar 11 2021

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST
THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF
NORTHWEST VIRGINIA…EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA…AND WESTERN
MARYLAND…

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 11 AM this morning to 6 PM EST this evening.
The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* WINDS…Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…19 to 25 percent.

* IMPACTS…Critical fire weather conditions are likely to develop
today. All outdoor burning is discouraged, as fires could
rapidly spread and become uncontrollable.

* FUEL MOISTURE…4 to 8 percent for fine fuels.

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. Be careful of heat and sparks
while operating any equipment, and avoid smoking in wildland
areas.

Residents are reminded that open air burning is prohibited before
4 PM in Maryland and Virginia, and before 5 PM in West Virginia.

&&

$$
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
328 AM EST Thu Mar 11 2021

DCZ001-MDZ004>006-011-013-014-016>018-503>507-VAZ036>040-050>057-
501-502-505-506-111630-
/O.UPG.KLWX.FW.A.0001.210311T1700Z-210311T2200Z/
/O.NEW.KLWX.FW.W.0001.210311T1600Z-210311T2300Z/
District of Columbia-Frederick MD-Carroll-Northern Baltimore-
Southern Baltimore-Prince Georges-Anne Arundel-Charles-St. Marys-
Calvert-Northwest Montgomery-Central and Southeast Montgomery-
Northwest Howard-Central and Southeast Howard-Northwest 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-
328 AM EST Thu Mar 11 2021

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EST
THIS EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND GUSTY WINDS FOR MUCH OF CENTRAL
AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA…CENTRAL MARYLAND…AND THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA…

The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has
issued a Red Flag Warning for low humidity and gusty winds, which
is in effect from 11 AM this morning to 6 PM EST this evening.
The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* WINDS…Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…20 to 30 percent.

* IMPACTS…Critical fire weather conditions are likely to develop
today. All outdoor burning is discouraged, as fires could
rapidly spread and become uncontrollable.

* FUEL MOISTURE…5 to 8 percent for fine fuels.

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. Be careful of heat and
sparks while operating any equipment, and avoid smoking in
wildland areas.

Residents are reminded that open air burning is prohibited before
4 PM in Maryland and Virginia.

&&

$$
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
324 AM EST Thu Mar 11 2021

…Very Dry and Breezy Today…

.Southwest winds will increase ahead of an approaching cold
front today. Wind gusts to 30 mph are possible, especially east
of U.S. Highway 29. The combination of gusty winds, low relative
humidity values, and very dry conditions will favor rapid rates of
spread if a wildfire occurs.

VAZ034-035-044>047-058-059-120000-
/O.UPG.KRNK.FW.A.0001.210311T1500Z-210312T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KRNK.FW.W.0001.210311T1500Z-210312T0000Z/
Bedford-Amherst-Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-
Halifax-Charlotte-
324 AM EST Thu Mar 11 2021

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EST
THIS EVENING FOR WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES FOR
SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA…

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Red Flag
Warning for winds and low relative humidity values, which is in
effect from 10 AM this morning to 7 PM EST this evening. The Fire
Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* Affected Area…In Virginia, Fire Weather Zone 034 Bedford,
Fire Weather Zone 035 Amherst, Fire Weather Zone 044
Pittsylvania, Fire Weather Zone 045 Campbell, Fire Weather
Zone 046 Appomattox, Fire Weather Zone 047 Buckingham, Fire
Weather Zone 058 Halifax and Fire Weather Zone 059 Charlotte.

* Timing…Mid morning through this evening.

* Winds…Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Relative Humidity…As low as 22 percent.

* Temperatures…In the mid 70s.

* Impacts…If a wildland fire occurs, expect rapid rates of
spread…control will be difficult.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now….or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
324 AM EST Thu Mar 11 2021

…Very Dry and Breezy Today…

.Southwest winds will increase ahead of an approaching cold
front today. Wind gusts to 30 mph are possible, especially east
of U.S. Highway 29. The combination of gusty winds, low relative
humidity values, and very dry conditions will favor rapid rates of
spread if a wildfire occurs.

VAZ020-024-120000-
/O.NEW.KRNK.FW.W.0001.210311T1500Z-210312T0000Z/
Bath-Rockbridge-
324 AM EST Thu Mar 11 2021

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EST
THIS EVENING FOR WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY VALUES FOR …

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Red Flag
Warning for Rockbridge and Bath Counties, which is in effect from
10 AM this morning to 7 PM EST this evening.

* Affected Area…In Virginia, Fire Weather Zone 020 Bath and
Fire Weather Zone 024 Rockbridge.

* Timing…Mid morning through this evening.

* Winds…Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* Relative Humidity…As low as 23 percent.

* Temperatures…In the upper 60s.

* Impacts…If a wildland fire occurs, expect rapid rates of
spread…control will be difficult.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now….or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Special Weather Statement : RAPID WILDLAND FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL TODAY

Tommy
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Special Weather Statement : RAPID WILDLAND FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL TODAY
File Photo Courtesy of Carole Painter

RAPID WILDLAND FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL TODAY

Garrett-Washington-Frederick MD-Extreme Western Allegany-
Central and Eastern Allegany-Northwest Montgomery-
Central and Southeast Montgomery-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-
Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-Rappahannock-Northern Fauquier-
Western Highland-Eastern Highland-Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-
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, Frederick, Ballenger Creek, Frostburg, Cumberland,
Germantown, Damascus, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg,
Silver Spring, Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft, Harrisonburg,
Strasburg, Woodstock, Mount Jackson, New Market, Winchester,
Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Front Royal, Berryville, Washington,
Warrenton, Hightown, Monterey, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn,
Sterling, 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
1006 AM EST Wed Mar 10 2021

…RAPID WILDLAND FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL TODAY…

Gusty winds and rapidly lowering humidity will result in an
enhanced risk of rapid wildland fire growth today. Humidity will
drop to around 25 percent across most of the region this afternoon,
with sustained winds near 15 mph and gusts in excess of 20 mph.

The combination of gusty winds and low humidity may allow small
fires to rapidly grow if they escape control. Anyone with outdoor
plans involving fire should use extreme caution today.

Humidity will likely be low again on Thursday, with even gustier
winds possible.

Spring Forward This Saturday Night Before Bed : Daylight Saving Time Begins 2AM Sunday

Tommy
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Spring Forward This Saturday Night Before Bed : Daylight Saving Time Begins 2AM Sunday
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 AM Sunday morning, so be sure to set your clock ahead 1 hour at bedtime Saturday night.
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 AM this Sunday morning, so be sure to set your clock ahead 1 hour at bedtime Saturday night.

Central Virginia Blue Ridge

With a few warmer days here and there thoughts are turning to longer days. Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday – March 14th at 2AM.

If you don’t party until that hour, your best bet is to move your clock ahead one hour before turning in on Saturday night. Then you’re all taken care of until when we go back to standard time on Sunday November 7, 2021.

Until then, enjoy those longer, carefree days of summer soon to come!!

VDOT : Nelson County Roads Closed For Crossing Replacement

Tommy
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VDOT : Nelson County Roads Closed For Crossing Replacement

 

Lynchburg, Virginia 

“Five roads in Nelson County will be closed temporarily while Norfolk Southern Railroad (NSRR) replaces crossings. Closures will last up to two days each with traffic being detoured.

On Monday, March 8, 2021, work will begin on River Road (VA route 56) near the Shipman community and will continue north to the Albemarle County line. Closures will also take place on Craigtown Road (state route 639), Mann Lane (state route 817), Rockfish River Road (state route 617) and Mill Pond Road (state route 632).

Message boards, cones and other traffic control devices will alert motorists to the changes in traffic pattern.”

NEWS ALERT : Body Of Alexis Murphy Recovered In 7 Year Old Murder Case

Tommy
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0
NEWS ALERT : Body Of Alexis Murphy Recovered In 7 Year Old Murder Case

Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia

Alexis Murphy would have been 25 years old in June of this year. She never got the chance to see that birthday. Seven years ago we broke the story about the missing teenager in this post.  Eventually Randy Taylor received two life sentences in connection with Alexis’ death, but a body was never recovered.

Today Nelson County Sheriff David Hill and Nelson County’s Commonwealth Attorney Daniel Rutherford confirmed that Alexis’ body has been found.

Verbatim press release from Nelson Sheriff David Hill:

After more than seven years of search efforts, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI’s Richmond Division, and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Appomattox Field Office announce they have located and recovered the remains of missing 17-year old Alexis Tiara Murphy of Nelson County, Virginia.

Alexis went missing on August 3, 2013, after visiting a local gas station in Lovingston, Virginia. Local, state and federal law enforcement pursued multiple leads and conducted numerous searches, at the time, in an effort to locate Alexis. The searches have continued periodically since her disappearance in 2013, with law enforcement expanding the search area each time.

On December 3, 2020, remains were located on private property near Stagebridge Road, along Route 29 in Lovingston. The remains were transported to the Central District Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Richmond for positive identification. Positive identification was received from the OCME on February 5, 2021. With careful consideration for Alexis’ family being paramount, notification to the community was delayed to allow them time to grieve and make proper arrangements.

With the comprehensive investigation, successful prosecution by the Nelson County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and the recovery of Alexis, this case is now no longer active.

Law enforcement did not work this investigation alone. We would like to thank Alexis’ family, friends, classmates, teammates and the community for their continued assistance and patience as we worked to find Alexis.

Alexis’ family has asked for privacy, and does not wish to speak to the media. They have provided the following statement:

“Our family is so grateful for the continuing love, support and prayers for Alexis and our family over the past 7 years. While we have been grieving the loss of Alexis since 2013, we remained hopeful that she would be found alive and well. Alexis was the fashionista, athlete and joker of our family; we were blessed to have loved her for 17 years and her memory will continue to live on through us all. Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude to the citizens of Nelson County, the FBI, the Virginia State Police, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and all of the search and rescue teams for your commitment and unwavering support to find Alexis. You all kept the promise made in 2013, to bring Alexis home!

During this time, we ask that you continue to lift our family up in prayer and in the words of Alexis, ‘Keep Hope Alive’.”

Respectfully,
Family of Alexis Murphy

Nelson County’s Commonwealth Attorney Rutherford also went on in his remarks to recognize and praise the former CA Anthony Martin who was in office during the murder and subsequent prosecution of Randy Taylor.

“I am grateful for the hard work accomplished in the continued search for Alexis. I also want to thank my predecessor Anthony Martin for all of his hard work getting justice for Alexis and her family.”

For days and days the search for Alexis went on and on. Eventually her car was found abandoned in the parking lot of a Charlottesville movie theater.

For years authorities searched for Alexis’ body, but until today’s announcement had been unsuccessful.

Complete archives on our coverage from the last 7 years can be found here. 

 

 

Nelson Co Parks & Recreation Receives Funding for Public Boat Facility on the Rockfish River

Tommy
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Nelson Co Parks & Recreation Receives Funding for Public Boat Facility on the Rockfish River

 

Lovingston / Woods Mill
Nelson County, Virginia

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) today announced awards of $1,946,044 in grants for 33 local projects in 25 localities that create, expand and make more accessible public open space, including one project in Nelson County. The grants were awarded from VOF’s Preservation Trust Fund and its new Get Outdoors program. The latest round of awards emphasizes projects that serve high-need communities, especially communities that have been inadequately served, overlooked, or harmed by unfair zoning, housing, and land-use practices or other systemic discrimination.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a great deal about the importance of open space for not only our physical and mental health, but also for the strength of our communities,” said VOF Executive Director Brett Glymph. “We are pleased to be able to award these grants that will advance projects in communities all across the Commonwealth, resulting in greater, safer, and more equitable access to the outdoors for thousands of Virginians.”

Nelson County Parks and Recreation submitted an application for an easement acquisition to install and maintain a public boat take out and parking lot on a section of the Rockfish River. This will be the first public river access for the Rockfish River, but is also part of a larger blueway program that is planned for the Nelson County Wayside along Route 29 at Woods Mill. The department received a full award for the application of $60,000.

Claire Richardson, director of Nelson County Parks and Recreation notes, “We are thrilled to receive this funding and thankful to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation for sharing our vision and recognizing this need. Nelson County’s incredible amount of outdoor recreational assets benefit both local residents and tourists. Nelson County. Parks and Recreation staff are working to thoughtfully expand outdoor recreation opportunities and this is a positive step. We appreciate the private landowner’s support of the project and also the Virginia Department of Transportation’s assistance to date.”

Created in 1966 by the state legislature, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation has protected more than 850,000 acres of farms, forests, parks, and other open spaces in 111 cities and counties. For a complete list of grant recipients:  https://www.vof.org/2021/02/09/vof-announces-1-9-million-in-grants-for-public-open-space-projects/  Learn more at https://vof.org

Winter Storm Warnings & Advisories Issued For Portions Of The Blue Ridge EXPIRED

Tommy
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Winter Storm Warnings & Advisories Issued For Portions Of The Blue Ridge EXPIRED
A WINTER STORM WARNING has been issued for a lge part of Central Virginia along with various other winter advisories. Click on the image above for the absolute latest info from NWS.

WINTER STORM WARNING
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
310 PM EST Fri Feb 12 2021

Nelson-Albemarle-Central Virginia Blue Ridge (includes Wintergreen Resort-Montebello-Humpback Rocks & Afton Mountain)
310 PM EST Fri Feb 12 2021

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM SATURDAY TO 7 AM EST
SUNDAY…

* WHAT…Significant icing. Total ice accumulations of around a
quarter of an inch.

* WHERE…Nelson and Albemarle Counties, and Central Virginia
Blue Ridge.

* WHEN…From 7 AM Saturday to 7 AM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
ice. Travel could be nearly impossible.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A mix with sleet is possible at times. Even
a small amount of ice on untreated surfaces can make travel
treacherous.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power
outages.

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.

WINTER STORM WARNING
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
241 PM EST Fri Feb 12 2021

…Significant Ice Accumulations Expected Tonight and Saturday East
of the Blue Ridge…

A significant winter storm, mainly in the form of ice accumulation,
is expected across much of the forecast area east of the Blue Ridge
of Virginia and northern North Carolina beginning late this evening
and continuing through much of the day Saturday.
Ice accumulations in these areas from freezing rain and freezing
drizzle during the next 24 to 36 hours is expected to range from 1/4
to 1/2 inch, with isolated higher amounts. Ice accumulations will be
greatest on trees and power lines, with some lesser accumulations on
road and highway surfaces. These amounts of ice accumulations on
trees and power lines could result in widespread downed trees and
power lines and consequently widespread power outages. Again…it is
important to note that significant and damaging accumulations of ice
are expected across the Virginia Piedmont and into portions of the
North Carolina Piedmont with this winter storm tonight and Saturday.

Further west, mainly west of the Blue Ridge, lesser amounts of ice
and some sleet are expected, but accumulations are generally
expected to be less than 2/10 inch of ice and less than 1/4 inch of
sleet.

Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Charlotte-
Including the cities of Lynchburg, Appomattox, and Keysville
241 PM EST Fri Feb 12 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO
NOON EST SUNDAY…

* WHAT…Ice accumulations up to 1/2 inch expected. Sleet
accumulations of a trace to 1/4 inch possible.

* WHERE…Buckingham, Campbell, Appomattox and Charlotte
Counties.

* WHEN…From 9 PM this evening to noon EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
ice accumulations. Travel could become nearly impossible in some
areas, not only from ice covered roads but also from downed
trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Prolonged winter weather conditions are
likely. Additional winter weather is forecast for the period
Sunday through Thursday with several additional chances for snow,
sleet, and freezing rain. Temperatures will struggle to rise much
above freezing during the next seven days.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Prepare for widespread and prolonged power outages due to downed
trees and power lines.

Please report snow, sleet or ice accumulations via email at
rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or by calling the National Weather Service
toll free at…1…866…2 1 5…4 3 2 4. Leave a message with
your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You
can also post your report to National Weather Service Blacksburg
Facebook page and on Twitter.

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
241 PM EST Fri Feb 12 2021

…Significant Ice Accumulations Expected Tonight and Saturday East
of the Blue Ridge…

A significant winter storm, mainly in the form of ice accumulation,
is expected across much of the forecast area east of the Blue Ridge
of Virginia and northern North Carolina beginning late this evening
and continuing through much of the day Saturday.
Ice accumulations in these areas from freezing rain and freezing
drizzle during the next 24 to 36 hours is expected to range from 1/4
to 1/2 inch, with isolated higher amounts. Ice accumulations will be
greatest on trees and power lines, with some lesser accumulations on
road and highway surfaces. These amounts of ice accumulations on
trees and power lines could result in widespread downed trees and
power lines and consequently widespread power outages. Again…it is
important to note that significant and damaging accumulations of ice
are expected across the Virginia Piedmont and into portions of the
North Carolina Piedmont with this winter storm tonight and Saturday.

Further west, mainly west of the Blue Ridge, lesser amounts of ice
and some sleet are expected, but accumulations are generally
expected to be less than 2/10 inch of ice and less than 1/4 inch of
sleet.

Floyd-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Halifax-
Including the cities of Floyd, Stuart, Rocky Mount, Amherst,
Martinsville, Danville, and South Boston
241 PM EST Fri Feb 12 2021

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON
EST SUNDAY…

* WHAT…Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations of up
to 1/2 inch of ice.

* WHERE…Portions of central, south central, southwest and west
central Virginia.

* WHEN…From 9 PM this evening to noon EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice
accumulations. Travel could become nearly impossible in some
areas, not only from ice covered roads but also from downed trees
and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Prolonged winter weather conditions are
likely. Additional winter weather is forecast for the period
Sunday through Thursday with several additional chances for
snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Temperatures will struggle to
rise much above freezing during the next seven days.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Prepare for widespread and prolonged power outages due to downed
trees and power lines.

Please report snow, sleet or ice accumulations via email at
rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or by calling the National Weather Service
toll free at…1…866…2 1 5…4 3 2 4. Leave a message with
your observation and the specific location where it occurred. You
can also post your report to National Weather Service Blacksburg
Facebook page and on Twitter.

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
241 PM EST Fri Feb 12 2021

…Significant Ice Accumulations Expected Tonight and Saturday East
of the Blue Ridge…

A significant winter storm, mainly in the form of ice accumulation,
is expected across much of the forecast area east of the Blue Ridge
of Virginia and northern North Carolina beginning late this evening
and continuing through much of the day Saturday.
Ice accumulations in these areas from freezing rain and freezing
drizzle during the next 24 to 36 hours is expected to range from 1/4
to 1/2 inch, with isolated higher amounts. Ice accumulations will be
greatest on trees and power lines, with some lesser accumulations on
road and highway surfaces. These amounts of ice accumulations on
trees and power lines could result in widespread downed trees and
power lines and consequently widespread power outages. Again…it is
important to note that significant and damaging accumulations of ice
are expected across the Virginia Piedmont and into portions of the
North Carolina Piedmont with this winter storm tonight and Saturday.

Further west, mainly west of the Blue Ridge, lesser amounts of ice
and some sleet are expected, but accumulations are generally
expected to be less than 2/10 inch of ice and less than 1/4 inch of
sleet.

VDOT Prepares For Ice In Forecast Through Weekend

Tommy
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0
VDOT Prepares For Ice In Forecast Through Weekend

 

 

FROM VDOT – LYNCHBURG

Current forecasts indicate that most of the Commonwealth of Virginia will be covered by mixed precipitation at various times into early next week and the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is prepared to respond.

Rain, sleet, freezing rain and snow are forecast to occur during several winter storms. Crews will begin emergency operations tonight to deal with the first round of weather. They will push snow, as appropriate, and will apply chemicals and abrasives to help with melting and traction.  After a lull Friday night, another round of precipitation, including possibly significant and dangerous ice, could move into the area on Saturday.  A third storm may arrive Monday into Tuesday.

VDOT urges motorists to monitor local forecasts and to avoid travel during storms, as snow or ice on roadways makes travel hazardous. Those who must be on the road should reduce speed, increase following distance and use VDOT’s free 511 tools to find out about road conditions.

Crews will start their response efforts on primary routes, then shift to secondary roads and neighborhoods once the main roads are passable. They will treat roads with salt and sand to aid melting and improve traction.

Additional information about winter-weather preparations and response can be found atwww.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp. Local updates are posted on Twitter @VaDOTLynchburg and statewide information @VaDOT.

The Lynchburg District includes the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham,Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Nelson, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward.

Some Got Snow. Some Not So Much

Tommy
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Some Got Snow. Some Not So Much
Photo By Yvette Stafford : About an inch of snow covered the ground and grassy areas in Nellysford, Virginia early Sunday morning. February 7, 2021

 

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia
By Tommy Stafford

It wasn’t quite the storm expected, but some folks still saw a respectable amount of snow by mid-morning Sunday. The more impressive amounts were north and east of Brents Gap in Nelson toward Afton and then east from there into Albemarle and points beyond.

https://twitter.com/forecaster25/status/1358424826415824897?s=20

https://twitter.com/forecaster25/status/1358469480414855168?s=20

Photo By Tommy Stafford : And for others, it was just a big letdown. This was in Bryant of Roseland in Nelson County where it was mainly a slushy mess. February 7, 2021

Generally amounts across the area were 1/2″ to 4-5″ as you moved northeast into counties like Warren and beyond.

Oddly, by Sunday afternoon we should see sunshine. There’s a hint at another shot at significant winter weather for the second half of the week. Unfortunately it could include significant icing.

More as that develops.

VDOT Making Preps For Approaching Winter Storm Again This Weekend

Tommy
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0
VDOT Making Preps For Approaching Winter Storm Again This Weekend

VDOT LYNCHBURG Another round of winter weather is in the forecast and crews with the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are prepared to respond.

Because the storm is anticipated to start as rain no pretreatment of primary roads is currently taking place in the Lynchburg District; however, changes in the forecast are being monitored. In addition, crews are inspecting their trucks and other equipment, re-installing spreaders and plows, and loading truck beds with salt, sand or other materials in anticipation.

Currently, the following counties in the district are under a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday evening through Sunday morning with the possibility of heavy snow: Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Halifax, and Pittsylvania. A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel.   Additional warnings/watches/advisories are possible. Travel, particularly during a storm, is not recommended.

VDOT urges motorists to monitor local forecasts and to avoid travel during the storm, as snow or ice on roadways makes travel hazardous. Those who must be on the road should reduce speed, increase following distance and use VDOT’s free 511 tools to find out about road conditions along the route.

Crews will work around the clock to clear roads, beginning with primary highways, then shifting to secondary roads and neighborhoods once the main roads are passable. VDOT snowplow operators and contract crews will treat roads with salt and sand to aid melting and improve traction. When the snow accumulates to about two inches, the plows will push the snow off the roadways.

Additional information about winter-weather preparations and response can be found at www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp. Local updates are posted on Twitter @VaDOTLynchburg.

VDOT STAUNTON – Another round of winter weather is forecasted to move into the Shenandoah Valley late tonight and into Sunday, February 7. People are asked not to drive if possible. If travel is necessary, drivers are asked to give snow crews room to work. Several inches of snow are expected with heavy snow in the early morning hours. The Virginia Department of Transportation Staunton District will be pre-treating interstate roads with brine beginning on Saturday morning. Crews will be deployed overnight to begin plowing and treating roads as the snow begins.
Due to expected changing driving conditions throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is advised to monitor weather forecasts for updated information before any travel is attempted
Road conditions and traffic cameras can be found on the VDOT 511 website athttp://www.511Virginia.org, Roads with snow conditions will be marked minor, moderate, severe or closed. For a text listing of winter weather road conditions go tohttp://www.511Virginia.org, look at the orange bar on the top of the page and click on “Text Views” and then click on “Road Condition Table”. Look at the pull down box that lists all jurisdictions. In this box individual counties can be chosen to view.
Road condition definitions:
Closed – Road is closed to all traffic.
Severe – drifting or partially blocked road.
Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the roadway.
Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush. Driving with caution is recommended.
On the go? Then visit VDOT’s Free Virginia 511 Tools to get your 511 app for android or iOS. Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511.
The VDOT Customer Service Center can be accessed through its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are on site 24/7 every day of the year to assist the public. People can also call the VDOT Customer Service Center at 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623).
The Staunton District Snow Page is on the VDOT website under Travel Center Snow Emergency Pages. The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton.
VDOT statewide Twitter messages can be found at @VaDOT. The nine districts can be found at:Hampton Roads @VaDOTHR; Richmond @VaDOTRVA; Northern Virginia @VaDOTNOVA; Fredericksburg @VaDOTFred; Culpeper @VaDOTCulp; Lynchburg @VaDOTLynchburg; Bristol @VaDOTBristol; Salem @VaDOTSalem; Staunton @VaDOTStaunton.
VDOT can be followed on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube. RSS feeds are also available for statewide information. The VDOT Web page is located at http://www.VirginiaDOT.org.
The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

VDOT CULPEPER — Crews in the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Culpeper District are closely monitoring the forecast and preparing for a fast-moving winter storm expected to arrive late Saturday into Sunday morning. VDOT urges motorists to pay attention to the forecast and to avoid traveling during the storm.

VDOT crews will report to work Saturday evening to complete preparations. Once precipitation begins falling, VDOT snowplow operators and contract crews will treat roads with salt and sand to aid melting and improve traction. If snow accumulates to about two inches, the plows will push the snow off the roadways.

Crews will work around the clock to clear roads, beginning with interstates and primary highways, then shifting to secondary roads and neighborhoods once the main roads are passable.

Those who must be on the road during the storm should reduce speed, increase following distance and use VDOT’s free 511 tools to find out about road conditions along the route.

VDOT’s Customer Service Center is open 24 hours a day to answer questions and take reports of roadway hazards. Call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or contact us online at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov.

Additional information about winter-weather preparations and response can be found at www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp. Local updates are posted to Twitter.com/VaDOTCulp and the district’s snow emergency webpage.

The Culpeper District includes the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock.

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