Thanks to John Taylor of Devils Knob up at Wintergreen Resort, Virginia for the photo of light snow covering the deck at his place around 3500′. Saturday – January 16, 2020
Wintergreen / Devils Knob
Nelson County, Virginia
By Tommy Stafford
After a relatively mild week of pleasant daytime temperatures a system moving through our area has taken temps back to normals and added a little snow to the mix as well. Freezing fog was even a concern overnight Friday into Saturday morning.
John Taylor up top at Wintergreen Resort on Devils Knob (3500′) sent us this photo early Saturday morning. John said it would call it a “heavy dusting” on top of the lighter mix they got Friday night.
Look for the colder temps to stay around for the foreseeable near future as milder temps take the back seat.
Via NWS : A previously issued Winter Storm Warning has now been replaced by an Ice Storm Warning for higher elevations along and near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. This would include locations such as Wintergreen, Montebello, Humpback Rocks, Afton Mountain, and Big Meadows. Click on image above the for the absolute latest updates from NWS.
ICE STORM WARNING
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
1250 PM EST Thu Dec 31 2020
…ICE STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM EST FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations of up to one third of an inch, with the highest amounts in the higher elevations.
* WHERE…Northern Virginia Blue Ridge and Central Virginia Blue Ridge.
* WHAT…Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations of up to one third of an inch, with the highest amounts in the higher elevations.
* IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions
could impact the evening commute.
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.
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.
Via NWS : A previously issued Winter Storm Watch for the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge has now been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning & Ice Storm Warning for Friday – January 1, 2021. Advisories are in effect to the west of the parkway. Click on the image above for the latest updates from NWS.
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
1250 PM EST Thu Dec 31 2020
...ICE STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM EST FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations of up to one third of an inch, with the highest amounts in the higher elevations.
* WHERE…Northern Virginia Blue Ridge and Central Virginia Blue Ridge.
* WHAT…Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations of up to one third of an inch, with the highest amounts in the higher elevations.
* IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions
could impact the evening commute.
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.
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.
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge–
1231 PM EST Thu Dec 31 2020
…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM EST FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Significant icing expected. Total ice accumulations of up
to one third of an inch, with the highest amounts in the higher
elevations.
* WHERE…Northern Virginia Blue Ridge and Central Virginia Blue
Ridge.
* WHEN…From 7 AM to 10 PM EST Friday. Freezing rain will move
into the area Friday morning and then gradually change to rain
Friday afternoon and evening.
* IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions
could impact the evening commute.
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 WEATHER ADVISORY
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1231 PM EST Thu Dec 31 2020
Augusta-Rockingham-Page-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Western Pendleton-Eastern Pendleton-
1231 PM EST Thu Dec 31 2020
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM EST
FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulations of up to
two tenths of an inch, with the highest amounts in the higher
elevations.
* WHERE…Portions of northwest and western Virginia and eastern
West Virginia.
* WHEN…From 7 AM to 10 PM EST Friday. Freezing rain will move
into the area Friday morning and then gradually change to rain
Friday afternoon and evening.
* IMPACTS…Difficult travel conditions are possible. The
hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling. 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.
Via NWS : A Winter Storm Watch is in effect on Friday for the highest of elevations across the Central Virginia Blue Ridge. This includes the Blue Ridge Parkway and places such as Wintergreen, Montebello and Afton Mountain, and Big Meadows.
WINTER STORM WATCH
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
404 AM EST Thu Dec 31 2020
Central and Eastern Allegany-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Western Grant-Eastern Grant-
Eastern Mineral-
404 AM EST Thu Dec 31 2020
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE
FRIDAY NIGHT...
* WHAT...Significant icing possible. Total ice accumulations
around one-quarter of an inch possible.
* WHERE...Central and eastern Allegany County in Maryland, eastern
Mineral County as well as western and eastern Grant County in
West Virginia, and the northern and central Blue Ridge Mountains
in Virginia.
* WHEN...From Friday morning through late Friday night. The best
chance for freezing rain will be Friday morning through Friday
afternoon for the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Friday afternoon
through Friday evening for the rest of the area.
* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are possible due to the
ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions
could impact the morning or evening commute.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
In what’s become our annual tradition here at BRL, enjoy this special radio interview from the December 2011 Christmas season as Nelson native Earl Hamner, Jr. talks with BRL Publisher Tommy Stafford and then Memphis KWAM 990 Radio host, Earle Farrell. Earle now has his own independent show found here. Press the orange play button above and listen for over an hour as Earl reminisces about his career, life in the Virginia Blue Ridge and more.
And be sure to check out one of our favorite recipes for the Christmas season. Applesauce cake made by Earl’s mother. Click here to view that.
Be sure to listen toward the end as Earl reads a special Christmas tribute remarking about the late Will Geer who played Grandpa Walton.
Photo By John Taylor : While much of the area dodged the worst of the wintry weather on Wednesday, some locations saw more than others. Here’s a beautiful picture from John Taylor early Thursday morning after the storm. This is Devils Knob at 3500′ looking down at the Rockfish Valley which would usually be visible, but the cloud deck has it blocked.
Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia
Some faired better than others during the wintry weather on Wednesday. But, the overall effects were far less than predicted. Still in the highest of elevations it made for a pretty backdrop.
Above a beautiful picture from John Taylor early Thursday morning after the storm. This is Devils Knob at 3500′ looking down at the Rockfish Valley which would usually be visible, but the cloud deck has it blocked.
Much of the area is under a Winter Storm Warning Wednesday and Wednesday night. Other areas are under Winter Storm Watches or Winter Weather Advisories. For the absolute latest updates from NWS click on the image above.
WINTER STORM WARNING
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
400 PM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-
400 PM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM WEDNESDAY TO 4 AM EST
THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet
accumulations of 2 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of around a
quarter inch
* WHERE...Nelson, Albemarle, Greene and Madison Counties.
* WHEN...From 7 AM Wednesday to 4 AM EST Thursday. Snow will begin
between 8 and 10 AM and change to sleet and freezing rain during
the early afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Visibility will be reduced below one mile
at times in snow.
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.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
400 PM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Page-Warren-Western Highland-
Eastern Highland-Western Pendleton-Eastern Pendleton-
400 PM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM WEDNESDAY TO
4 AM EST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet
accumulations will range from 4 to 8 inches near and east of
I-81 in the central Shenandoah Valley, to 8 to 12 inches in most
other locations. Up to a quarter inch of ice will be possible
near and east of I-81.
* WHERE...Portions of northwest and western Virginia and eastern
West Virginia.
* WHEN...From 7 AM Wednesday to 4 AM EST Thursday. Snow will
overspread the area between 8 and 10 AM. Snow will mix with
sleet and freezing rain during the afternoon and evening,
especially over the central Shenandoah Valley.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The
hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening
commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Visibility will be reduced below one-
quarter mile at times in snow.
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.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
400 PM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
Rappahannock-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge- (Editor's Note via BRL :Including Big Meadows-Wintergreen-Afton MountainHumpback Rocks & Montebello)
400 PM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM WEDNESDAY TO
4 AM EST THURSDAY...* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet
accumulations of 4 to 8 inches and ice accumulations of two
tenths to four tenths of an inch.
* WHERE...Central Virginia Blue Ridge and Northern Virginia Blue
Ridge, and Rappahannock County.
* WHEN...From 7 AM Wednesday to 4 AM EST Thursday. Snow will
overspread the area between 8 and 10 AM. Snow will mix with
sleet and freezing rain during the afternoon and evening.
* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the
ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Visibility will be reduced below one-
quarter mile at times in snow.
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.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
233 PM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
...Wintry precipitation is expected on Wednesday...
.A complex low pressure system will bring a wintry mix of snow,
sleet, and freezing rain across portions of the Mid Atlantic on
Wednesday. Temperatures will be at or below freezing early
Wednesday morning due to cold air trapped against the Blue Ridge.
Meanwhile, warmer air aloft will advance northward overtop of the
cold air to bring wintry mixed precipitation. The system is
expected to exit the region by Wednesday evening.
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-
Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-
Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-
Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, 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, Stuart, Rocky Mount,
Amherst, Bluefield, Hinton, Hix, Union, Lewisburg,
White Sulphur Springs, Quinwood, Duo, and Rainelle
233 PM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT
TO MIDNIGHT EST WEDNESDAY NIGHT...
* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and
sleet accumulations of 3 to 5 inches and ice accumulations of
up to one tenth of an inch.
* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest and west
central Virginia and southeast West Virginia.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to midnight EST Wednesday night.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning or evening 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.
Winter Storm Warnings & Watches begin Wednesday morning in anticipation of a winter storm that will affect the area. Snow, sleet and freezing rain are are likely in the watch areas. Click on the image above for the absolute latest updates from NWS.
Snow arrives from south to north tomorrow and it could come down at a good rate shortly after it starts. The problem is, ice is likely to be a bigger issue for us. Ice totals (sleet & freezing rain combined) of 0.25" or more are possible. Hope for more sleet than freezing rain. pic.twitter.com/oX9H3t0QNx
WINTER STORM WARNING
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
409 AM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
Augusta-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-(Includes Wintergreen-Humpback Rocks & Montebello)
409 AM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM WEDNESDAY TO 4 AM EST
THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 9
inches.
* WHERE...Augusta and Highland Counties, and Central Virginia
Blue Ridge.
* WHEN...From 7 AM Wednesday to 4 AM EST Thursday. Snow will
overspread the region Wednesday morning, become heavy at times
during the afternoon and evening, taper off late Wednesday
night.
* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult. Potential impacts
include significant travel delays and closures. Plan ahead to
minimize impact on you and your family.
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.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
409 AM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
Garrett-Rockingham-Shenandoah-Page-Rappahannock-Northern Fauquier-
Western Loudoun-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Western Grant-
Eastern Grant-Western Pendleton-Eastern Pendleton-
409 AM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM WEDNESDAY TO 4 AM EST
THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to
12 inches.
* WHERE...Portions of western Maryland, northern and western
Virginia and eastern West Virginia.
* WHEN...From 7 AM Wednesday to 4 AM EST Thursday. Snow will
overspread the region Wednesday morning, become heavy at times
during the afternoon and evening, taper off late Wednesday
night.
* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult to impossible.
Potential impacts include significant travel delays and
closures. Plan ahead to minimize impact on you and your family.
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.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
435 AM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
...Wintry precipitation is expected on Wednesday...
.A complex low pressure system will bring a wintry mix of snow,
sleet, and freezing rain across portions of the Mid Atlantic on
Wednesday. Temperatures will be at or below freezing early
Wednesday morning due to cold air trapped against the Blue Ridge.
Meanwhile, warmer air aloft will advance northward overtop of the
cold air to bring wintry mixed precipitation. The system is
expected to exit the region by Wednesday evening.
Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Carroll-Floyd-Craig-
Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Franklin-Bedford-
Amherst-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-
Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of Bland, Pearisburg, Wytheville, Radford,
Pulaski, Blacksburg, Galax, Floyd, New Castle, Clifton Forge,
Covington, Hot Springs, Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle, Lexington,
Buena Vista, Rocky Mount, Amherst, Bluefield, Hinton, Hix, Union,
Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Quinwood, Duo, and Rainelle
435 AM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
MIDNIGHT EST WEDNESDAY NIGHT...
* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet
accumulations of 3 to 5 inches and ice accumulations of up to
one tenth of an inch.
* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest and west
central Virginia and southeast West Virginia.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to midnight EST Wednesday night.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning or evening 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.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
409 AM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
Central and Southeast Montgomery-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-
Orange-Culpeper-Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-Fairfax-
Southern Fauquier-
409 AM EST Tue Dec 15 2020
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING
THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT...
* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow
accumulations of 3 to 7 inches and ice accumulations of around
two tenths of an inch possible.
* WHERE...Portions of central Maryland and central, northern and
northwest Virginia.
* WHEN...From Wednesday morning through late Wednesday night. Snow
will overspread the region Wednesday morning, mix with sleet and
freezing rain during the afternoon and evening, then change back
to snow before ending late Wednesday night.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Potential impacts
include significant travel delays and closures. Plan ahead to
minimize impact on you and your family.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Potential snowfall estimates from NWS for the Wednesday snow event. As of Monday afternoon – December 14, 2020.
Via NWS : A Winter Storm Watch goes into effect for much of the area Wednesday morning through Wednesday night. Significant snowfall is possible. Click on image above for the latest updates from NWS.
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
310 PM EST Mon Dec 14 2020
Central and Southeast Montgomery-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-
Culpeper-Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-Fairfax-
Southern Fauquier-
310 PM EST Mon Dec 14 2020
…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH
LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT…
* WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations greater
than 5 inches possible.
* WHERE…Portions of central Maryland as well as portions
northern and central Virginia
* WHEN…From Wednesday morning through late Wednesday night. Snow
will most likely overspread the area later Wednesday morning
into Wednesday afternoon. Precipitation may mix with rain and
sleet at times later Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
310 PM EST Mon Dec 14 2020
Garrett-Washington-Frederick MD-Carroll-Northern Baltimore-
Extreme Western Allegany-Central and Eastern Allegany-
Northwest Montgomery-Northwest Howard-Northwest Harford-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-
310 PM EST Mon Dec 14 2020
…WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING
THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT…
* WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations greater
than 8 inches possible.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northern and
western Maryland, central, northern, northwest and western
Virginia and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.
* WHEN…From Wednesday morning through late Wednesday night. Snow
will most likely overspread the area later Wednesday morning
into Wednesday afternoon. The heaviest snow is most likely late
Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. Potential impacts
include significant travel delays and closures. Plan ahead to
minimize impact on you and your family.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
226 PM EST Mon Dec 14 2020
...Wintry precipitation possible on Wednesday...
.A complex low pressure system will bring a wintry mix across
portions of the Mid Atlantic on Wednesday. Temperatures will start
below freezing during Wednesday morning due to northeast flow from
a cold wedge of high pressure near the surface. Meanwhile, warmer
air aloft will advance northward over the cold wedge to bring
mixed precipitation. The system should exit by Wednesday evening.
Tazewell-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Carroll-Floyd-Craig-
Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Franklin-Bedford-
Amherst-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-
Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of Tazewell, Bland, Pearisburg, Wytheville,
Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, Galax, Floyd, New Castle,
Clifton Forge, Covington, Hot Springs, Roanoke, Salem, Fincastle,
Lexington, Buena Vista, Rocky Mount, Amherst, Bluefield, Hinton,
Hix, Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Quinwood, Duo,
and Rainelle
226 PM EST Mon Dec 14 2020
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH
LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT...
* WHAT...Mixed precipitation possible. Total snow accumulations of
2 to 7 inches possible. Ice accumulations up to two tenths of
an inch possible along the Blue Ridge.
* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest and west
central Virginia and southeast West Virginia.
* WHEN...From Wednesday morning through late Wednesday night.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult due to slick roads.
Isolated power lines and trees may be downed due to the weight
of snow and ice.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Photo courtesy of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue : After nearly 3 decades Medic Ralph Bickley retires from Wintergreen Fire & Rescue.
Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia
Story By Olivia Carter
For nearly three decades Wintergreen Fire & Rescue Medic Ralph Bickley made the hour and 15 minute commute from Louisa to the station.
Curtis Sheets, Chief of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue, said Bickley has answered at the very least 5,000 calls in Nelson County, but that number could very well be much higher.
“He was with us about 28 years, which, I believe to be probably the longest that any of the public safety folks at Wintergreen have put in,” he said. “Certainly the longest that I can recall.”
At the end of the month, when Bickley retires, Sheets said there will be a definite loss for the station.
“He worked a daylight only shift and became a daily fixture,” he said. “When he’s not there, you’re gonna notice that.”
Apart from his duties, Sheets said he will miss Bickley’s sarcastic sense of humor and steady hand.
“He only knows one speed. Ralph is incredibly consistent,” Sheets said. “He’s never gonna get excited. If he does get mad, you won’t know it. And he’s just a real steady hand.”
“He was with us about 28 years, which, I believe to be probably the longest that any of the public safety folks at Wintergreen have put in,” he said. “Certainly the longest that I can recall.” Curtis Sheets, Chief of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue
Bickley is a Vietnam Air Force veteran and started off as a volunteer EMT in 1984. For a brief period, he worked for the Richmond Ambulance Authority, which has a high call volume, Sheets said.
“He has just a ton of experience and he is storyteller. He likes to tell war stories. And he stays pretty current on everything,” Sheets said. “So he pays quite a bit of attention to local news and national news and he’ll chat it up around the station and everybody just really likes working with Ralph.”
Sheets said he used to jokingly refer to Bickley as “Rapid Ralph.” Not because of his personality but whenever the station got a call for a patient with a rapid pulse rate, usually Bickley was working that day.
“He was just steady. You can always count on him to come through,” Sheets said.
When Sheets was hired in 1999, Bickley was acting as interim chief. Sheets said he remembers how gracious that handoff was.
“Here was a guy that was probably already working at Wintergreen for 10 years at that point and I was in my mid-20s,” Sheets said. “And he’s got to hand off to me and I was worried about how that was going to go but it couldn’t have been better. It was almost like he was teaching me what I needed to know to be his chief.”
To thank Bickley for his service, Nelson County awarded him as Grand Marshal of the Christmas Parade in Lovingston this year.
