For the absolute latest updates from NWS click on the image above.
Any Fires Set Today Will Easily Become Wildfires
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1241 PM EDT Mon Mar 30 2020
...Any Fires Set Today Will Easily Become Wildfires...
.The combination of low relative humidities, strong winds, warm
temperatures, and low fuel moisture are the right ingredients for
prompting any fires to spread quickly, and become out of control.
The setting of fires today is highly discouraged, or any fires
unintentionally set will quickly become a wildfire.
Carroll-Floyd-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Patrick-Franklin-
Bedford-Amherst-
1241 PM EDT Mon Mar 30 2020
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR
WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR AREAS ALONG AND NEAR THE CREST
OF THE BLUE RIDGE FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA BORDER TO THE LEXINGTON
AND AMHERST REGIONS...
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
until 8 PM EDT this evening.
* Affected Area...In Virginia, Carroll, Floyd, Roanoke, Botetourt,
Rockbridge, Patrick, Franklin, Bedford, and Amherst counties
including the Independent Cities of Galax, Roanoke, Salem,
Lexington, and Buena Vista.
* Winds...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
* Relative Humidity...As low as 17 percent.
* Impacts...Any fires today will quickly become wildfires.
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.
For more information from NOAA/National Weather Service visit...
http://www.weather.gov/rnk/fire (all lower case)
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1001 AM EDT Mon Mar 30 2020
Augusta-Rockingham-Page-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-
Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Stafford-Spotsylvania-King George-
Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Including the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft,
Harrisonburg, Luray, Shenandoah, Stanley, Lovingston,
Charlottesville, Stanardsville, Madison, Washington, Orange,
Gordonsville, Culpeper, Falmouth, Fredericksburg, Dahlgren,
Warrenton, Turnbull, Big Meadows, and Wintergreen
1001 AM EDT Mon Mar 30 2020
...INCREASED FIRE DANGER THIS AFTERNOON ACROSS CENTRAL VIRGINIA...
The combination of west winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30
mph and very low relative humidity levels between 20 and 30
percent will enhance the threat for the ignition and spread of
wildfires this afternoon across central Virginia.
Residents are urged to exercise caution handling any potential
ignition source...including machinery, cigarettes, and matches.
Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses
and tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread
quickly.
As of this morning, 3/28/20, TJHD has 42 positive COVID-19 cases and 4 clinically diagnosed cases. Clinically diagnosed cases = individuals who are not tested because they are very close contacts (like a spouse) to someone who is lab confirmed COVID-19 positive and are experiencing symptoms. Due to their level of exposure and symptoms, TJHD considers them positive without a COVID-19 lab test.
We consider this to be a total of 46 cases in the following localities:
Please note: TJHD has received many questions about individual COVID-19 cases. We value people’s privacy which is why we are not disclosing further information at this time. As the number of cases increase and we can aggregate data, we will provide more demographic and exposure information (likely in the next few days). Rest assured that TJHD is conducting thorough investigations for each COVID-19 case. Those who have been identified as exposed to a COVID-19 case will be notified by TJHD and informed of the steps necessary to remain healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The number of cases in our district increases by the day. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is very much so here but there are things we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Please follow the recommendations of social distancing, proper hand hygiene, and staying home!
With many closures, come many challenges. There are tons of resources available both locally and statewide to assist in this uncertain time. Please utilize the following resources:
As of Noon today, 3/27/20, TJHD has 36 COVID-19 cases (“presumptive positive”) and 4 clinically diagnosed cases* in the following localities:
Albemarle – 18 (this includes 2 clinically diagnosed)
Charlottesville – 10 (this includes 1 clinically diagnosed)
Greene – 1
Fluvanna – 3
Louisa – 5
Nelson – 2
Outside TJHD – 1 clinically diagnosed (close contact to someone in our district)
*Clinically diagnosed cases = individuals who are not tested because they are very close contacts (like a spouse) to someone who is lab confirmed COVID-19 positive and are experiencing symptoms. Due to their level of exposure and symptoms, TJHD considers them positive without a COVID-19 lab test.
As of 4pm on 3/25/20, TJHD has 22 lab confirmed (“presumptive positive”) COVID-19 cases and 3 clinically diagnosed* cases in the following localities:
*Clinically diagnosed cases = individuals who are not tested because they are very close contacts (like a spouse) to someone who is lab confirmed COVID-19 positive and are experiencing symptoms. Due to their level of exposure and symptoms, the Health Department considers them positive without a COVID-19 lab test.
Information from TJHD just after 4PM – March 24, 2020
As of today, 3/24/20, TJHD has 14 lab confirmed (“presumptive positive”) COVID-19 cases and 2 clinically diagnosed cases*.
*Clinically diagnosed cases are individuals who are not tested because they are very close contacts to someone who is lab confirmed COVID-19 positive and are experiencing symptoms. Due to their level of exposure and symptoms, the Health Department considers them positive without a COVID-19 lab test. For example, a clinically diagnosed case could be the spouse of a lab confirmed COVID-19 case.
14 lab confirmed COVID-19 cases in the following localities:
Charlottesville: 3
Albemarle: 6
Louisa: 3 Nelson: 1
Fluvanna: 1
One of the clinical cases lives in Charlottesville. One of them lives outside of our health district.
To read the entire Virginia Governor’s Executive Order released on Monday – March 23rd, click on the image above.
Nelson County, Virginia
By Tommy Stafford
Two months ago, who would have ever thought we’d be where we are now? But we are. And for the foreseeable future this is how it will be. I hesitated to post much before now. Between getting ready to hunker down some for the weeks ahead and simply not knowing what I was going to post, I gave it a few days.
Facebook wasn’t around when we started BRL or this website. Well, it was sort of around, but it was still in its infancy and they didn’t know what they really had yet. That’s obviously been a big help during the Coronavirus2020, but it’s overwhelming at times with the flow of information. Some accurate, some, not so much.
When Yvette and I founded Blue Ridge Life (back then Nelson County Life) in 2005 we didn’t envision it as a hard news publication, nor was the website supposed to ever be that way. But we found in the early 2000’s there was a lack of information coming out during natural disaster out breaking news situations. So, we started posting relevant information about things when needed. The derecho, the blizzards, and more. We all made it through those times, and people before us made it through even worse times. But this isn’t going to be particularly fun.
Starting today we are using this site as a platform to push pertinent information out from officials, business owners and the like. I highly encourage you to start sending information you want pushed out to our main email address: info@blueridgelife.com We will post it as quickly as possible, then share it to all of our social media platforms.
I also highly encourage you to download our mobile app. We’ve had that in use for about a year now and it’s where everything that’s urgent is immediately pushed to your smartphone. The links to download up on the upper right part of this page your are reading now. We have versions for both Iphone IOS and your Android devices.
We will embed many things in posts here as well, like this food pickup announcement from RVCC below and Nelson County, just above.
There are many specific groups targeted at certain parts of the county and the county itself, and they are good to get some info as people observe and put out information. Nelson Knows has become a popular by invite social media group that’s essentially crowd sourced. We will try to re-share as much of that as possible as we move forward when we can.
Here’s a great partial list sent out recently by The Monroe Institute to people living nearby. There are others participating and if you want me to add you to the list, just drop me us an email and I’ll get it up.
Thanks to Ann Strober of Nellysford for forwarding this information from Monroe:
“A quick update to say that the local vendors below will not be participating in the Shenandoah Foods/Local Food Hub/4P program, but will also have their products available for pick up on Thursdays at RVCC. Please contact the vendors directly for more information about available products and how to place your order.
Gathered Threads Fresh herb bunches, Dried Herbal Teas, Spices & Spice Mixes, Herbal Remedy Kits, Herbal Body Products. Small Batch Fermented Sauerkrauts, Kimchis, and more – made with organically sourced vegetables. Some seasonal produce. https://www.gatheredthreadsllc.com/store Order by email at gatheredthreadsllc@gmail.com and pay by credit card.
Little Hat Creek Farm & Bakery (Wednesday pickup only, contact Heather for more info) Seasonal vegetables, Fresh baked bread https://littlehatcreek.wordpress.com/
Additionally, if you want to get local meat delivered to your home, River Oak Farm has amazing pork, chicken, and beef and they deliver to Afton/Crozet/Nellysford on different days of the week. You can shop for their products and find delivery info here: River Oak Farm Shop.
Let’s give these awesome local farms and food producers the support they need right now!”
Once final thing as far as scheduled events in our calendar online. Many of these were entered months ago for for future dates. Many have been canceled. Your absolute best bet is to contact the event organizer direct and make sure the event is still taking place. Obviously not much of anything will happen over the next month due to the governor’s executive order.
Let’s all stay in touch and keep updated as much as we can in the coming days and months.
Announcement Concerning Coronavirus & Community Resources Of Rockfish Valley Foundation
TRAILS
At this time we have no plan to close the trails. However, we ask that you take all trash
with you. If we see that is not working we may have to close the trails before we want to.
Also remember your dogs can carry virus if they have been sneezed on or hands with
germs are spread to them. It would be good to keep dogs on a leash at all times along the
trails until further notice.
SPRUCE CREEK PARK
This is our most sensitive area. Children will be playing all over the structures and with
each other. There are no cases in Nelson so far. But take care. As soon as a case is
discovered, we may decide to close the park. At this time, bring hand wash like Purell
and share with other families. Wipe and wash hands before and after playing. If we see
this is not working we may have no choice but to close the park for the safety of
everyone.
NATURAL HISTORY CENTER
The center plans to open with a soft opening on April 4. It may be that will be postponed
until Earth Day April 19. We are considering a plan to install hand washing stations with
Purell or its equivalent at the entrance to the museum. We ask that all families wash their
hands well before coming. Someone said you can sing “Happy Birthday” while you
wash and that is the necessary 20 seconds!
EARTH DAY NELSON – the 50 th anniversary.
This wonderful family event is set for April 19 from noon to 4 p.m.. With three bands,
three food vendors and about 20 environmental exhibitors, we do not want to postpone.
Check Facebook and the RVF website for updates son a possible postponement.
www.rockfishvalleyh.org . Our poster contest at the schools will definitely continue and
we will present 30 things you can do at home to celebrate if the event is not held.
If you have questions or comments let us know by sending an email to contact@rockfishvalley.org or leaving a message at (434) 361 0271.
Thank you for keeping safety first in Nelson County.
Peter A Agelasto III
Chairman for the board of Trustees
Rockfish Valley Foundation
March 14 2015
As our country manages COVID-19 please know that we are here to keep you connected to your family,
your workplace, your schools, and to the latest information available, via the Internet.
As schools and businesses move to a “work at home” solution, we understand the importance of
Internet connectivity and have the speeds that you need to continue with your daily activities.
Nelson Cable, Inc. joins Broadband Providers across America in taking the “Keep Americans Connected
Pledge.”
Given the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on American society, Nelson Cable, Inc., pledges for the
next 60 days to:
(1) not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay
their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
(2) waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic
circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
(3) open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
In addition, Nelson Cable, Inc. will provide additional assistance to those impacted by COVID-19.
Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, we will implement the following:
If you subscribe to our lowest speed, and require additional bandwidth for Distance Learning,
Telecommuting, and/or Telemedicine, we will provide it at no additional charge through June
30, 2020.
If you need Internet, we will provide you with a free installation, a free cable modem and 50/4
Mbps Cable Modem Internet Service free through June 30, 2020.
To receive more information about additional bandwidth, and /or a new installation, please contact our office at 434-263-4805, or by e-mail, info@cyberwind.net. Our Representatives are available Monday –
Friday, 9am-4pm.
We hope this will help our customers stay connected with family, be able to work from home, continue
educational opportunities, and stay up to date on the latest health alerts.
Thank you,
Nelson Cable
ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA – Albemarle County Executive Jeff Richardson has issued a Declaration of Local Emergency in response to the COVID-19 Virus, effective Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 5:00 pm. This declaration follows Governor Northam’s State Declaration of Emergency. A local declaration allows our community to access resources during a public health crisis, such as this.
While our community has no confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are in the process of reviewing public meetings, events, and recreation programs. At this time, any gathering of fewer than 100 people will proceed as planned. Any gatherings expected to exceed 100 attendees are being individually evaluated for how to proceed.
We regret to announce that, out of an abundance of caution and to protect our community’s safety , we have made the difficult decision to alter several of our scheduled events for the foreseeable future. The events below are those that have been adjusted and this list will be updated as we continue to monitor the situation.
Postponed Events
The Yancey School Community Center One-Year Celebration (scheduled 3/14) is postponed indefinitely.
Relocated Events
Budget Work Session for the Board of Supervisors (scheduled 3/17) has been moved from Room 241 to Lane Auditorium in the County Office Building to accommodate social distancing.
There now seems to be more trouble happening along Route 151. “I was met by a northbound vehicle that had crossed the center line and was heading straight at me and ran me off the road,” Brian Wright of Nelson County posted in the local Facebook group Nelson Knows. I reached out to Brian and asked what happened in more detail and if this was the first time it happened. He said it happened a few days earlier, and again about six to eight weeks earlier.
Brian’s original post in the Nelson Knows Facebook group on March 11, 2020.
“Right in Nellysford the last 2 times this past weekend, and then just south of Nellysford north of Graves the first time, back in February,” Brian told me on Wednesday.
Brian reported the incidents to the Nelson Sheriff’s Office, but then also reported it to the Virginia State Police on Wednesday. VSP has taken the lead into the investigation of the rock throwing incident south of Nellysford on Route 151 in Piney River. Another rock throwing incident occurred on March 7th on Gunter Hollow Lane, but no one was injured in that incident.
“I just got off the phone with a trooper. He thinks that the same person who is throwing rocks might also be doing the head-on incidents.”
Brian couldn’t get a good look at the car for an accurate description, but did say, “Unfortunately no. It was always dark, so their headlights were blinding me. But I know it was a 4 dr sedan.”
The word for anyone traveling Route 151 between the Amherst County Line and anywhere up to Route 250, be aware, and keep your eyes open.
Virginia State Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed or has any information about the March 1 crash on Patrick Henry Highway or the March 7 incident on Gunter Hollow Lane or any similar incidents in Nelson County to call (434) 352-7128 or email area18@vsp.virginia.gov.
The headline of the judgement as reported in Courthouse News Service.
Charlottesville, Virginia
A federal judge in Charlottesville, Virginia has ruled against Nelson County in a filing by the Board of Supervisors challenging the right of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to ignore local floodplain permits.
“CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CN) – A federal judge has sided with a pipeline company in a dispute over the permitting powers of local governments, a win for the beleaguered natural gas producer after several setbacks in court.
The proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline would stretch 600 miles between West Virginia and North Carolina to transfer natural gas throughout the region and on to ports for further sale. Backed by the region’s largest energy producer, Dominion Energy, the project has long faced legal fights and push back from environmentalists and locals who fear the project’s impact on rural regions.”
