Photo by Wintergreen Fire & Rescue : Area emergency crews work to get an injured hiker to safety – Sunday night – November 18, 2018
Three Ridges Wildlife Area
Nelson County, Virginia
Release via Wintergreen Fire & Rescue:
Last night Wintergreen Fire & Rescue was again requested to assist an injured hiker on the Mau-Har spur off of the Appalachian Trail. The call originated at 8:56PM as a “911 Hang-up” in the Three Ridges Wilderness area. Immediately a request for County-Wide assistance went out. Many localities would struggle to get a heavy turnout on a cold Sunday night for a call which would certainly consume most of the night. Not Nelson County. Montebello Fire, Rockfish Fire, Roseland Rescue, Gladstone Fire & EMS, and Piney River Fire all came to assist. Well over 20 people were involved. Crews reached the patient at approximately midnight. She had a leg injury which would require her to be carried out, and was being well taken care of by a group of through-hikers.
After last weekend’s 8-hour hike in precisely the same location, Wintergreen Fire & Rescue staff were determined to find a better way. Staff returned to the scene to scout it out. Indeed, there was a shortcut across private land, however a treacherous stream crossing was involved. A “high-line” was set up to pass the basket over the creek. This allowed the removal team to “rock-hop” over the stream. In the end, approximately 2-3 hours were trimmed off the exercise.
Crews cleared at approximately 3AM. There were no rescuer injuries.
Photo courtesy of John Taylor : Sunshine returned to the area on Friday morning and though there’s plenty of damage across the area from Thursday’s ice storm, there’s plenty of beauty too. The was taken from Devils Knob at Wintergreen looking into the Rockfish Valley of Nelson.
Devils Knob Nelson County, Virginia
Way up there around 3500 feet beauty is unfolding Friday morning after Thursday’s ice storm. We’ve been telling you about the damage that hit in our posts here and here. In spite of the extensive damage in the higher elevations and to the west of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the ice did make for some beautiful pictures on Friday morning. John Taylor sent us this photo from Devils Knob up at about 3500 feet.
Thankfully we dry out over the next several days and temperatures will moderate. Perfect weather to do some cleaning up!
Photo courtesy of Wintergreen, Virginia PD : Wintergreen Police inspect damage from an ice storm that occurred on Thursday – November 15, 2018 .
Near Wintergreen
Nelson / Augusta County, Virginia
Many roads across the area remained closed Friday morning after an ice storm hit area. Most locations affected were in the higher elevations in places like Wintergreen and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, locations on the western side of the parkway were hit hard. Waynesboro has numerous trees down with crews working to clear streets and roads along with restoring power.
Photo by WPD : Reeds Gap on Route 664 just above the Wintergreen Resort entrance remains closed as of Friday morning due to numerous trees down in the road from the recent ice storm.
“Ice damage in and around Wintergreen last night was extensive. WPOA crews worked nonstop to keep our roads open and continue to do so. Please note, Reeds Gap Road and Mount Torrey Road (path to Waynesboro) are CLOSED. Power lines, utility poles, and trees block the road in several places. It is anticipated much of the weekend will be required to make these roads passable again. Please do not drive around the VDOT barrier at the end of Wintergreen Drive. All traffic leaving Wintergreen must turn left,”
Wintergreen Property Owners Association released in a message to owners at the resort on Friday morning.
Photos via Wintergreen Fire & Rescue : A WFD crew blocks Route 151 at Brents Gap in Nelson County after ice covered trees came down in high winds taking down powerlines in the process. Thursday – November 15, 2018
Nelson County, Virginia
6:30 PM – Paula Jones VDOT Lynchburg : Crews are finishing and opening the roadway now at Brents Gap on Route 151 in Nelson.”
Freezing rain in the higher elevations of Nelson County has caused trees to come down taking powerlines with them.
Trees continued blocking Brents Gap Thursday afternoon in Nelson County on Route 151.
As of 2 P.M. Thursday afternoon Brents Gap was still blocked as crews worked to clear the road and fix the powerlines.
Temps at Brents Gap and other higher elevations remained in the 20s and lower 30s Thursday afternoon.
Anyone traveling 151 south of Devils Backbone will need to use and alternate route until the roadway has been cleared.
Wintergreen Police also alerted residents there to be aware of falling trees in their area due to ice covering them.
LYNCHBURG, Va. – As of 4 a.m., roads across the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are merely wet from an overnight storm; however, motorists may encounter flooded or icy roads before the storm abates.
Currently, there are approximately 20 roads across the 10-county district closed by flooding or downed trees from this event. Those roads are located in Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax and Pittsylvania Counties. A full list is available at 511Virginia.org.
There are reports of freezing rain in some of the more mountainous portions of the District, including Nelson County where temperatures are below freezing. However, temperatures across the region are hovering near or slightly above freezing and conditions could change rapidly. Motorists should remain alert to the possibility of icing on bridges, overpasses and low-lying areas near water, especially.
VDOT crews are prepared to respond as conditions warrant. Motorists can do their part by knowing the conditions before any travel, avoiding travel if possible and having vehicles winter weather ready in advance.
The Lynchburg District consists of the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Nelson, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward.
WHAT FALLS FROM THE SKY AND WHAT MAY FALL FROM TREES CAN CAUSE TRAVELER TROUBLES TODAY
STAUNTON – (4 a.m.) The Shenandoah Valley is forecasted its first winter weather event of the season today. Snow, sleet and rain are possible for various areas throughout the region. Motorists should use extra caution around trees and wooded areas where leaves are still on some trees and may accumulate snow or ice causing limbs to break off.
Travelers are asked to monitor local weather forecasts and to avoid driving if possible during the storm. VDOT crews will be out to plow and treat roads as the winter weather begins.
On Wednesday, Nov. 14 Virginia Department of Transportation and contractor crews pretreated several roads with brine to help prevent ice bonding to road surfaces. Roads receiving the treatment were Interstate 81 in Shenandoah, Fredrick and Warren counties, Interstate 66 in Warren County and Interstate 64 at Afton Mountain in Augusta County.
Road conditions and traffic cameras can be found on the VDOT 511 website at http://www.511Virginia.org, Roads with snow conditions will be marked minor, moderate, severe or closed.
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
As the 4 a.m. hour approaches, light rain is falling in the area. Roads in the Shenandoah Valley are clear except for some icy patches in the higher elevations near the West Virginia line.
For winter weather road conditions go to http://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.
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 Twitter feed is at @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.
Almost all of the Central Virginia Blue Ridge is under some sort of winter weather watch, warning or advisory on Thursday. Click on the image above for the absolute latest updates from NWS. Conditions will and do change rapidly.
Press play above to listen now as I discuss the various warnings and advisories out for our area.
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM THURSDAY TO 1 AM EST FRIDAY
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
354 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018
Augusta-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
354 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018
…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM THURSDAY TO 1 AM EST
FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total sleet and snow
accumulation of 1 to 4 inches, and ice glaze accumulations of
two-tenths to three-tenths of an inch expected.
* WHERE…Augusta, Western Highland and Eastern Highland Counties,
and Central Virginia Blue Ridge. (This includes Wintergreen & Montebello)
* WHEN…From 1 AM Thursday to 1 AM EST Friday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Power outages and tree damage are likely
due to the ice. Travel could be extremely difficult. The
hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening
commute Thursday.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Be very careful if you venture outside tomorrow. Watch your
first few steps in particular as your step or path may be coated
with ice.
A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and
ice will make travel very hazardous or impossible.
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
352 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018
…Wintry Mix Expected Tonight into Thursday…
.Low pressure over the Gulf Coast will track across the Tennessee
Valley and Carolinas tonight before merging into a deeper system
off the Mid Atlantic coast Friday. At the same time, cold high
pressure will wedge south into our area keeping surface
temperatures at or below freezing. This will result in a threat of
mainly freezing rain,sleet, and possibly some snow tonight into
Thursday.
Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Bedford-Amherst-
Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of New Castle, Clifton Forge, Covington,
Hot Springs, Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, Amherst,
Bluefield, Hinton, Hix, Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs,
Quinwood, Duo, and Rainelle
352 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018
…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 7 PM
EST THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet
accumulations of up to an inch, with possibly 1 to 3 inches
along and north of U.S. 60. Ice accumulations of up to one third
of an inch expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, south central, southwest and west
central Virginia and southeast West Virginia.
* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 7 PM EST Thursday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Power outages and tree damage are possible
due to the ice. Travel will be slick, especially secondary roads.
The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet
and ice will make travel very hazardous or impossible.
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
354 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018
Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Orange-Spotsylvania-
354 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO NOON EST
THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total sleet and snow
accumulation of up to one inch, and ice glaze accumulations of
around one tenth of an inch expected.
* WHERE…Nelson, Albemarle, Greene, Orange and Spotsylvania
Counties.
* WHEN…From 1 AM to noon EST Thursday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The
hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Be very careful if you venture outside tomorrow. Watch your first
few steps in particular as your step or path may be coated with
ice.
A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Expect slippery
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
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
352 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018
…Wintry Mix Expected Tonight into Thursday…
.Low pressure over the Gulf Coast will track across the Tennessee
Valley and Carolinas tonight before merging into a deeper system
off the Mid Atlantic coast Friday. At the same time, cold high
pressure will wedge south into our area keeping surface
temperatures at or below freezing. This will result in a threat of
mainly freezing rain,sleet, and possibly some snow tonight into
Thursday.
Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-
Including the cities of Lynchburg and Appomattox
352 PM EST Wed Nov 14 2018
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT
TONIGHT TO 7 PM EST THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations
of up to one inch and ice accumulations of around one tenth of
an inch expected or less.
* WHERE…Buckingham, Appomattox and Campbell Counties.
* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 7 PM EST Thursday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Roads could become slick. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning commute.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow…sleet…or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for
slippery roads and limited visibilities…and use caution while
driving.
2017 marked the return of the annual Christmas parade to Village of Lovingston. After a two to three year hiatus at Oak Ridge, it returned last year with the theme of Welcome Home. “I don’t know the entire story, but maybe there were some traffic issues that caused it to be a little cumbersome. Oak Ridge Estate very graciously opened their track. But it’s obviously a little further out there from the center of town so just a bunch of us decided we wanted to bring it back into the village,” Lori Ponton tells us. She’s one of several committee members working on the 2018 parade that will be held on December 8, 2018.
“Last year was the first year under the Nelson County Parade Association. A group of citizens that wanted to bring it back into the Village of Lovingston. We bought it back and it was received very so we’re just moving forward with it again this year,” Lori continued.
The theme of the 2018 parade is The Magic Of Christmas.
During the 2017 return of the parade in the Village of Lovingston Lori tells us about 50 floats entered and the homecoming was very well received. “People told us glad to see you back, welcome home indeed!”
Here’s a rundown of this year’s events surrounding the parade:
Friday – December 7th at 7 PM : Tree lighting followed by Christmas caroling in the Village of Lovingston.
Areas shaded in blue are under a WINTER STORM WATCH from late Wednesday night into Thursday evening. The area may be expanded at a later time. Click on the image above for the latest from NWS.
WINTER STORM WATCH
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
346 PM EST Tue Nov 13 2018
More info above from Meteorologist David Reese from our media partners over at CBS-19 News in Charlottesville.
Augusta-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
346 PM EST Tue Nov 13 2018
…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH
LATE THURSDAY NIGHT…
* WHAT…Heavy mixed wintry precipitation possible. Total ice
accumulations of one quarter inch or greater are possible. Total
snow and sleet accumulation of several inches is also possible.
* WHERE…Augusta, Western Highland and Eastern Highland Counties,
along with the Central Virginia Blue Ridge.
* WHEN…From late Wednesday night through late Thursday night.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Slippery road conditions are possible.
Scattered power outages and tree damage are possible due to the
ice. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and
evening commutes on Thursday. Any ice accumulation on paved
surfaces including driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots, could
also create hazardous conditions for those venturing out on
foot.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant
snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue
to monitor the latest forecasts.
WINTER STORM WATCH
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
335 PM EST Tue Nov 13 2018
…Wintry mess expected Wednesday Night into Thursday…
.Low pressure over the Gulf Coast will stay west of the
Appalachians Wednesday night into Thursday, while another low
forms off the coast of South Carolina. At the same time, cold high
pressure will wedge southward into our area keeping temperatures
at or below freezing at and near the surface. This will result in
a threat of freezing rain and sleet Wednesday night into Thursday.
Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Bedford-Amherst-
Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
Including the cities of New Castle, Clifton Forge, Covington,
Hot Springs, Fincastle, Lexington, Buena Vista, Amherst, Hinton,
Hix, Union, Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs, Quinwood, Duo,
and Rainelle
335 PM EST Tue Nov 13 2018
…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING…
* WHAT…Light to moderate icing possible. Total ice accumulations
of up to one quarter of an inch possible. Up to an inch of sleet
possible.
* WHERE…Portions of central, south central, southwest and west
central Virginia and southeast West Virginia.
* WHEN…From late Wednesday night through Thursday evening.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Power outages and tree damage are possible
due to the ice. Road surfaces have been warm, but could become
slick if sleet accumulates fast enough.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant
snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue
to monitor the latest forecasts.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Near Love
Nelson County, Virginia
Verbatim press release from Wintergreen Fire & Rescue:
“On 11/11/18 at 9:50 AM Wintergreen Fire & Rescue were dispatched to a possible foot fracture at the Reeds Gap access to the Appalachian Trail. Upon arrival crews were met by a hiker who informed them the accident actually occurred the night before and the patient was still located on the trail. Crews requested manpower assistance from Montebello Fire Department and Wilson Fire Department. Teams deployed from mile-marker 15 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Patient contact occurred at approximately 12:30 PM. Based upon experience of the crew with patients in a similar location, the decision was made to continue South on the trail rather than attempting to double-back. Piney River Fire Department was added to the assignment due to their extensive experience operating in the area where the patient would ultimately be delivered. At approximately 3:00 PM the extraction team contacted command to advise the trail was treacherous and they were afraid they wouldn’t make it out before dark unless they had additional assistance. A decision was made to conduct a county-wide page for additional assistance.
By 4:00 PM a few people each from several different departments arrived to assist. Crews traveled by Kubota (Piney River FD) until a swollen creek blocked their path, at which point they continued on foot. 10 personnel traveled in to assist with removal.
Just before 6:00 PM the patient arrived at the ambulance for evaluation and transport to UVA with non life-threatening injuries. A 16-year veteran of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue, Captain Jeremiah Fish described the incident as the “most difficult trail related call he has ever experienced”. Without the help of all involved, it simply wouldn’t have been possible.
Chronological Involvement (apologies for any errors or omissions)
The guardian who hiked for hours just to get help because there was no cell signal.
Wintergreen Units 179, 173, ATV1, Squad 1, 174, C1.
Nelson EMS
Montebello 78
Wilson Utility 196 & 197
Piney River Attack 26 with ATV
Gladstone Fire & EMS 152
Lovingston Fire Attack 16
Faber Fire Department provided personnel.
Rockfish Fire helped with coverage for Wintergreen during the event.
From start to finish, there were over 30 persons involved. There were no rescuer injuries.
—
Curtis N. Sheets, MPA
Chief of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue”
Photo via our media partners at CBS19 News in Charlottesville. Denver Riggleman right beat out democrat contender Leslie Cockburn in the 5th district congressional election this past Tuesday evening – November 6, 2018.
Republican Denver Riggleman of Virginia has been elected to the open U.S. House seat, defeating Democrat Leslie Cockburn.
He is replacing one-term Congressman Tom Garrett, also a Republican.
