SILVER SPRING, SPOTSYLVANIA COURTHOUSE, ST. CHARLES,
STANARDSVILLE, SUITLAND-SILVER HILL, TOWSON, WALDORF, WARRENTON,
WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON, AND WOODBRIDGE.
(Scroll for county outline areas)
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WS 88
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 88
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1230 PM EDT Mon May 14 2018
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
District Of Columbia
Western and central Maryland
Southeast Ohio
Southern Pennsylvania
Northern Virginia
Northern and central West Virginia
Coastal Waters
* Effective this Monday afternoon and evening from 1230 PM until
900 PM EDT.
* Primary threats include…
Widespread damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
mph likely
Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
A tornado or two possible
SUMMARY…Strong to severe storms will quickly evolve into a squall
line that should progress east then southeast across the central
Appalachians towards Chesapeake Bay. Damaging winds will be the
primary hazard with a brief tornado or two possible.
The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 85
statute miles either side of a line from 40 miles northwest of
Parkersburg WV to 20 miles south southeast of Baltimore MD. For a
complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
tornadoes.
&&
AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 65 knots. A
few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
29040.
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
1230 PM EDT MON MAY 14 2018
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 88 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM EDT
FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
ALBEMARLE ARLINGTON AUGUSTA
CLARKE CULPEPER FAIRFAX
FAUQUIER FREDERICK GREENE
HIGHLAND KING GEORGE LOUDOUN
MADISON NELSON ORANGE
PAGE PRINCE WILLIAM RAPPAHANNOCK
ROCKINGHAM SHENANDOAH SPOTSYLVANIA
STAFFORD WARREN
VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT CITIES INCLUDED ARE
ALEXANDRIA CHARLOTTESVILLE FAIRFAX
FALLS CHURCH FREDERICKSBURG HARRISONBURG
MANASSAS MANASSAS PARK STAUNTON
WAYNESBORO WINCHESTER
Image courtesy of USFS : As of Friday evening May 11, 2018 approximately 1,716 acres, including approximately 432 acres within the St. Mary’s Wilderness. This slight growth in size occurred within St. Mary’s Wilderness near Big Spy Mt. and is due to the warm temperatures and drier conditions.
Location
The Tye River Fire is located on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, approximately 3 miles east of Vesuvius.
Counties
Augusta and Rockbridge Counties, VA
Estimated Acreage
Approximately 1,716 acres, including approximately 432 acres within the St. Mary’s Wilderness. This slight growth in size occurred within St. Mary’s Wilderness near Big Spy Mt. and is due to the warm temperatures and drier conditions.
Containment
The fire is currently 60% contained. No structures are threatened at this time.
Cause and Date Started
The cause was a vehicle fire on VA Hwy 56, that quickly spread northeast onto National Forest lands and nearby private lands. The fire was first reported at approximately 5:45 PM on Thursday May 3, 2018.
Resources on the Fire
Approximately 59 firefighters and support staff, including 2 hand crews, 3 wildland engines, 3 dozers, and 2 helicopter are currently assigned to this incident. These resources are from throughout Virginia and several other states.
Cooperators
The fire is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service as a Type 4 incident by Incident Commander Jason Hattersley.
Cooperators include Blue Ridge Parkway-National Park Service, Virginia Department of Forestry, Augusta County Fire and Rescue, Rockbridge County Fire and Rescue, several local volunteer fire departments, and the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Restrictions and Closures
Travelers on VA Hwy 56 between Vesuvius and the Blue Ridge Parkway are advised to use caution traveling this steep narrow road and be aware of firefighters, fire equipment and other road improvement equipment.
Restrictions and Closures
All trails within Saint Mary’s Wilderness are now open EXCEPT Mine Bank Mountain Trail (FT #503) which remains CLOSED.
The public, including hikers, are not allowed off designated trails in the portion of St. Mary’s Wilderness that is south of St. Mary’s Trail (FT #500) and west of Mine Bank Creek Trail(FT #500C).
Use caution and obey all trail and area closures for your safety.
Firefighting
Emphasis
Firefighters are continuing to patrol and mop-up along the firelines. Fireline rehabilitation efforts are still underway.
Small portions of the fire will remain unstaffed within Saint Mary’s Wilderness due to inaccessibility and rugged terrain.
This area is still being routinely monitored by ground and air resources. There will be a coordinated response if fire activity increases.
Other Fire
Information
The top priority for fire managers is public and firefighter safety.
Please be extra careful traveling in the area this weekend with heightened recreational visitors and firefighters sharing the roadways.
Blue Ridge Parkway travelers, area residents and visitors can expect to see and smell smoke.
Fire rehabilitation efforts and monitoring current perimeter will continue over the next several days. Helicopter bucket drops are also being utilized when needed to keep fire activity at a low to moderate level.
Fire behavior may increase moderately due to forecasted higher temperatures and dry conditions.
Fire managers and firefighters appreciate the support shown by residents and the local communities.
The next fire update will be available as changes in fire activity occur.
Above a screen grab of the approaching thunderstorms Thursday afternoon as seen from our BRL-SkiBarn Webcam on May 10, 2018. The time lapse video is below.
Roseland
Nelson County, Virginia
As I talked about on Thursday, the potential for severe weather was decent that afternoon. Sure enough it starting hitting about mid afternoon with numerous severe thunderstorm warnings being issued. (If you have our BRL Smartphone app you can get those alerts right to your Iphone or Droid.) In some areas like Albemarle and Northern Nelson trees were blown down and some power lines in Charlottesville as well.
Above check out a cool time lapse video of when the storms crossed the Blue Ride Parkway as seen from our BRL-SkiBarn webcam looking west towards Devils Backbone Brewing at the intersection of Route 664 & 151 in Nelson County at the foot of Wintergreen.
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 78
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
110 PM EDT Thu May 10 2018
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
District Of Columbia
Northern Maryland
North-central North Carolina
Much of Virginia
The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia
Coastal Waters
* Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 110 PM until
700 PM EDT.
* Primary threats include…
Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
Isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible
SUMMARY…Thunderstorms are forming over eastern West Virginia and
western Virginia. These storms will spread eastward this afternoon
across the watch area, posing a risk of locally damaging wind gusts
and perhaps hail.
The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 65
statute miles east and west of a line from 35 miles north of
Baltimore MD to 30 miles west southwest of South Hill VA. For a
complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU8).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
tornadoes.
BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WS 78
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
110 PM EDT THU MAY 10 2018
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 78 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM EDT
FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
ALBEMARLE AMELIA AMHERST
APPOMATTOX ARLINGTON AUGUSTA
BEDFORD BRUNSWICK BUCKINGHAM
CAMPBELL CAROLINE CHARLES CITY
CHARLOTTE CHESTERFIELD CLARKE
CULPEPER CUMBERLAND DINWIDDIE
ESSEX FAIRFAX FAUQUIER
FLUVANNA FRANKLIN FREDERICK
GLOUCESTER GOOCHLAND GREENE
GREENSVILLE HALIFAX HANOVER
HENRICO HENRY JAMES CITY
KING AND QUEEN KING GEORGE KING WILLIAM
LANCASTER LOUDOUN LOUISA
LUNENBURG MADISON MECKLENBURG
MIDDLESEX NELSON NEW KENT
NORTHUMBERLAND NOTTOWAY ORANGE
PAGE PITTSYLVANIA POWHATAN
PRINCE EDWARD PRINCE GEORGE PRINCE WILLIAM
RAPPAHANNOCK RICHMOND ROCKBRIDGE
ROCKINGHAM SHENANDOAH SPOTSYLVANIA
STAFFORD SURRY SUSSEX
WARREN WESTMORELAND
VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT CITIES INCLUDED ARE
ALEXANDRIA BUENA VISTA CHARLOTTESVILLE
COLONIAL HEIGHTS DANVILLE EMPORIA
FAIRFAX FALLS CHURCH FREDERICKSBURG
HARRISONBURG HOPEWELL LEXINGTON
LYNCHBURG MANASSAS MANASSAS PARK
MARTINSVILLE PETERSBURG RICHMOND
STAUNTON WAYNESBORO WILLIAMSBURG
WINCHESTER
The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of our area in the slight risk area for severe weather on Thursday afternoon – May 10, 2018.
Central Virginia Blue Ridge
As the days get warmer the likelihood of stronger storms becomes more likely. The Storm Prediction Center shows the risk for some storms this afternoon across portions of the Blue Ridge in the slight category. While this is at the bottom of the risk scale, the potential is there for a few storms to become strong to severe.
I talk more about that and some hot weather to come in my Thursday audio weather update below!
You know spring and warmer weather have arrived once you see the tent going up for the Nelson Farmers Market Coop in Nellysford. The 2018 season officially kicked off on Saturday – May 5, 2018.
To see more of Paul’s photos from the opening day of the market, click on our Facebook album / post above.
The NFM runs from May through October each year and is held each Saturday from 8AM until 12 noon.
For over a month in all kinds of weather Theresa “Red” Terry perched in a tree on her property to stop workers with the Mountain Valley Pipeline from cutting trees to start construction of the highly controversial pipeline. Though not related a similar project, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is also meeting opposition. After more than 30 days in the tree Red finally came down last week after WaPo Red Comes Down
Above in this video, Red and her daughter talk to Yvette Stafford about her wish for what might happen with the MVP.
Red may have come down from the tree, but she’s not being quiet about her ordeal and what she’s been facing. Monday night she spoke to dozens of people that gathered at Union Hill Church in Buckingham County about what’s happened so far.
The Outpost Brewing Team in Lexington earned a Bronze award for Danzig, a Baltic porter that also won a Gold award at the 2010 World Beer Cup.
The Basecamp Brewing Team in Roseland earned a Silver award for Alt Bier, a German-style Altbier.
This year’s competition featured 8,234 beers and 2,515 breweries. Bringing the prestigious awards back to Virginia is very exciting!
Devils Backbone Founder Steve Crandall said, “We are celebrating our 10th year and Devils Backbone is still creating world class craft beer. I am so proud of our dedicated and creative brewers along with our hardworking staff. Thank you to all our fans & communities who make our existence possible.”
“I’m totally psyched that Danzig and Alt Bier won medals at the 2018 World Beer Cup! Both are classic styles and each have been award winners in the past for us. It’s also noteworthy that both our breweries received a medal. Each beer having won awards in the past and the fact both of our locations received an award shows the continuity of quality we are known for. Lagers and classic beer styles are some of the hallmarks at Devils Backbone and it’s nice to be recognized for what we do well,” said Founding Brewmaster Jason Oliver.
Photo courtesy of Raphine Volunteer Fire Company. Posted Saturday morning 5.5.18
Update via US Dept of Forestry:
Tye River Wildland Fire
Monday, May 7, 2018, 8:00 PM Update
The Tye River wildland fire is located on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, approximately 3 miles east of Vesuvius in Augusta and Rockbridge Counties, VA.
The fire’s acreage is approximately 1,608 acres including 324 acres within the Saint Mary’s Wilderness. The increase in acreage occurred primarily on Friday, May 4, 2018 and is based on update mapping. The fire did not increase in size today.
The fire is currently 60 % contained. The increase in containment is due to both the ongoing work by the firefighters and the rain received over the last few days.
This fire was started from a vehicle fire on VA Hwy 56, that quickly spread northeast onto National Forest lands and nearby private lands. The fire was first reported at approximately 5:45 PM on Thursday May 3, 2018.
Restrictions and Closures
The public is asked to avoid the immediate fire area, to be alert for smoke on roadways, and to use caution around fire vehicles and firefighters working on and near roadways.
VA-56 (Tye River Road) was reopened at 8:00 pm on Sunday, May 5, between Vesuvius and the Blue Ridge Parkway as fire activity has decreased along the road. Travelers are advised to use caution traveling this steep, narrow road; and be aware of firefighters and fire equipment on the roadway.
The southern portion of Saint Mary’s Wilderness, including the Saint Mary’s River and Falls area, several trails and parking areas are temporarily closed to all public use including:
St. Marys Trail (FT #500)
St. Marys Gorge (FT #500B), including St. Mary’s Falls
Mine Bank Creek (FT #500C)
Mine Bank Mountain (FT #503)
Bald Mountain Overlook (FT #504)
St. Marys trailhead parking at the end of St. Marys River Road (FR #41)
St. Marys Wilderness south of the St. Marys River, from Groahs Ridge east to the Mine Bank Creek Trail.
Trailheads associated with these trails.
Use caution and obey all road and trail closures for your safety.
Other Fire Information
The top priority for fire managers is public and firefighter safety.
No evacuations are currently in place, or being considered.
The amount of rain received has significantly aided firefighting efforts. Fire suppression efforts will continue, and rehabilitation of firelines will begin, over the next several days.
Driving visibility may be limited in the fire vicinity due to smoky conditions. Area residents and visitors will see and smell smoke overnight and for the next several days.
Fire managers and firefighters appreciate the support shown by residents and the local communities.
Resources on the Fire
Approximately 131 firefighters and support staff, including 5 hand crews, 5 wildland engines, 2 dozers, and 1 helicopter are assigned to this incident. These resources are from throughout Virginia and several other states.
The fire now is being managed by the U.S. Forest Service as a Type 3 incident by Incident Commander Josh Graham.
Cooperators include Virginia Department of Forestry, Augusta County Fire and Rescue, Rockbridge County Fire and Rescue, several local volunteer fire departments, and the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Firefighter Emphasis
Firefighters are continuing to patrol and mop-up along the firelines, and begin fireline rehabilitation efforts.
Small portions of the fire will remain unstaffed within Saint Mary’s Wilderness due to inaccessibility and rugged terrain. This area is being routinely monitored by ground and air resources. There will be a coordinated response if fire activity increases.
Updated 5.6.18 via US DOF:
“Location
The Tye River Fire is located on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, approximately 3 miles east of Vesuvius.
Counties
Augusta and Rockbridge Counties, VA
Estimated Acreage
Approximately 1,608 acres, including approximately 324 acres within the Saint Mary’s Wilderness. Increase in acreage occurred primarily on Friday 5/4 and is based on updated mapping. The fire did not increase in size today.
Containment
The fire is currently 45% contained. The increase in containment is due to both the ongoing work by the firefighters and the rain received last night and today.
Cause and Date Started
The cause of this fire was a vehicle fire on VA Hwy 56, that quickly spread northeast onto National Forest lands and nearby private lands. The fire was first reported at approximately 5:45 PM on Thursday May 3, 2018.
Resources on the Fire
Approximately 131 firefighters and support staff, including 5 hand crews, 5 wildland engines, 2 dozers, and 1 helicopter are assigned to this incident. These resources are from throughout Virginia and several other states.
Cooperators
The fire is being managed under unified command by the Virginia Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service as a Type 3 incident by Incident Commanders Patti Nylander (VDOF) and Josh Graham (USFS). Cooperators include Augusta County Fire and Rescue, Rockbridge County Fire and Rescue, several local volunteer fire departments, and the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Restrictions and Closures
The public is asked to avoid the immediate fire area, to be alert for smoke on roadways, and to use caution around fire vehicles and firefighters working on and near roadways.
VA-56 (Tye River Road) was reopened at 8:00pm on Saturday, May 5, between Vesuvius and the Blue Ridge Parkway as fire activity has decreased along the road. Travelers are advised to use caution traveling this steep, narrow road; and be aware of firefighters and fire equipment on the roadway.
Restrictions and Closures
(Continued)
The southern portion of Saint Mary’s Wilderness, including the Saint Mary’s River and Falls area, several trails and parking areas are temporarily closed to all public use including:
• St. Marys Trail (FT #500)
• St. Marys Gorge (FT #500B), including St. Mary’s Falls
• Mine Bank Creek (FT #500C)
• Mine Bank Mountain (FT #503)
• Bald Mountain Overlook (FT #504)
• St. Marys trailhead parking at the end of St. Marys River Road (FR #41)
• St. Marys Wilderness south of the St. Marys River, from Groahs Ridge east to the Mine
Bank Creek Trail.
• And trailheads associated with these trails.
Use caution and obey all trail and area closures for your safety.
Firefighting Emphasis
Firefighters are continuing fireline construction and improvement efforts that began on Thursday, May 4. Protection of the private lands and structures at risk near the fire are high priorities. Small portions of the fire will remain unstaffed within Saint Mary’s Wilderness due to inaccessibility and rugged terrain. This area will be actively monitored by ground and air resources. A coordinated response will be implemented if fire activity increases.
Fire weather
Rain amounts totaling between 0.10-0.20 inches were received across the fire today. This rain, along with rain received last night, resulted in decreased fire behavior today.
Wet conditions do add concerns for firefighters due to slippery ground conditions.
Other Fire Information
The top priority for fire managers is public and firefighter safety.
No evacuations are currently in place, or being considered.
The amount of rain received has significantly aided firefighting efforts. Fire suppression efforts will continue, and rehabilitation of firelines will begin, over the next several days.
Driving visibility may be limited in the fire vicinity due to smoky conditions. Area residents and visitors will see and smell smoke overnight and for the next several days.
Fire managers and firefighters appreciate the support shown by residents and the local communities.
The next fire update will be available Monday, May 7th by approximately 7:00 pm. There will NOT be a morning Wildfire Update in the future.”
Updated 9:30 PM Via VDOT:
“ROUTE 56 HAS REOPENED IN ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY
STAUNTON – (9:30 p.m.) Route 56 (Tye River Turnpike) in Rockbridge County has reopened. Route 56 was closed on May 3 from Route 608 (South Bottom Road) and the Nelson County line. The roadway closure was due to a forest fire.”
Virginia traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at http://www.511Virginia.org.
Update on the mountain fire – Update via Raphine Volunteer FD Saturday evening 5.5.18 7:35 PM EDT
1600 acres have burned, 10% contained at this time. Rt. 56 will remain closed until 9pm tonight and st. Mary’s will remain closed at this time
Update via Raphine Volunteer FD – Saturday morning 5.5.18 9:20 AM EDT
Fire didn’t move much last night so they are still looking at about 1000 acres. The containment is unknown at the time of briefing. Rt 56 will remain closed until 7pm and then it will be reevaluated.
Update via Raphine Volunteer FD – Friday afternoon 5.4.18:
“Just finished briefing with the forestry dept. There are about 1000 acres burned with 0% containment. Today was about holding instead of containing. More resources from around the country are on their way. Saint Mary’s is closed along with 56 at this time.”
Updated 8:45 AM Friday 5.4.18
ROUTE 56 REMAINS CLOSED IN ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY
STAUNTON – (8:45 a.m.) Route 56 (Tye River Turnpike) in Rockbridge County remains closed between Route 608 (South Bottom Road) and the Nelson County line. The roadway has been closed since Thursday evening due to a forest fire.
Route 56 will remain closed until at least noon Saturday, May 5, when the United States Forest Service will re-evaluate the fire. Motorists are advised to avoid this area due to firefighting operations.
Virginia traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at http://www.511Virginia.org.
The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.
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.
Earlier post:
ROUTE 56 CLOSED IN ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY
STAUNTON – (7:45 p.m.) A portion of Route 56 (Tye River Turnpike) in Rockbridge County is closed due to a forest fire. This closure is between the Nelson County line and the intersection of Route 608 (South Bottom Road) near the community of Vesuvius.
The closure of Route 56 is expected to remain in place for at least 12 hours. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes if they had planned to use Route 56 Thursday night or Friday morning (May 3-4).
Virginia traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at http://www.511Virginia.org.
The VDOT Customer Service Center can assist with reporting road hazards, asking transportation questions, or getting information related to Virginia’s roads. Call 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623) or use its mobile friendly website at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/. Agents are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.
Via VSP : Updated Friday 5.4.18 – 12:09 PM “The Virginia State Police thanks everyone who called in with tips about Leonard Blackwell. He was taken into custody, without incident, around midnight in the city of Lynchburg.”
Original post: Leonard E. Blackwell, 37, failed to appear in court for an arrest charge for failing to register as a convicted sex offender.
Amherst County, VAVirginia State Police are asking for the public’s assistance with locating a convicted sex offender who failed to report to court April 26, 2018, in Amherst County.
Leonard E. Blackwell, 37, failed to appear in court for an arrest charge for failing to register as a convicted sex offender. Blackwell is a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes. He is 5’8 and weighs approximately 150 lbs., with a light build. Blackwell has no permanent address, but is known to live in Madison Heights, Va.
The Amherst County Sheriff’s Office also has six outstanding arrest warrants for Blackwell.
State police is encouraging anyone with information about Blackwell to please call the Virginia State Police at 434-352-7128 or #77 or email us at questions@vsp.virginia.gov. Or please contact the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office at (434) 946-9381 or 911.
