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VDOT Updates Road Conditions / Closures After Tornado – 3 PM

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LYNCHBURG, VA

As of 3 pm, most roads are now open across the Lynchburg District after the strong storms and possible tornadoes that occurred Sunday night.

Two locations with significant damage, Route 130 in Amherst County and US 460 Business in Campbell County, are now open. VDOT is working to bring all signals back on line at this time; until then, any intersections with non-functioning signals are treated as four-way stops.

A number of secondary routes in the Lynchburg District also remain closed due to downed trees/power lines.

Emergency responders, utility crews and others are still working to address damage clean up at many locations and motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in heavily damaged areas.

As of 11 a.m., a number of roads remain closed across the Lynchburg District due to strong storms and possible tornados that occurred Sunday night.

Route 130 in Amherst County, along which major damage took place, has reopened to traffic; however, travel is not encouraged in the area.

Closed due to severe storm damage is a portion of US 460 Business, between Waterlick and Laxton Roads in Campbell County. Because of power outages, a number of traffic signals are dark. These signals are to be treated as four-way stops.

Across the ten-county district, numerous trees are down with power lines involved in some.

Emergency responders, utility crews and others are still working to address damage at many locations and motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in heavily damaged areas.

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

Amherst / Lynchburg : Severe Storms & Tornadoes Cause Widespread Damage

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Photo Courtesy of Virginia State Police : Above part of the damage left Sunday evening – April 15, 2018 after severe thunderstorms and likely tornadoes hit parts of Amherst County and the city of Lynchburg. The Elon community in Amherst was one of the hardest hit.

Amherst County, Virginia

A line of severe storms spawning tornadoes across a large part of Central Virginia Sunday night is responsible for significant damage in Amherst County and The City of Lynchburg. The hardest his area in Amherst is in Elon.


Above aerial video from WDBJ-7 Roanoke of the damage in Lynchburg.

Photo via VSP : This home in the Elon Community of Amherst County was complete destroyed and blown from the foundation during Sunday night’s tornado. April 15, 2018

Additional coverage on the line of storms here from WDBJ-7 Roanoke.

More coverage and photos on the storm here from WSET ABC-13 in Lynchburg.

Crozet : Plane Crash Kills One Person – Update : Pilot Identified

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Photo via VSP : Above what’s left from a Sunday night plane crash in Crozet where one person was killed. April 15, 2018

Crozet
Albemarle County, Virginia

Pilot identified

Updated via VSP 4.18.18 at 4PM:

At 9:03 p.m., Sunday (April 15), Virginia State Police responded to a report of a downed plane near Saddle Hollow Road in Crozet. The 1996 fixed-wing, twin-engine Cessna crashed in a remote area and one body was recovered from the wreckage. The remains were transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner for examination, autopsy, and positive identification. The ME has confirmed the pilot to be Kent D. Carr, 51, of Staunton, Va. Carr was the only occupant on the plane at the time of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by the FAA and NTSB.

Corinne N. Geller

Public Relations Director”

Link to Mr. Carr’s Obituary here:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/kent-carr-obituary?pid=188767385

Updated from VSP : 4.16.18 at 3:53 PM

“The crash scene near Saddle Hollow Road in Crozet has been turned over to the NTSB and FAA for their official investigations into the cause of the fatal plane crash. State police are still awaiting confirmation from the Office of the Medical Examiner on the pilot’s identification. Until that positive identification is made and next of kin is formally notified, state police will not be releasing the pilot’s name.”

The investigation into a deadly Sunday night plane crash in Crozet continues. Just after 9 P.M. Sunday night the Virginia State Police responded to a call of a plane down on Saddle Hollow Road.

Reporter Brianna Hamblin with our media partners at CBS19 News reports live from the scene Sunday of a deadly plane crash in Crozet. April 15, 2018


Above in the video player a late Sunday night update from CBS19 News.

“The plane, which was located in a field, is a small, private aircraft and one body has been recovered from the wreckage. The remains will be transferred to the Office of the Medical Examiner for autopsy, examination and positive identification.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation at this time. The FAA and NTSB have both been notified of the crash,” Corinne Geller
Public Relations Director for The Virginia State Police told us late Sunday night.

More updates later Monday.

Nelson : Afton / Piney River : Before All Of the Storms It Was A Beautiful Day For Annual Spring Events

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The Saturday before all of the destructive storms the next day it was a beautiful for the annual Rockfish River Elemenraty Earth Day 5K and Fun Run. It was also perfect weather for the annual Piney River Mini Triathlon.

Afton / Piney River

Hard to believe with all of the severe storm destruction that moved through on the second part of the weekend that yesterday was beautiful and sunny. Two very popular annual events were held on Saturday. The Rockfish River Elementary Earth Day 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run kicked off the morning in Afton. It was ideal weather and a great time! BRL’s Tommy Stafford ran in the 5K along with all of the others.

To see more of the photos and the race results from the RRES 5K & Family Fun Run, click on our Facebook album above.

Another staple event every spring is the Piney River Mini Triathlon. This has become a local favorite. One we’ve been covering for well over a decade. Our Paul Purpura was out there grabbing shots of all of the participants. Paul says if you want to order a particular photo you can. To access go to www.photosbypaulp.com and enter “Piney River 2018” in the search bar to go to the gallery. Was a great day and a great event!

Once the results are posted they will be available at the event’s website here.

To see all of Paul’s photos from the PR Mini Tri, click on our Facebook album above.

It was a great turnout and looking forward to seeing everyone next year!!

Watching Potential For Strong To Severe Storms This Afternoon & Evening

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The Storm Prediction Center has our area in the slight risk zone for severe weather. From near Roanoke south there is an enhanced risk for severe weather.

I continue to watch the risk for some severe storms late this afternoon and evening. Though I think brunt of the weather remains south, we have the real possibility of strong storms with heavy rains.

I’ll be updating more as needed.

Tommy

RED FLAG WARNING : EXPIRED – EXPIRED – EXPIRED

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RED FLAG WARNING : High Danger of Wildfires In Red Highlighted Areas

RED FLAG WARNING
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
448 AM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018

District of Columbia-Washington-Prince Georges-Charles-
Extreme Western Allegany-Central and Eastern Allegany-
Northwest Montgomery-Central and Southeast Montgomery-
Northwest Howard-Central and Southeast Howard-Augusta-Rockingham-
Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-Nelson-Albemarle-
Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-Fairfax-
Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western 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-
448 AM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018

…RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT
THIS EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES FOR
PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN MARYLAND…THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA…NORTHERN AND CENTRAL VIRGINIA…AND EASTERN WEST
VIRGINIA…

* HUMIDITY…20 to 30 percent.

* WINDS…Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* FUEL MOISTURE…7 to 8 percent.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds, low relative humidity and low fuel
moistures will combine to create an environment conducive to
the rapid spread of 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.

URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
307 AM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018

Alleghany VA-Bath-Rockbridge-Amherst-Appomattox-Buckingham-Mercer-
Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
307 AM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR Southeast West
Virginia, and into parts of central and northern Virginia…

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
from noon today to 8 PM EDT this evening.

* Affected Area…In Virginia, the counties of Alleghany, Bath,
Rockbridge, Amherst, Appomattox and Buckingham. In West
Virginia, Mercer, Summers, Monroe, and Greenbrier.

* Winds…Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* Relative Humidity…20 to 30 percent.

* Impacts…Gusty winds and low humidity will make it very
difficult to control wildland fires. If fires do occur, expect
rapid rates of spread.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now….or expected to occur. A combination
of strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures
can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Outdoor burning should
be avoided

FIRE WEATHER WATCH : Replaced & Expanded With Red Flag Warning : See In Text Below

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Click here for the latest Red Flag Warning Info

RED FLAG WARNING / FIRE WEATHER WATCH

URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
307 AM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018

Alleghany VA-Bath-Rockbridge-Amherst-Appomattox-Buckingham-Mercer-
Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
307 AM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR Southeast West
Virginia, and into parts of central and northern Virginia…

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
from noon today to 8 PM EDT this evening.

* Affected Area…In Virginia, the counties of Alleghany, Bath,
Rockbridge, Amherst, Appomattox and Buckingham. In West
Virginia, Mercer, Summers, Monroe, and Greenbrier.

* Winds…Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* Relative Humidity…20 to 30 percent.

* Impacts…Gusty winds and low humidity will make it very
difficult to control wildland fires. If fires do occur, expect
rapid rates of spread.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now….or expected to occur. A combination
of strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures
can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Outdoor burning should
be avoided.

URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
134 PM EDT Wed Apr 11 2018

District of Columbia-Washington-Southern Baltimore-Prince Georges-
Anne Arundel-Charles-St. Marys-Calvert-
Central and Eastern Allegany-Northwest Montgomery-
Central and Southeast Montgomery-Northwest Howard-
Central and Southeast Howard-Augusta-Rockingham-Shenandoah-
Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-
Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-Fairfax-
Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-Spotsylvania-
King George-Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western Highland-
Eastern Highland-Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-
Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-Western Grant-
Eastern Grant-Eastern Mineral-Western Pendleton-Eastern Pendleton-
134 PM EDT Wed Apr 11 2018

…FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR MUCH OF EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA, NORTHERN
AND CENTRAL VIRGINIA AND NORTHERN AND CENTRAL MARYLAND THURSDAY…

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
Fire Weather Watch for the potential of rapid fire spread, which
is in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday evening.

* HUMIDITY…20 to 30 percent.

* WINDS…Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 35 to 40 mph.

* FUEL MOISTURE…8 to 10 percent.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds, low relative humidity and low fuel
moistures may combine to create an environment conducive to the
rapid spread of wildfires.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are possible. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag
Warnings if confidence increases, as well as any state issued
burning restrictions.

Harrisonburg Man Killed in Amherst County Crash

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Harrisonburg / Amherst, Virginia

Release via VSP:

Virginia State Police Trooper C.A. Sheron is investigating a single-vehicle crash in Amherst County. The crash occurred at approximately 12:12 a.m., Tuesday (April 10), on Route 29, north of Kintyre Lane.

A 2012 Chevrolet Cruze was traveling north on Route 29 when it ran off the left side of the highway and into the median where it struck a tree.

The vehicle’s driver, Raghav Rijal, 26, of Harrisonburg, Va., died at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt.

The crash remains under investigation.

Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police

Nelson : Wild Wolf Brewing Company Awarded Governor’s Environmental Excellence Gold Medal Award

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Above (second from left) Mary Wolf, founder of Wild Wolf Brewing Company receiving the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Gold Medal Award for their Every Day is Earth Day Sustainability Program at the 27th Annual Environmental Virginia Symposium at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington on Thursday April 5th. Also pictured (L to R) : DCR Director Clyde Cristman, Secretary of Natural Resources Matthew Strickler, and DEQ Director David Paylor

 

Nellysford
Nelson County, VA

Wild Wolf Brewing Company received the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Gold Medal Award for their Every Day is Earth Day Sustainability Program on Thursday April 5th through the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards. This category is intended to provide recognition to organizations or facilities that can document the success of their sustainability program by providing evidence of a culture of environmental sustainability, recent accomplishments related to reducing their environmental footprint and a commitment to future sustainability-oriented actions.

“We work hard to implement sustainability programs throughout our business and are proud to be recognized for this prestigious award,” says owner, Mary Wolf. “We strive to raise the bar for environmental excellence throughout our community and industry by adopting and creating sustainability programs that make our community and earth a better place.”

Wild Wolf Brewing Company is a small production brewery and a 450-seat restaurant situated on ten acres in Nelson County. The management team has keenly focused on brewery waste and found ways to recycle all packaging, allowing the brewery to be considered a zero-waste facility. Wild Wolf Brewing Company is the first brewery in the Commonwealth to package all flagship beers in cans rather than bottles. All of its beer sold inside and outside the brewery is packaged in recyclable containers and/or reusable vessels, which has also greatly reduced the weight of the shippable product. Pack-tek carriers and cans are used for beer packaging; both are made of 80% or more recycled materials.

With no recycling pick-up options in Nelson County, cardboard, glass, metal and plastic materials are collected and brought to a recycling facility. In addition to minimizing their own waste, Wild Wolf Brewing Company also provides an incentive for its customers to recycle by offering Wild Wolf bucks in exchange for clean bottles.

A program Wild Wolf Brewing Company has been rapidly expanding is their compost program. In the kitchen, scraps are used in the composting system which yields nutrient rich soil for the herb and vegetable garden. These practices, in addition to many others, ensure that nothing goes to waste at Wild Wolf Brewing Company.

“We look forward to growing our programs in the future and educating others on how these programs can be implemented to make every day earth day,” says Wolf.

About Wild Wolf Brewing Company

Wild Wolf Brewing Company was founded in 2011 by Mary Wolf. Her son, Brew master Danny Wolf, and his team sustainably brew fresh, award-winning craft beers in a variety of styles. Look for six packs of cans and draught offerings throughout Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The brewery and restaurant, located in Nelson County, VA on the scenic State Rt. 151, is open seven days a week for pints, lunch, and dinner. The expansive grounds enclose a shaded dog-friendly biergarten, koi ponds, and mountain views. Wild Wolf Brewing Company also offers a fully equipped Event Center for special occasions. Find out more at www.wildwolfbeer.com.

Sunny Skies Made Perfect Backdrop For 10th Annual Rockfish Valley Foundation Kite Festival

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Copyright 2018 : Blue Ridge Life Magazine : Youngsters run across the pasture during the parachute races held this past Sunday – April 8, 2018 during the 10th Annual Rockfish Valley Foundation Kite Festival held in Nelson County.

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

2018 marked the 10th year in a row the Rockfish Valley Foundation held the annual kite festival. Blue Ridge Life has been the media sponsor of the event since the beginning. The festival is held on the Bold Rock Field behind Bold Rock Hard Cider.

Kids and adults had a great afternoon of kite flying at the 10th Annual Rockfish Valley Foundation Kite Festiavl this past Sunday – April 8, 2018 in Nelson County, Virginia.
A huge U.S.flag is unrolled and displayed during the singing of the National Anthem this past Sunday – April 8, 2018 at the 10th Annual Rockfish Valley Foundation Kite Festival.

There was some concern on Saturday that the weather might not clear out, but it was perfectly sunny. And though it was cool, there was just enough wind to make it a perfect day for kite flying!

To see more photos from Sunday’s kite festival, check out the gallery above.

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