Winds are kept First Responders busy

Warren County Emergency crews were busy Friday afternoon responding to a surge in wind-related calls.

Incidents include downed trees blocking roads, power lines down and sparking small brush fires, and a tree falling into a home.

Officials urge residents to stay clear of downed power lines, secure loose outdoor items, and avoid wooded areas until the winds subside.

Crews are working with utility companies to clear hazards as quickly as possible.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Winter Storm Fern damages farms across the Valley

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Work is continuing across the Shenandoah Valley as farmers, first responders, and state agricultural agencies assess damage from Winter Storm Fern.

Poultry houses, greenhouses, and other farm structures were among those impacted by heavy snow.

Virginia Poultry Federation President Hobey Bauhan says at least ten poultry houses in the Valley suffered structural damage from snow load.

Meanwhile, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance reports nearly 50 storm-related claims so far, ranging from auto crashes and collapsed buildings to downed trees and frozen pipes.

State agricultural leaders say while the damage is serious, it could have been worse. Bauhan noted that a similar storm in 2003 caused more than 50 poultry house collapses statewide.

As damage assessments continue, organizations including the Virginia Poultry Federation, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Farm Service Agency are working with farmers to document losses and coordinate assistance.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

New storm brings more threats

Traffic Update

VDOT is asking you to be alert this weekend.

The third storm in over a week has entered the Shenandoah Valley.

Bringing with it new threats.

High winds mixed with saturated ground bring the risk of downed trees, utility lines and debris.

Please use extreme caution while driving.

Some roads may become impassable due to flooding or debris.

Just two feet of water can float a truck or SUV.

Current traffic conditions and other real-time travel information are available on the 511Virginia.org website and the free VDOT 511 mobile app, or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

WCFR and other first responders have been busy for several days

Several social media posts indicate that first responders have been kept busy over the past couple of days during the high winds and dry conditions.

Several downed trees and power lines were reported down by the winds last night in the Shenandoah Valley.

Warren County Fire and Rescue (WCFR) posted that they dealt with several fires since last Thur. Dec. 2.

On Dec. 2 Warren County responded to a fire near the Front Royal airport that required the assistance of the VA. Department of Forestry.

Later on Dec. 2 Fauquier County requested assistance with a woods fire in Markham.

A fire yesterday in the Limeton area had spread from a structure and threatened the nearby woods.

All these incidents were brought under control quickly thanks to the actions of the first responders.

You are reminded to be cautious or not burn at all during sustained winds and dry conditions.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.