VSP warn of frozen waterways

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

Virginia State Police are urging the public to stay off frozen ponds, lakes, and waterways as cold conditions continue across the region.

Officials checking ponds found ice approaching, but not exceeding, four inches thick.

Officials say four inches of clear ice is the minimum generally considered safe, and even then, it can be deadly.

Authorities warn conditions are especially dangerous on moving water.

Parts of the James River may appear frozen, but flowing water makes ice unpredictable and unsafe at all times.

Police report an increase in calls involving people, especially juveniles, on frozen waterways, and they’re asking parents to talk with children about the risks.

The safest choice, officials say, is to stay off the ice entirely.

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

Protect your pets and pipes during the cold

lightning

The dangerously cold air that Kemp Miller warned you about has passed, and you likely woke up to the coldest temperatures of the season this morning, with many areas dropping into the upper teens overnight.

While the absolute lowest temperatures are behind us, conditions remain frigid.

If you moved your pets inside last night, keep them warm!

If you forgot, check them immediately for signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Simple outdoor shelters are not adequate in this extreme cold.

As temperatures rise slightly today, this is the time to check exposed faucets, well pumps, and older plumbing for any damage or bursts that may have occurred overnight.

We will see a slight warming trend but continue to take care.

There is now a winter weather advisory for parts of the listening area starting tomorrow, Sunday, November 30th, starting at 3 pm.

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