Governor Youngkin gives winter storm update

Heavy winter weather has impacted several localities after the past two winter storms, leaving over 200,000 customers without power at its peak.

As of 7 p.m. on Thursday, more than 120,000 remain without power, especially in western Virginia.

Governor Youngkin is warning that the weekend forecast calls for more rain, high winds, and potential flooding.

The Virginia Emergency Support Team has been activated since Sunday and will continue coordinating efforts at
the state operations center.

Authorities are focused on restoring utilities, ensuring safety, and keeping residents informed of hazardous conditions.

As we transition from winter weather to potential flooding concerns this weekend, below are some flood safety and preparedness tips.

Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death.

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

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.

VDOT ready for Hurricane Ian

Traffic Update

The Virginia Department of Transportation has made statewide preparations for Hurricane Ian.

They anticipate the storm to bring high winds and heavy rain that could down trees and powerlines or result in debris or flooding that would make roadways hazardous.

In preparation for the storm, crews inspected and cleaned drainage structures.

During the storm, they will monitor wind speeds in critical areas like bridges and address inoperable or downed traffic signals.

Travelers should obey road closure signs, be alert for debris, watch for high winds effects on tall vehicles like tractor trailers or box trucks, and remember “turn around, don’t drown” if you see flooded roadways.

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. 

Electrical crews recover from Mon.’s storm

Electrical crews were kept busy with as many as 3600 customers being without power from Mon. Jun. 21 storm.

According to reports Strasburg was the hardest hit with 1500 outages caused by a tree limp falling along King Street.

Power was restored by early Tue. Jun. 22.

Most of the outages were caused by high winds.

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