James River Archives - The River 95.3

VSP warn of frozen waterways

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.

Part of the Parkway reopens

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive sign picture taken by employee of WZRV/WFTR used by permission

The Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 0 to milepost 198 in Virginia, which had closed due to impacts from Hurricane Helene, reopened at 8 a.m. on Friday, October 11th.

This included the scenic byway stretching from Shenandoah National Park south to Virginia Route 685 – Skyview Drive/Turkey Ridge Road, near Fancy Gap.

Visitor centers at Humpback Rocks, James River, and Peaks of Otter reopened, as power and water are restored to all facilities that were operational prior to the storm.

The Mabry Mill Cultural Site has opened as well, and the Eastern National/America’s National Parks sales outlet is operating daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Otter Creek Campground had closed for the season prior to the storm and will remain closed.
Peaks of Otter Lodge continued to operate without interruption.

The National Park Service expressed hope to reopen the remainder of the parkway in Virginia within the next two weeks.

The entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina continues to be closed as crews perform damage assessments following Hurricane Helene.

Updates are posted on the Blue Ridge Parkway website and through the park’s social media platforms.

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