Ground water levels continue to fall

Graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Recent monitoring shows groundwater levels in the Shenandoah Valley continue to fall, raising concerns for residents, farmers, and water users across the region.

Despite snow and sleet from Winter Storm Fern, groundwater hasn’t seen a significant rebound, and water tables remain lower than expected for this time of year.

The US Geological Survey reports say the storm’s moisture hasn’t yet made its way into the aquifer below.

This follows earlier reports that groundwater had dropped several feet, placing levels near some of the lowest in more than a decade and impacting stream flows across the valley.

Officials remind residents that continued monitoring and water conservation efforts will be important as conditions evolve.

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

VSP warn drivers ahead of potential winter weather

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

The Virginia State Police are monitoring possible winter weather across the Commonwealth this weekend.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution:

  • Slow down
  • Increase following distance
  • Stay alert, especially on bridges, overpasses, and ramps

For up-to-date road conditions, visit 511Virginia.gov before traveling.

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

Preparation is key for winter weather

Governor Youngkin would like to remind Virginia that winter weather is once again moving into the area.

It is best to plan in advance, make sure you have your emergency supplies, refuel your car and any heat sources, make sure your generator is at least 20 feet from your house, check on your family and neighbors, and bring your pets inside.

Remember to watch forecast, prepare for impacts, and heed warnings.

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

Kemp Miller’s weather update

lightning

The National Weather Service has continued the Winter Storm Warning and upped the predicted amount in our area to 9-12 inches with isolated areas up to 16 inches. The good news is that we are looking at mostly snow and not much if any mixed precipitation. There will be a mid-day lull in the snow starting early afternoon and then resuming in the late afternoon for the possibility of another 1-3 inches of dry, fluffy snow before it ends tomorrow night. Forget travel: the wind will be blowing off and on most of Monday and Monday evening which will make travel dangerous, if not impossible. I’ll have reports tomorrow morning on The River 95.3 starting at 6 a.m. Enjoy the day and take care.

Prepare for the winter weather headed our way

Be prepared for potential snowfall this Sunday & Monday.

Though forecasts may change, it’s always a good idea to stay alert and prepare now.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) recommends always keeping a storm prep kit stocked with essential items including flashlights & fresh batteries, bottled water, extra blankets or bedding and nonperishable foods.

Find a complete list of what to include at myrec.coop/stormprep

What to do before the storm:

  • Consider a secondary heating source such as a heating with a generator.
  • Gather any extra blankets, bedding, sleeping bags, sweaters and other warm clothing.
  • Generator Safety Tips:
    • Use your generator safely by isolating it from REC’s power lines and connecting
      devices directly.
    • If connecting to your home’s wiring, ensure you use a generator transfer switch.
    • Never refuel a generator while it’s running and provide proper ventilation to avoid
      carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stay informed, stay safe, and remember REC is always here for their customers!

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

Weatherwise February 2024…The weather averages for this month, we’ll give you an update on the drought situation in Virginia, we’ll get an educated guess on what February’s weather will be like, we’ll take a deep dive into the rain-snow line that affects our weather and we look at hypothermia and frost bite.

The weather averages for this month, we’ll give you an update on the drought situation in Virginia, we’ll get an educated guess on what February’s weather will be like, we’ll take a deep dive into the rain-snow line that affects our weather and we look at hypothermia and frost bite.

Drought advisory continues

The “Drought Warning” enacted in August 2023 by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality was lifted on Feb. 1st.

However, a “Drought Advisory” continues for the Shenandoah
drought evaluation region.

This includes the counties of: Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page,
Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties.

Although recent rain and snow have increased current moisture levels in soil, streams, and rivers a drought advisory remains in effect.

Long term precipitation deficits remain in the Shenandoah Valley.

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

WEATHERWISE, JANUARY 2024…We’ll take a look at the hottest year on record, give you an update on our drought situation and we end with a look at a group of countries working to save our oceans.

We’ll take a look at the hottest year on record, give you an update on our drought situation and we end with a look at a group of countries working to save our oceans.

Are you prepared for winter weather?

Traffic Update

Days are getting shorter and colder temperatures are moving in.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offer safety tips during winter travel and recommends keeping an emergency supply kit in the vehicle this winter to stay safe. 

VDOT encourages all motorist to plan ahead for traveling during winter weather and to observe extreme caution when on the roadways.

Before travel, motorists should inspect their vehicle tires and fluid levels and clear all ice and snow from the windows, windshield and mirrors, which could block visibility.

You should also follow forecasts and prepare for any unpredictable conditions. 

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

Sleet, Hail, or Graupel?

We’ll look at Lake Effect Snow and the incredible November snow totals in Buffalo, we’ll distinguish between sleet, hail and graupel, we’ll answer the question, “Why does snow make it so quiet?”, and we’ll give you a wrap up of the 2022 Hurricane season that ended November 30th!