5:46 p.m.
Update from VDOT for Salem district:
SALEM – Snowplow drivers with the Virginia Department of Transportation will continue working this evening, overnight and into tomorrow to plow and treat roads throughout southwestern Virginia. With about a foot and a half of snow accumulated throughout the region, there is plenty of work ahead tonight and tomorrow.
Although snow removal crews have made some progress on the primary roads (those numbered 1-599) and interstates today, there will be challenges overnight to keep these roads passable. Lower temperatures, additional snow showers, possible high winds and drifting snow will keep VDOT’s efforts focused on the interstates and main roads overnight and into the early morning hours on Sunday.
The majority of secondary roads (those numbered 600 and above) and neighborhood streets have not been plowed in counties in southwestern Virginia. Crews did manage to get to some of the higher volume primary roads in a few areas, but most secondary roads remain in severe condition, meaning they are still covered in several inches of snow or ice. VDOT does not expect to make much progress on these roads overnight as low temperatures will keep snowplows on the major roads and interstates to treat any icing that may occur.
During any winter weather event, VDOT’s first priority is keeping the primary roads plowed and treated before sending crews to plow secondary roads and neighborhood streets. VDOT hopes to plow secondary roads throughout the Salem District on Sunday, but that will depend on the progress made on the primary roads and interstates and the weather conditions.
VDOT encourages motorists to avoid travel if at all possible. Drivers should call 911 to report emergencies.
The 12-county VDOT Salem District includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Franklin, Floyd, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski and Roanoke.
For the latest road conditions and incident reports, dial 511 or visit the Web site at www.511Virginia.org
--------
5:39 p.m.
State Police say they have responded to calls for about 2,900 crashes and diasbled vehicles since midnight in Virginia.
Troopers say the majority of the crashes involved damage to vehicles with few injuries, as the storm began. When the storm got more intense, State Police receive more calls for disabled cars.
-------
5:20 p.m.
The Blacksburg Transit says it will not run bus service on Sunday, December 20th.
------
4:54 p.m.
VDOT says the accident on I-81 northbound in Roanoke County has been cleared. Both lanes back open.
------
4:32 p.m.
Roanoke Regional Airport says it has re-opened runway 6-24 as of 3:35 p.m.
According to airport spokeswoman Sherry Wallace:
Allegiant has planes en route to ROA and plans to make both its delayed Orlando/Sanford flight from yesterday and today's St. Petersburg flight. United has canceled all flights due to bad weather not only here but also in Chicago and Washington. Flights into Philadelphia and New York have also been canceled.
At this time it appears US Airways will try to get some planes in from Charlotte and that Delta will try to get some planes in from Atlanta. Check with your airline for the latest info on your particular flight. The airport will keep posting updates as we have more information from the airlines.
------
4:05 p.m.
VDOT says both northbound lanes of Interstate 81 are blocked near Salem in Roanoke County.
Traffic is backed up 2 miles.
-------
1:13 p.m.
Update from VDOT:
VDOT, State Police and the Virginia National Guard are working with local governments to reach drivers who are stranded in their vehicles, but they are hindered by disabled vehicles and accidents. Emergency supplies are being provided to drivers by local governments and the Virginia National Guard.
Drivers are being asked to stay with their vehicles unless there is an emergency so that snow-removal crews can get traffic flowing as soon as accidents are clear. Abandoned vehicles block roadways and prevent plows from clearing snow. For traffic updates, drivers should call 511 or visit 511Virginia.org. If a stranded driver is in immediate danger or is experiencing an emergency, they should dial #77 or 911.
Drivers waiting in traffic should:
--Stay with their vehicles
--Conserve fuel but periodically turning off their vehicle. Drivers should run their vehicles for 10 minutes to warm the passenger cabin, and then turn the engine off for 20 minutes to conserve fuel.
--Understand that it will take time for emergency crews to reach them, however state and local emergency responders and road crews are working to get to them and restore traffic flow.
------
1:05 p.m.
State Police news release
RICHMOND – All available Virginia State Police troopers, supervisors and dispatchers have been working through the night and morning across the Commonwealth to respond to the overwhelming number of traffic crashes and disabled vehicles resulting from the ongoing snowstorm. From 6 a.m. Friday through 12 p.m. Saturday, Virginia State Police statewide have responded to more than 4,000 calls for service to include traffic crashes and disabled vehicles. From midnight Saturday through noon Saturday, state police statewide have responded to more than 1,800 traffic crashes and disabled vehicles. The majority of the crashes have involved damaged vehicles without injuries.
To date, state police have investigated only one fatal weather-related traffic crash. State Police responded to the single-vehicle crash in Carroll County on Route 664 approximately 1/10 of a mile south of Route 662. Due to slick and snowy road conditions, a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer ran off the road and struck a fence and then an embankment. The Blazer overturned and the driver, Barbara L. Allen, 68, of Willis, Va., was thrown from the vehicle. Allen was not wearing a seat belt and died at the scene.
At this time, Interstate 81 is passable but slow-moving, especially through the New River Valley. The worst stretches of I-81 are in the more mountainous stretches – Buffalo Creek in Rockbridge County (187-195 mile markers) and Christiansburg Mountain in Montgomery County (118-130 mile markers). Stoppages continue to occur with recurring traffic crashes in the travel lanes. Interstate traffic cannot be re-routed off the interstates and around the crash because of the treacherous conditions of secondary roadways. Therefore, when a crash occurs traffic is stopped until the wreck is cleared.
State police are also working with local law enforcement along U.S. Route 29 to respond and clear crashes and disabled vehicles.
Those motorists stuck in traffic with emergency needs are encouraged to call State Police by dialing #77 on a cellular phone. Motorists are asked not to call 911 or #77 to get road conditions. For road conditions, please dial 511 on a cellular phone or go to www.511virginia.org.
State police are working closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Virginia National Guard and Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), as well as local governments to coordinate traffic crash response and sheltering efforts.
Those with holiday parties or travel plans for this weekend are advised to postpone them. Even as the storm moves through areas of the Commonwealth, roads will continue to be treacherous especially as temperatures drop Saturday evening and overnight.
------
12:51 p.m.
The canopy over the gas pumps at the Country Store in Roanoke County collapsed from the snow.
Photo below by: Kimberly Eakin
------
12:37 p.m.
VDOT says both northbound lanes of Interstate 77 at the East River Mountain tunnel are back open.
------
12:30 p.m.
Roanoke County has declared a local state of emergency.
As part of it, Roanoke County Fire and Rescue opened a shelter at the Fort Lewis Fire & Rescue station to give stranded drivers on I-81 a place to get warm and sleep overnight.
The department says three of its crews are helping State Police on I-81, working to dig out drivers in the southbound lanes on I-81, near the Dixie Caverns exit. The crews are also working to get tractor trailers on the side of the road, so the snow plows can pass through.
------
12:10 p.m.
VDOT says I-77 northbound at the East River Mountain tunnel is blocked
-------
11:17 a.m.
By Catherine Amos
Danville Register & Bee
The city of Danville woke up to about eight inches of snow Saturday morning, with at least 10 inches recorded in parts of Pittsylvania County, according to the National Weather Service.
The overnight low was 29 degrees in Danville, and the high today is expected to be around 34 degrees, with some light precipitation.
Meteorologist Steve Keighton said the storm has moved on to northern Virginia and precipitation in Danville has “pretty much ended,” although the area may continue to see some light snow or drizzle.
“Probably the bigger problems will come over the next couple of days and the snow melts just a little bit,” Keighton said. “Everything that’s melted will refreeze and create some black ice. Overnight and early mornings are gonna be real slick for the next couple days.”
Keighton also said another system is predicted to possibly bring freezing rain to the area Thursday night and Friday – which could make for an icy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
“That could be a problem too,” he said, “ with flooding problems by late in the week. There are all kinds of issues that we’re watching for with that storm system.”
-----
11:13 a.m.
From Greg Moore, WSLS Photojournalist, in Rockbridge Co.
State Police and deputies have set up a truck at Lexington exit 188 to take people who are trapped to Rockbridge Co. High School to get warm. Officers are sending 4-wheelers down the exit ramp, and innto the jam of cars and truck to get people to safety.
------
10:35 a.m.
We have an update on power outages.
Dominion Virginia Power estimates that fewer than a thousand of its customers are without power in Alleghany County, Rockbridge County, and Halifax County.
Applachian Power's website shows about 1,500 customers in our area don't have electricity. More than a thousand of those customers in Botetourt County as of 10:30 a.m.
------
10:13 a.m.
In a telephone interview with WSLS, State Police spokeswoman Corrine Geller says one reason that the back-ups are so severe on the interstates, is because State Police cannot move cars off the interstate and onto secondary roads, due to the condition of the secondary roads.
Geller says traffic will start to move on the highway, then an accident happens, causing slow, stop and go progress.
Geller tells us that troppers and wreckers are doing their best to clear the roads, and stresses that anyone who does not have to travel, stay off the roads.
Geller says in all of Virginia, State Police had received about 1,300 calls about accidents through this morning. She is somewhat skeptical of the report of 1,000+ people stranded in Rockbridge County, as told to WSLS by Rockbridge Co. Emergency Services Coordinator Robert Foresman
-----
9:58 a.m.
The town of Vinton has declared a local state of emergency due to the snow storm.
Vinton says has received more than 14 inches of snow, and the town's emergency management coordinator says neighborhood roads are dangerous, and not fit for driving on right now.
-------
9:11 a.m.
From Greg Moore, WSLS Photojournalist, in Rockbridge County
Rockbridge County Emergency Service Coordinator Robert Foresman estimates at least 1,000 people are stranded on highways in the county. At least 100 tractor trailers involved, along with other cars.
Worst area is about four miles south of Lexington, on I-81 southbound, where Foresman estimates that multiple tractor trailers have jack-knifed, and other cars have wrecked.
Shelter has been set up Rockbridge Co. High School.
Police and Deputies are walking people back from their vehicles, to the top of exit ramps, so they can be taken to the shelter.
------
8:50 a.m.
Roanoke City has closed all libraries and the City Market Building for today
-----
8:29 a.m.
Some good news for drivers stranded on Interstate 77.
VDOT says the accident blocking the Big Walker tunnel on the West Virginia side has been cleared.
However, this is a long back-up, so don't expect traffic to start moving quickly.
-------
8:20 a.m.
WSLS photojournalist Greg Moore is on I-81 in Rockbridge County, trying to get near where the National Guard is helping with stranded drivers.
Here are a couple of pictures he took near the scene:
--------
7:28 a.m.
State Police have shut down all of Interstate 77 according to the Carroll County and Wythe County Sheriff's Offices.
Also, there is a major back-up on Interstate 81 southbound, starting about four miles south of Lexington due to an accident. The National Guard is helping to clear the scene, but there is no time frame for when traffic will begin moving again.
The City of Salem has decided to move the kickoff for the Amos-Alonzo Stagg Bowl back from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., due to the high amount of snow that has fallen, and is still falling this morning.
--------
6:25 a.m.
Several sections of Interstate 81 are still closed due to snow and accidents. Some drivers stranded overnight on highways.
The National Guard is helping drivers in Rockbridge County.
I-77 northbound from Wytheville to the West Virginia State line is closed.
The Wythe County Sheriff's Office says 350 people are staying in shelters opened for stuck travelers on Interstates 81 and 77, at George Wythe High School in Wytheville.
Police say do not drive unless it is an absolute emergency.
Flights coming into and going out of Roanoke Regional Airport cancelled for this morning. Check your airline for later flights.
More snow expected today. Storm Team 10 will bring you live updates during the Today Show.
--------
5:39 a.m.
The Wythe County Sheriff's Office says 350 people are staying in shelters opened for stuck travelers on Interstates 81 and 77, at George Wythe High School in Wytheville.
Chief Deputy Keith Dunagan tells WSLS that I-77 northbound from Wytheville to the West Virginia state line is still closed. I-77 southbound from Fort Chiswell to Carroll County has snow on it, but is open.
I-81 southbound is blocked by a tractor trailer two miles east of Wytheville.. I-81 northbound has snow, but is open.
Rockbridge County Emergency Services Coordinator Robert Foresman says the National Guard is out on I-81 in Rockbridge County, helping drivers stranded overnight.
-------
4:15 a.m.
I-81 southbound being detoured onto Route 460 at the Dixie Caverns exit in Roanoke County.
Southbound lanes of I-81 closed one mile past Dixie Caverns.
-------
4:08 a.m.
Valley Metro says it will NOT run buses on Saturday.
------
2:48 a.m.
The Wythe County Sheriff's Office says a shelter has been set up at George Wythe High School in Wytheville (100 Maroon Way, Wytheville).
Bland County has also set up a shelter at Bland High School for drivers on I-77.
------
2:45 a.m.
VDOT says Route 29 in Nelson County is back open.
-------
2:30 p.m.
VDOT says Route. 220 southbound is back open in Henry County, near the Virginia-North Carolina line.
--------
1:54 a.m.
The Wythe County Sheriff's Office says Interstate 77 between Wytheville and West Virginia has been shut down due to the weather, and accidents blocking the highway.
All other traffic on I-81 and I-77 is moving slowly with only one lane of traffic open.
-------
1:51 a.m.
National Weather Service says Roanoke has received a foot of snow.
Blacksburg at 11.2 inches.
--------
1:39 a.m.
VDOT says multiple sections of Interstate 81 are not moving, on both the northbound and the southbound side from Rockbridge County through Wythe County .
Photos below from Laura Sullivan, stuck near Ironto on I-81
------
1:00 a.m.
WSLS is receiving calls from drivers who claim to be stuck on Interstate 81 in Wythe Co., Montomgery Co., Salem/Roanoke Co., and Rockbridge Co.
VDOT's 511 Virginia website shows multiple accidents on I-81, and roads in moderate to severe condition.
Also, Route 220 southbound is still blocked near the Virginia-North Carolina border in Henry County.
Police and plow crews stress that you avoid the roads unless absolutely necessary.
The Roanoke Times says morning delivery of newspapers may be delayed due to the weather, and conditions on the road. The newspaper hopes to have deliveries completed by 12:00 p.m. Saturday.
-----
5:25 p.m.
Some notable weather cancellations:
Buena Vista: Marine Corps Toys for Tots work cancelled until Tuesday
Dickens of a Christmas has been cancelled.
Radford's commencement ceremonies for both today and tomorrow are cancelled. Those students are invited to attend the spring 2010 commencement ceremonies.
H1N1 clinics at Valley View Mall and the Covington Moose Lodge have been postponed.
H1N1 clinic at Franklin County high school tomorrow is also canceled.
Call your airline to find out about cancellations and delays. We’ve had several reports of cancelled outgoing flights.
3:20 p.m.
From Storm Team 10 Meteorologist Jeff Haniewich:
The snow has arrived as expected this afternoon and will fall heavily at times into Saturday.
We could even hear a few rumbles of thunder overnight, an indication that thunder snow is a possibility across the area.
The heaviest snow will fall tonight into midday Saturday, with 1-2” of snow per hour a possibility.
Total accumulations will likely range from:
8-12 inches in Southside, where some sleet may hold the accumulation less than the rest of the region
10-16+ inches of snow is possible across the Roanoke Valley, Highlands, and parts of the NRV
14-18+ inches may fall along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, Carroll, and Grayson Counties
Be careful out there and if you do not have to go out, don’t do it.
-------
Friday 3:05 p.m.
Updated snow prediction totals:
Floyd Co., Carroll Co., Grayson Co. - 14-17 inches
Roanoke Valley, New River Valley, Alleghany Highlands, Franklin Co., Henry Co. - 8-14 inches
Lynchburg region, Danville region - 6-10 inches, sleet possible
State and local police are advising everyone to stay home unless absolutely necessary to drive.
Governor Tim Kaine declared a State of Emergency due to the winter storm.
Full news release
Governor Timothy M. Kaine declared a state of emergency today, authorizing state agencies to assist local governments responding to the winter storm that will affect the Commonwealth today and tomorrow.
“The snowfall amounts along with strong winds could cause serious problems, including power outages, throughout much of Virginia,” Governor Kaine said. “Virginians need to pay attention to their local weather forecasters, avoid travel, and prepare to be on their own for up to 72 hours.”
In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia. In anticipation of this weather system:
The Virginia Emergency Operations Center is being staffed with response team members from several state agencies, major utilities and other affiliated organizations and is coordinating the state response to the storm.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has held weather conference calls with the National Weather Service, local governments and state agencies.
The Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Transportation are ready to keep roadways clear.
The Virginia Department of Forestry is on standby for debris cleanup.
The Virginia National Guard is on standby to assist with emergency transport.
Virginians can check road conditions before they leave home by calling 511 or logging in to 511Virginia.org.
More information about winter weather preparedness is available at www.vaemergency.com . Detailed information about how Virginians can stay safe during an emergency is available at www.ReadyVirginia.gov and www.ListoVirginia.gov
-------
Friday 2:24 p.m.
Snow has begun falling in parts of the New River Valley and Roanoke Valley.
WSLS is seeing snow outside our station in downtown Roanoke.
Also, weather watchers have called in snow reports from Boones Mill, Floyd County, and Montgomery County.
-----
Updated Friday 6:47 a.m.
A winter storm warning is in effect area-wide through Saturday afternoon. Snow will begin to fall by mid-morning in the mountain empire and then working northeast. All of us should be seeing snow by late afternoon or early evening. Tonight the snow could be heavy at times.
Light snow or snow showers are possible during the day Saturday before ending.
Eight to 13 inches are possible across most of the area. Areas near and south of Lynchburg could see a bit less with totals of six to ten inches possible.
---------------------------
11:59 p.m.
Friday will start dry with mostly cloudy skies in place, but by late morning or early afternoon, we will likely see a wintry mix form in southwestern parts of the viewing area, and that will likely move northeast through the afternoon.
Highs on Friday will reach the middle 30s.
The heaviest bursts of snow will move in Friday into midday Saturday, but indications are right now, that the snow will begin to diminish by mid-afternoon. Not before the damage is done, however.
We are looking at 8-13+" of snow towards the Highlands, NRV, and Roanoke Valley (as of now, it looks to be on the higher end), and 6-11+" of snow towards Lynchburg and Southside.
It will be a cold day with highs in the low-to-mid 30s.
------
3:30 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning that will go into effect at 9:00 a.m. Friday morning.
-------
From Jeff Haniewich, as of 2:45 PM on Thursday:
Clouds roll in tonight, but dry and cold. We will start Friday dry with mostly cloudy skies, but late in the morning into the afternoon, precipitation may start to overspread the region, likely starting as a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and rain. Friday night into Saturday morning, we could some heavier bursts of snow, but by Saturday mid-afternoon, the snow will begin to taper off just to some snow showers. The mountains may continue to deal with some off and on light snow showers Saturday night into Monday. This time around, the ground is cold, so it will not take long for the snow to accumulate. There are still some questions about the track of the storm (i.e. how much warm air could possible be drawn into the system?), but as of now, it looks like it could be a big deal for us. We are looking at the potential of 6-12”+ across the mountains and Blue Ridge, with perhaps 5-10” towards Southside and Lynchburg…but just know, THIS COULD CHANGE! Cold air from Canada will likely meet up with a storm system from the south, and as we all know, this is a recipe for bigger snow events. I encourage everyone to stay tuned to Storm Team 10!
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement