WEATHER ALERT
Danville Life Saving Crew asks people practice water safety this summer
Read full article: Danville Life Saving Crew asks people practice water safety this summerAfter one man died on the Dan River Thursday while out tubing with a group, emergency officials are warning people to practice water safety.
Back to school safety and security: Pittsylvania County Public Schools
Read full article: Back to school safety and security: Pittsylvania County Public SchoolsPittsylvania County serves around 8,000 students in ten elementary, four middle and four high schools, including Chatham, Dan River, Gretna and Tunstall.
Renewed talks over dam removal in Danville following tragic tubing incident on the Dan River
Read full article: Renewed talks over dam removal in Danville following tragic tubing incident on the Dan RiverThe tubing tragedy on the Dan River that left five people dead just across the border in North Carolina last month is reigniting talks about the dam’s removal in Danville.
‘I was just screaming for help most of the time’: N.C. tubing accident survivor recalls clinging for her life
Read full article: ‘I was just screaming for help most of the time’: N.C. tubing accident survivor recalls clinging for her lifeOne of four survivors of a deadly tubing accident said by the time her family saw the dam on the Dan River, it was too late.
Body of fourth tuber found in Dan River identified as 7-year-old boy
Read full article: Body of fourth tuber found in Dan River identified as 7-year-old boyThe body that was recovered from the Dan River Sunday morning has been identified, according to the Rockingham County Department of Emergency Services.
Injured owl ready to fly again thanks to Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center
Read full article: Injured owl ready to fly again thanks to Southwest Virginia Wildlife CenterDANVILLE, Va. – An injured owl rescued by a firefighter along the Dan River is nearly ready to fly again, thanks to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. The barred owl will be released back into the wild on Saturday, near where it was found in Danville. The owl was found by a Danville firefighter hanging upside down entangled in some fishing line and injured its leg in the process. Wildlife center staff member Madison Burnette, who helped rehabilitate the owl, says it took nearly two months for it to heal. “In the end, the ends justify the means, when we get him out to where he belongs.”Burnette said the wildlife center planned to release the owl New Year’s Day, but weather pushed back their plans.
Dan River no longer expected to reach historic levels Friday
Read full article: Dan River no longer expected to reach historic levels FridayDANVILLE, Va. – Thursday’s afternoon and overnight forecasts for the Dan River at Danville were calling for historic levels, with the current gage only reporting since 1996. Water continues to flow into the river, leading to levels rising during the day Friday. River St. and Memorial Dr. remain open this morning. The river level is rising slowly, and more streets could be affected later today. pic.twitter.com/6YwQDGJgAO — City of Danville, VA (@cityofdanville) November 13, 2020The river is forecast to go below flood stage Saturday afternoon, but it will still be flooding in South Boston.
Dan River now forecasted to reach moderate, not major flood stage Friday
Read full article: Dan River now forecasted to reach moderate, not major flood stage FridayDANVILLE, Va. – 9:45 p.m. Thursday Update:The National Weather Service has updated its forecast for the Dan River in Danville, with the river expected to crest Friday at moderate flood stage at 31.8 feet, which is just under major flood stage. Earlier forecasts on Thursday had the river expected to crest at 32.4 feet, but that is no longer the case, according to the latest forecast. 32.4 feet would have been the highest crest on record at the Danville observation site. As of 4:45 p.m. Thursday, the river is at 23.81 feet. When the water reaches 26 feet, the floodwater begins to affect the Danville Utilities Complex and the Public Works complex, according to the National Weather Service.
Danville schools to close Friday as Dan River expected to crest at nearly 30 feet
Read full article: Danville schools to close Friday as Dan River expected to crest at nearly 30 feetDANVILLE, Va. – It’s a three-day weekend for students, teachers and school staff in Danville. Danville Public Schools announced Thursday that all schools will be closed and there will be no virtual learning on Friday. Currently, the Dan River is expected to crest at 29.9 feet at 1 a.m. and remain in moderate flood stage until about 7 p.m. When the river crests, many streets will be closed throughout the city and surrounding area, according to city officials. School employees are to follow Code 1, meaning all sites are closed and no employees should report to work.
Danville crews working to monitor flooding conditions, close streets as needed
Read full article: Danville crews working to monitor flooding conditions, close streets as neededDANVILLE, Va. – The Danville Public Works Department is preparing for flood conditions on local streets prone to flooding Thursday. To combat that, Hendrix said crews will be working 12-hour shifts to monitor these conditions around the clock and close streets if it’s needed. Earlier Thursday morning, the National Weather Service extended a flood warning for the Dan River close to Danville until Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, areas near Trade Street are impacted at 22.5 feet and River Street is affected at 23 feet. Crews plan to pump water in the curves of River Street in an attempt to keep the street open to traffic.
Beyond The Forecast: With two months left in hurricane season, what’s next?
Read full article: Beyond The Forecast: With two months left in hurricane season, what’s next?We’re counting down the days until the end of a historic hurricane season in the Atlantic basin. While tropical activity typically slows down over the final two months of the season, strong storms can still occur. Most of our area saw at least two inches of rain as Michael interacted with a cold front to the west to enhance the soaking. So now that I’ve refreshed your memory about Michael, you know that we have to stay vigilant even though the peak of hurricane season has passed. Hurricane season ends November 30.
One person dead, another hurt after canoe overturns on Dan River
Read full article: One person dead, another hurt after canoe overturns on Dan RiverDANVILLE, Va. – One person is dead and another is hurt after a canoe overturned on the Dan River, police said. Danville Police Department Capt. Authorities said the grandson was treated by the Danville Life Saving Crew before he was taken to a local hospital. The life saving crew located and recovered Reynolds’ body via rescue boat. Along with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the Danville life saving crew, police department and fire department all responded to this incident.
Dogwood District shines bright on the diamond Sunday night
Read full article: Dogwood District shines bright on the diamond Sunday nightLYNCHBURG, Va. After the success of the Ronnie Roberts Classic, the Lynchburg Hillcats decided to host another special baseball game at Bank of James Stadium, this time to honor the seniors from the Dogwood District. More than 20 players came together two make up two teams. The Blue team consisted of players from Appomattox, Dan River, and William Campbell High Schools. The Grey team consisted of players from Altavista and Gretna High Schools. Sunday nights game had a great display of defensive play and big bats, as the Blue team scored in the final 4 innings to secure a 14-2 victory.
Two different people rescued from Dan River on Saturday
Read full article: Two different people rescued from Dan River on SaturdayDANVILLE, Va. – Crews with the Danville Fire Department and other agencies responded to two different lifesaving calls on the Dan River on Saturday. First, they got a report just after 7:30 a.m. of a person in danger of falling into the river from the Main Street Bridge. The second call was for someone in the river after their kayak overturned just after 2 p.m.Crews arrived to find a man on some debris underneath the Norfolk Southern train trestle. Crews attempted a high angle rescue from the top of the train trestle. They were able to lower a rescuer to the victim, place a harness on the victim and pull him to safety, according to the Fire Department.
Streets reopen in Danville after flooding
Read full article: Streets reopen in Danville after floodingPublished: May 24, 2020, 12:21 pm Updated: May 24, 2020, 2:50 pmDANVILLE, Va. – UPDATE:All streets in Danville are back open, according to a city spokesperson. Just before 3 p.m. Sunday, the city reopened Trade Street. PREVIOUS STORY:The Dan River at Danville is back in its banks. River Street remains closed as crews work to remove mud and debris. Part of Trade Street remains closed.
With shower and storm chances increasing today, could we see a risk for more flooding?
Read full article: With shower and storm chances increasing today, could we see a risk for more flooding?ROANOKE, Va. – River levels continue to come down across southwest and central Virginia, with Southside continuing to be the place to watch for flooding. The Roanoke River at Altavista, Brookneal and Randolph is at minor flood stage this morning, but the levels are falling at all gauges. Today's rain chances (WSLS)It wouldn’t be out of the question to see some flash flooding concerns develop today, as the Weather Prediction Center has posted a marginal risk along and west of the Blue Ridge. Future Tracker Sunday 5 p.m. (WSLS)Shower chances drop off tonight and they should stay pretty low through the holiday on Monday. Memorial Day planner (WSLS)Our skies stay pretty quiet through Tuesday and Wednesday, but look for storm chances to increase again by Thursday, Friday and next weekend.
Tracking river levels and fog, but overall, a pleasant holiday weekend!
Read full article: Tracking river levels and fog, but overall, a pleasant holiday weekend!ROANOKE, Va. – River levels remain our top concern as we start the long, holiday weekend. Many rivers have come down from their crests, but we’re still tracking the Dan River at Danville, Paces and South Boston, as well as the Roanoke River at Altavista, Brookneal and Randolph. Southside river levels (WSLS)All the moisture from the rain has soaked into the ground, and with winds weakening overnight, we’ve seen dense fog develop this morning. Saturday morning fog alerts (WSLS)We shouldn’t add too much rain this weekend, as daily storm chances stay low at 20 to 30 percent. Future Tracker Sunday 3 p.m. (WSLS)After such a wet and chilly week, I think many of you will notice the warmth this weekend.
‘The power of water is amazing’: Dan River reaches moderate flood stage in Danville
Read full article: ‘The power of water is amazing’: Dan River reaches moderate flood stage in DanvilleDANVILLE, Va. – Danville experienced major flooding from the Dan River for the second time this year on Friday. The river swelled to more than 27 feet by Friday evening, which is past the moderate flood benchmark of 26 feet. According to National Weather Service records, the flooding is a top-five high water mark for the Dan River in Danville. Onlookers watched the river rise from several places in town. He watched the Dan River from the Union Street Bridge and was fascinated by how powerful it became.
Dan River expected to crest Friday evening
Read full article: Dan River expected to crest Friday eveningDANVILLE, Va. While the rain and flooding is coming to a close in Roanoke and the New River Valley, its just getting started in Southside. The Dan River at Danville is expected to crest at 28.3 feet Friday evening at moderate flood stage. As of 9:15 a.m., the Dan River was at 26.05 feet, now in moderate flood stage. Officials have closed River Street due to flooding, and traffic is being detoured onto North Main Street and Old Halifax Road. Goodyear Boulevard at Pumpkin Creek and one southbound lane of Goodyear Boulevard at Beauford Street were closed last night, but the second southbound lane of Goodyear Boulevard at Beauford Street remains open.
We know flash flooding will be an issue this week, but what about river flooding?
Read full article: We know flash flooding will be an issue this week, but what about river flooding?In the New River Valley, minor flooding will be possible at Galax, Allisonia and Glen Lyn. New River flood impacts (WSLS)In Southside, the Dan River will rise to minor flood stage, cresting Friday morning or evening. Tracking river levels in Southside (WSLS)If you live along the Dan River in Danville, Paces or South Boston, youll be watching for flooding impacts. Dan River flood impacts (WSLS)River levels are likely to come down this weekend as we dry out. You can check the river levels where you live anytime here.
’It’s a pretty good flood’: Dan River flooding leaves South Boston intersection underwater
Read full article: ’It’s a pretty good flood’: Dan River flooding leaves South Boston intersection underwaterSOUTH BOSTON, Va. – The intense rain that fell in Virginia this week caused some South Boston residents to predict the Dan River would overflow in their town. “When you get a lot of rain like we’ve had in the mountains and all the water comes down the Dan River, that’s when we really flood,” said longtime South Boston resident Floyd Sreves. That premonition came true Saturday; according to the National Weather Service, the Dan River reached the moderate flooding stage in South Boston, with a measured height of 29 feet. The river lashed near the bottom of the Watkins Bridge, which carries Highway 501 into downtown South Boston, and flooded the road leading up to the bridge. "This is not the worst that we’ve seen in Halifax County, it’s been a lot worse than this.”The Dan River is not expected to crest in South Boston until early Sunday morning.
Floodwaters begin to recede in Danville after Dan River crests at third highest level since 1996
Read full article: Floodwaters begin to recede in Danville after Dan River crests at third highest level since 1996DANVILLE, Va. – Danville remains under a river flood warning Saturday evening, after the Dan River crested earlier in the day at 27.19 feet. The moderate flood stage begins at 26 feet. The river is currently projected to drop below the moderate flood stage Saturday evening, but remain in the minor flood stage overnight. • River Street remains closed. • Trade Street remains closed.
‘It’s crazy’: Third-highest crest ever expected for Dan River in Danville
Read full article: ‘It’s crazy’: Third-highest crest ever expected for Dan River in DanvilleDANVILLE, Va. – The Dan River was roaring Friday, on pace for its third-highest crest since 1996. Just after 4 p.m., the Dan River water level was at 26.55 feet. “We had an odor complaint, a fuel oil smell, so we came out here to investigate it. We found two oil tanks, used to fill vehicles and some of the tow trucks, that had turned over. Some of the fuel is expected to go into the river when the water recedes, but how much fuel was unknown Friday.
Student with loaded gun found after fight at a high school football game
Read full article: Student with loaded gun found after fight at a high school football gamePITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. - A loaded handgun was found after an incident between two minors at a high school football game in Pittsylvania County on Friday night. According to Pittsylvania County officials, during a Dan River and G.W. high school football game, a student from Dan River and G.W. High School got into a physical altercation during the game. The student from Dan River high school fled into the woods where he was caught by deputies.
Sanitary sewer pipe repair underway in Danville
Read full article: Sanitary sewer pipe repair underway in DanvilleDANVILLE, Va. - A section of Newton's Landing in Danville will be closed for several days so the city's public works department can repair a collapsed sewer main. Part of Colquhoun Street between Bridge Street and the Dan River will be shut down for the repair. The pipe collapsed Thursday, according to the city. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Edmunds signs rookie contract with Steelers
Read full article: Edmunds signs rookie contract with SteelersPITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Pittsburgh Steelers are now set for training camp. First round pick Terrell Edmunds signed his rookie contract Tuesday. The Dan River and Virginia Tech product inked a four-year deal worth a reported $10.8 million. The signing bonus is reportedly almost $6 million. There are now four first round picks that remain unsigned, after Baker Mayfield locked up his deal Tuesday night in Cleveland.