WATCH: Looking ahead to our next storm system | Appcast - Jan. 6, 2024
Read full article: WATCH: Looking ahead to our next storm system | Appcast - Jan. 6, 2024Our Weather Authority Alert Day has ended. Chief Meteorologist Jeff Haniewich is here to let you know how much ice accumulated, and more details as we look ahead to our next storm system.
WATCH: Winter weather moves through Central, Southwest Virginia. What’s next? | Appcast - Jan. 6, 2024
Read full article: WATCH: Winter weather moves through Central, Southwest Virginia. What’s next? | Appcast - Jan. 6, 2024A Weather Authority Alert Day is in effect Saturday, Jan. 6 as winter weather continues to move through Central and Southwest Virginia.
It’s here! WSLS 10 Weather Authority releases 2023-2024 winter outlook
Read full article: It’s here! WSLS 10 Weather Authority releases 2023-2024 winter outlookCheck this article and video to watch Your Local Weather Authority's Winter Weather Outlook and find out how much snow we can expect this winter
Basketball tournament at Clifton Middle School scheduled for Dec. 28, Dec. 29 postponed
Read full article: Basketball tournament at Clifton Middle School scheduled for Dec. 28, Dec. 29 postponedAlleghany Highlands Public Schools has postponed the Alcova basketball tournament that was scheduled to be held this week due to water damage in Clifton Middle School.
VDOT warns drivers of black ice, freezing roads in Southwest, Central Virginia
Read full article: VDOT warns drivers of black ice, freezing roads in Southwest, Central VirginiaStaff warns that any wet roads will freeze overnight on Dec. 23 because of the extremely low temperatures, and the main trouble spots are bridges and overpasses.
Town of Blacksburg, VDOT pre-treat major roadways ahead of icy winter weather
Read full article: Town of Blacksburg, VDOT pre-treat major roadways ahead of icy winter weatherTo get ahead of potential icy conditions, VDOT, Blacksburg, and other localities are pre-treating major roadways in their areas.
VDOT, AEP gear up for winter weather heading to Southwest Virginia
Read full article: VDOT, AEP gear up for winter weather heading to Southwest VirginiaThe few days leading up to Christmas are said to be the busiest during the holiday travel season. That, paired with the threat of cold and ice, could make driving even more difficult.
VDOT begins winter weather preps, addressing concerns
Read full article: VDOT begins winter weather preps, addressing concernsVDOT is gearing up to keep the roads clear this winter. By improving contracting to be more flexible, competitive, and attractive to contractors to address equipment and personnel shortages.
How residents are facing the winter weather as strong winds and frigid temperatures hit the area
Read full article: How residents are facing the winter weather as strong winds and frigid temperatures hit the areaA bitter cold is lingering just outside the door and people are bracing themselves as they endure the frigid temperatures.
Virginia Department of Emergency Management prepares for next round of winter weather
Read full article: Virginia Department of Emergency Management prepares for next round of winter weatherAnother winter storm is here and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management says it’s ready for what’s to come.
Gov. Youngkin declares a state of emergency prior to winter weather expected later this week
Read full article: Gov. Youngkin declares a state of emergency prior to winter weather expected later this weekGovernor Glenn Youngkin has issued a state of emergency as Virginia braces itself for more winter weather expected to start Thursday and last through Sunday.
VDOT urging drivers to keep vehicles off streets as snowplows clear roadways
Read full article: VDOT urging drivers to keep vehicles off streets as snowplows clear roadwaysOut of an abundance of caution, VDOT is asking that drivers keep their vehicles off the streets and out of cul de sacs as snowplows work to clear the roadways.
Virginia National Guard preparing for winter storm; plans to stage 60 soldiers
Read full article: Virginia National Guard preparing for winter storm; plans to stage 60 soldiersThe Virginia National Guard says preparation is underway ahead of a winter storm that could give some areas in the Commonwealth the most snow they’ve seen in nearly three years.
Southwest, Central Virginia face refreeze threat overnight into Tuesday morning
Read full article: Southwest, Central Virginia face refreeze threat overnight into Tuesday morningThe first snowfall of the new year left our region with two to seven inches of snow. Although the snow is done falling, drivers should still be cautious.
Family of Texas boy who died during winter storm suing power companies for $100M
Read full article: Family of Texas boy who died during winter storm suing power companies for $100MThe law firm of Houston attorney Tony Buzbee is representing the Pineda family in the lawsuit over the death of 11-year-old Cristian Pineda. “Common sense tells you the weather played a part in his death,” Buzbee said. “What’s interesting about this whole ordeal is what these power providers and ERCOT knew long before many of us knew it,” Buzbee said. Entergy released the following written statement about the lawsuit: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in our community. We are unable to comment due to pending litigation.”Our sister station, KPRC 2, has also asked ERCOT for a statement regarding the lawsuit.
Foster Fuels provides storm relief both in and out of Virginia
Read full article: Foster Fuels provides storm relief both in and out of VirginiaCAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. – A local company is helping people in the Commonwealth and beyond. Foster Fuels has more than 200 employees and trucks on the roads, working overtime to serve 20,000 customers in Virginia. We’re told many employees are trying to survive themselves while getting the job done. It’s a lot, but that’s what we’re here for,” said Chelsea Harrison, vice president of marketing for Foster Fuels. Crews are also helping Texas and Northern Virginia.
VDOT prepares for more wintry weather while cleaning up latest ice storm
Read full article: VDOT prepares for more wintry weather while cleaning up latest ice stormLYNCHBURG, Va. – VDOT is preparing for this round of winter weather, but they aren’t done cleaning up from last week’s ice storm. Crews pretreated roads and got the equipment ready all while working with utility providers to reopen roads as quickly as possible. “People don’t know what they’re going to encounter. They’re better off staying at home and sheltering in place. As of Wednesday afternoon, Central Virginia crews were still working on 50 secondary roads closed from last week’s storm.
Smith Mountain Lake couple has power restored after 100 hours, but prepares for next potential outage
Read full article: Smith Mountain Lake couple has power restored after 100 hours, but prepares for next potential outageBEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – A bit of good news in all the recent power outages: some parts of our area have power once again. One couple we spoke with near Smith Mountain Lake had the lights turned back on around 2 p.m. Wednesday, after about 100 hours. “We’re lucky we have a lake so we can get water to use, and we have gas logs. That was about it, and we had battery-operated lights and flashlights,” said Vincent Ostermeier, a Dixie Acres resident. He said they also used coolers to keep food fresh, had their batteries charging and got the ice ready for another potential outage.
PHOTOS: Ice adding up in parts of Southwest, Central Virginia
Read full article: PHOTOS: Ice adding up in parts of Southwest, Central VirginiaROANOKE, Va. – Yet another winter storm is moving through southwest and central Virginia Saturday. This time, freezing rain is the main concern. Your Local Weather Authority has an updated timeline of the storm here. Send us your pictures, videos, etc.
Slick, drizzly Friday with more rain, freezing rain to come Saturday
Read full article: Slick, drizzly Friday with more rain, freezing rain to come SaturdayWhile roads may improve a bit beyond the morning, we will still have to watch for slick spots throughout the day. TimingAs another storm system moves in from the south, this sets the stage for another round of freezing rain after 6 or 7 a.m. Saturday. AdFutureTracker - 10 a.m. SaturdayAs a southeast wind begins, we should start to see any freezing rain change to a chilly rain in parts of Grayson, Wythe, Carroll, Pulaski and Bland Counties by midday or early afternoon. Moving ForwardWe’ll start with slick/icy spots Valentine’s Day morning and temperatures near freezing. We’re once again looking at the chance for freezing rain and rain Tuesday morning.
Multiple rounds of wintry weather possible in the next week; starting Thursday night
Read full article: Multiple rounds of wintry weather possible in the next week; starting Thursday nightFutureTracker - 2 p.m. ThursdayAs colder air seeps farther south, we gradually start to see things changing over. FutureTracker - 7 p.m. ThursdayAs the night wanes on, we’ll notice that wintry mix creep farther to the south. So, it will rain longest the farther south you go before changing over to some freezing rain and sleet. That’s where we expect mostly rain before changing over to freezing rain. Freezing rain potential increasing for Saturday, 2/13/2021We’ll be mostly dry and in the 40s Valentine’s Day, before another wintry mix potential arrives late Monday night into Tuesday of next week.
Yuck! Multiple rounds of winter weather expected over the next week
Read full article: Yuck! Multiple rounds of winter weather expected over the next weekWe won’t see weather like that for quite some time, as we’re stuck in quite the repetitive pattern moving forward. Snow is more likely in Pocahontas, Bath and Highland Counties, with an icy mix possible in Alleghany and Rockbridge Counties. If the temperature is 33° or above up top, then we see a mix of freezing rain and sleet develop. Snow map for Wednesday night through Friday morning as of Wednesday, 2/10/2021Farther south of that, you see less snow. AdStorm threats - Thursday (2/11) to Friday (2/12)The Pattern BeyondWe get a break Friday afternoon, but there are indications of another rain/freezing rain mix coming our way Saturday and perhaps next Tuesday as well.
Calm start to the week (thankfully) before storm track returns to the Southeast
Read full article: Calm start to the week (thankfully) before storm track returns to the SoutheastOut the door Monday morning - 2/8/2021Throughout the week, we’ll have Arctic air to our north and fairly cool air to our south. High temperature forecast for Monday, 2/8/2021As high pressure moves east, however, low level moisture sneaks in at night. Low temperature forecast for Tuesday morning, 2/9/2021Once that moves out, we’re warmer Tuesday afternoon with most of us around 50-55°. AdFutureTracker - late Wednesday night and early Thursday morningThe more pronounced storm system comes in late Thursday into Thursday night. What we're tracking for Thursday, 2/11/2021Keep checking back for updates as we go throughout the week and get more refined and detailed forecast data.
Winter weather moves out with time to spare before the Super Bowl
Read full article: Winter weather moves out with time to spare before the Super BowlBetween 8 and 10 a.m., the precipitation will come to an end as drier air moves in from the west. The difference between this week and last week is that we’ve had warmer air and a little rain preceding this event. AdWind speed and gust forecast for Sunday, 2/7/2021We’re bone dry once the Super Bowl kicks off Sunday evening, with temperatures above freezing. If it’s farther northwest, that will pull in warmer air and keep things mainly as a cool rain later on. That would create more of a freezing rain threat.
Lynchburg hires contractor for snow removal as public works department is down 15 workers
Read full article: Lynchburg hires contractor for snow removal as public works department is down 15 workersLYNCHBURG, Va. – Depending on where you are in Lynchburg you saw between 4 and 6 inches of snow on Sunday, marking the Hill City’s first major storm in about two years. Most of the city’s primary and secondary roads were passable by the afternoon, according to Public Works Deputy Director Clay Simmons. To help plow the roads, the city partnered with a contractor because the public works department is down 15 employees due to job vacancies and COVID-19 concerns. He said city staff will drive by and plow whatever still needed to be taken care of. AdMeanwhile, VDOT reminded motorists to turn on their headlights while using windshield wipers, and it is state law to clear snow off vehicles before hitting the road.
Wintry weather benefits ski resorts across the region
Read full article: Wintry weather benefits ski resorts across the regionWhile we didn’t see much snow, today’s winter weather is good news for ski resorts in the region. Snowshoe Resort in West Virginia received several inches of fresh powder, and while staff made snow on a regular basis, they said the real thing is always better. Meanwhile, Massanutten Resort in Rockingham County will be opening this upcoming weekend. So we’d like to make enough to make sure we make it through the next warm spell,” said Kenny Hess with the Massanutten Resort. This weather system is also benefitting Wintergreen Resort in Nelson County, where despite a lot of uncertainty, the chair lifts are now up and running.
Danville Public Schools opts for virtual learning Wednesday due to winter weather
Read full article: Danville Public Schools opts for virtual learning Wednesday due to winter weatherStudents in Danville will be learning from home on Wednesday, thanks to some winter weather that’s expected to head our way. According to an announcement made Tuesday, meal distribution sites will also be closed. Administrators, office staff, maintenance, custodians and transportation staff will report to work on a 2-hour delay. Bus drivers, bus attendants and nutrition staff will not report to work. To learn more about the winter weather expected Wednesday, click here.
How VDOT plans to keep workers safe during winter months
Read full article: How VDOT plans to keep workers safe during winter monthsROANOKE, Va. – As winter weather made its first appearance Monday, crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) were looking ahead to the changes in store this winter to keep staff members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. While VDOT workers will still be working around the clock this season to make sure roads are clear, they are required to follow best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19. VDOT officials say it may take a little longer to get certain roads clear, but staff will still be working as quickly as possible despite the changes. “So when we’re doing winter weather, we might have some extra time, a little bit of extra time when the drivers exchange vehicles, and they’re doing everything safely; they’re wearing masks” VDOT spokesperson Sandy Myers said. VDOT has been working with the Department of Health to establish these guidelines.
Powerful storm produces snow, hurricane-force gusts; wildfires rage out west
Read full article: Powerful storm produces snow, hurricane-force gusts; wildfires rage out westFor parts of the Rockies and Intermountain West, a powerful storm system flipped that upside down. A lone bison stands as a storm packing high winds and snow sweeps through the intermountain West Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, in Evergreen, Colo. Estimated snow totals reported by various National Weather Service officesWe received this photo of snow near Lander, Wyoming from Keith Trouwborst. Damaging Wind GustsThe wind around this bowling ball of a storm system was powerful at times as well, even for those who werent getting snow. As the wind screamed down the mountains toward Utah, wind gusts ranged from 50-100 mph.
Potential winter weather on Tuesday
Read full article: Potential winter weather on TuesdayROANOKE, Va. – Latest model guidance has been bringing in the possibility for snow come Tuesday morning. Future Tracker 6 amWe are keeping our eye on the timing, but the latest models show this system moving into our area just before the morning commute. Future Tracker 2 pmTime to dissect this system and discuss what Your Local Weather Authority has agreed upon, so far. If clouds move in sooner rather than later, then our temperatures will be slower to drop, which means the potential for snow is less likely. Your Local Weather Authority will continue to bring you the latest updates on air and online.
VDOT prepares for icy, dangerous road conditions
Read full article: VDOT prepares for icy, dangerous road conditionsROANOKE, Va. – Along with colder temperatures comes the chance for ice and dangerous road conditions. You can see the Virginia Department of Transportation’s lines of defense against the ice on highways across southwest Virginia. VDOT spokesperson Jen Ward says usually, crews wouldn’t brine the highways with rain in the forecast. But because there’s a chance for sleet and ice, VDOT wants to take those precautions. “When you have air temperature and road temperature both impacting things, which is what we’re expecting (Friday) morning, that’s when you get your icy roads,” said Ward.
App now allows you to report unplowed roads to VDOT
Read full article: App now allows you to report unplowed roads to VDOTROANOKE, Va. – A popular app now has a new feature that could help VDOT get snow off your road quicker. The WAZE app now allows you to report unplowed roads to VDOT. Up until now, the app just allowed you to see what roads have been plowed. The change was suggested by VDOT, according to a news release. To download the app, click here.
Walking like a penguin? Not the best technique for slippery surfaces
Read full article: Walking like a penguin? Not the best technique for slippery surfacesIndustrial Biodynamics’ slip simulator proves that. "That really enhances that slip and usually leads to a fall.”Hager said marching with short, flat steps is the best technique. Walking like a penguin is commonly said to be the best technique. Industrial Biodynamics trains employees at companies across the country and the training, Hager said, is paying off. But even without training, the technique could make a difference when you head out the door Friday.