Appalachian Power issues warning about water levels downstream of Claytor, Leesville dams
Appalachian Power is warning recreational users downstream of Claytor and Leesville damns to be aware of water levels on the New and Roanoke rivers, as they could rise rapidly starting Friday and continue to fluctuate throughout the weekend.
South Fork Roanoke River contaminated with โPFAS,โ VDH says water still safe to consume
The DEQ said they received information from the Western Virginia Water Authority that results of the water found GenX, a type of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance, also known as PFAS, in source water and drinking water from the South Fork Roanoke River watershed.
Roanoke County bridge replacement project delayed to summer
A previously announced 45-day road closure with a detour needed to replace the Route 760 (Diuguids Lane) bridge over the Roanoke River in Roanoke County will be rescheduled, according to Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) officials.
National Park Service identify body found in river as missing Bedford County man
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ UPDATEAuthorities identified the body that was found on Wednesday by multiple agencies. National Park Service along with the Bedford County Sheriffโs Office recovered a body near Rutrough Point on the Roanoke River. The park service says the body was that of missing 26-year-old Brent Gibson, of Bedford County. ORIGINAL STORYA body was found in a lake in Bedford County on Wednesday, according to the Bedford County Sheriffโs Office. AdOther agencies that initially assisted were Bedford County Fire and Rescue, Hardy Volunteer Fire Department and the Smith Mountain Lake Volunteer Fire Department.
Body recovered from Roanoke River identified as 40-year-old Roanoke man
ROANOKE, Va. โ UPDATE: March 25, 2021Authorities have released the cause of death for the man recovered from the Roanoke River last week. UPDATE: March 24, 2021Police have identified a body recovered last week from the Roanoke River. On Wednesday, Roanoke Police have identified the body as 40-year-old Travis Lee Hill, of Roanoke. ORIGINAL STORYRoanoke police are investigating after first responders removed a body from the Roanoke River on Wednesday afternoon. At 1:09 p.m., fire and rescue workers were called to help police retrieve the body near Roanokeโs Piedmont Park along the Roanoke River Greenway.
โTons of red flags popping upโ as family remains hopeful for missing Bedford County man
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ Dive crews will be in the Roanoke River at the Blue Ridge Parkway Thursday morning as the search for a missing Bedford County man continues. While tempers flared it ended with a park ranger sharing embraces with two of Gibsonโs family members. His truck and belongings were found at the Roanoke River Overlook parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway a few hours later. Bowyer said about a third of them are total strangers, with no connection to the Gibson family. Gibsonโs family said they know suicide is a possibility, but their gut says thatโs just not right.
Roanoke River named third best spot for urban kayaking in nationwide vote
Add another claim to fame for Roanoke, Virginia. After being nominated for USA Todayโs Best Urban Kayaking Spot contest, the Roanoke River claimed third place in the nationwide voting on Friday. USA Today recognized the 45-mile river for its beauty and said it was relatively easy to paddle aside from the two rapids near the gorge. โJust to be mentioned with some of the cities that are on there is really awesome and Iโm incredibly proud of all of the hard work weโve done to get to this point,โ Stephanie Long, with Roanoke Parks and Recreation, told 10 News earlier this month upon being nominated. If youโre interested in traveling to the other nine spots, below is the full top 10:Ad
Body found in Roanoke River near Niagara Dam identified as missing man
Roanoke Fire-EMSโs Swift Water Team is assisting Roanoke County PD and Roanoke County Fire & Rescue with a body recovery operation at Niagara Dam. Authorities have identified the body that was found in the Roanoke River in Vinton last month. Police said the body was originally found on Jan. 26 near the Niagara Dam and has been identified as Dolph Dellinger, who was reported missing out of Roanoke. According to the Roanoke County Police Department, officers tried to find and notify his family to no avail. Authorities said the investigation into how Dellinger got into the river is being handled by the Roanoke City Police Department.
Woman found dead in Roanoke River allegedly killed by her fiancรฉ
UPDATEAuthorities have identified the woman who police say was shot and killed by the man she lived with before she was found dead in the Roanoke River. Police said DeAngelo Bonds, 22, shot and killed Adreonna Keffer, 18, of Roanoke, and then disposed of her body in the Roanoke River. ORIGINAL STORYRoanoke police arrested a man Monday they say shot and killed a woman and then disposed of her body in the Roanoke River. Inside the car was DeAngelo Bonds, who police believe shot and killed the woman he lived with. The 22-year-old Roanoke man was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Norfolk Southern could face fines after train derailment in Roanoke late last year
ROANOKE, Va โ Norfolk Southern could be facing environmental violations after a train derailment spilled coal into the Roanoke River late last year. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a notice to Norfolk Southern after tons of coal sat in the river potentially causing environmental impacts to the area. Norfolk Southern is collecting daily samples from the river and the first sample results are expected Tuesday. (Roanoke County Fire & EMS)According to the document, coal was visible in the river at least six miles away from the derailment. DEQ issuing the notice could mean that Norfolk Southern could be facing fines down the road.
Roanoke River vying for Top 10 Best Urban Kayaking Spot
ROANOKE, VA. โ The Roanoke River is being recognized for its beauty and accessibility on a national scale and local leaders are hopeful it could help kickstart tourism once again this summer. And they want you to play a part by voting for the Roanoke River as the โBest Urban Kayaking Spotโ as ranked by the USA Today. โSeveral years ago people didnโt really think about our river favorably, so we have worked really hard (to turn that around),โ Long said. That hard work turning tides as the Roanoke River is currently ranked third on USA Todayโs Top 10 Best Urban Kayaking spots. โTheyโre all wanting to get out, itโs pent-up demand.โLong is hopeful the Roanoke River holds its spot in the top three, or even better.
Body discovered in water near dam on Roanoke River
Authorities are investigating after a body was found in the water near a dam on the Roanoke River in Vinton, according to the Roanoke County Police Department. Officials said the body was discovered around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday near the Niagara Dam. The body will be taken to the medical examinerโs office for identification, according to police. Stay with 10 News as this breaking news story develops.
Search efforts resume for person swept away by Roanoke River
ROANOKE Va. โ UPDATE - 2:24 p.m. Dec. 09, 2020Crews are again out searching for the person swept away this past weekend. Crews are on the ground and in the water continuing the search for the missing man that was swept into the Roanoke River. Water levels on the Roanoke River created difficult conditions for visibility, according to Roanoke Fire-EMS. ORIGINAL STORYCrews in Roanoke are working to locate a person after they fell into the Roanoke River just after 6:00 Saturday night. Crews are using both a drone and boats to try and locate the person swept away by the water.
Roanoke River Greenway will finally connect Roanoke and Salem
During Monday nightโs Roanoke City Council meeting, the council unanimously approved the land swap that allows the city to complete the Roanoke River Greenway within city limits. It seems that the ability to stay on the Roanoke River Greenway from Salem all the way to Southeast Roanoke is coming. The red-and-black dashed line shows the portion of the Roanoke River Greenway that's planned for the Walker Foundry property. In August 2017, Roanoke City Council authorized the use of eminent domain to claim the land; however, in April 2019, city council voted to stop pursuing eminent domain. The property listing includes this site plan, which includes an extended Roanoke River Greenway, canoe landing, as well as a restaurant.
Driver rescued from floodwaters in Roanoke as severe, widespread flooding was reported
ROANOKE, Va. โ One driver had to be rescued from floodwaters in Roanoke on Thursday after heavy rain led to severe flooding in the region. The Roanoke River completely flooded, submerging parts of the Roanoke River Greenway and several roads, including Bennington St. Roanoke Fire-EMS officials said that they put signs to block off the street. The driver had to call 911 and Roanoke Fire-EMS crews had to rescue them. Donโt put yourself at risk," said Roanoke Fire-EMS Captain Jeff Peay.
Roanoke River forecast to reach 15 feet Thursday night
ROANOKE, Va. โ The Roanoke River is forecast to reach 15 feet on Thursday night, just one foot shy of the crest in May which forced evacuations of around 60 buildings. Residents should expect road closures and possibly some basement flooding. To keep an eye on river levels, click here. To see what local roads are closed, click here. Click here to keep updated on power outages.
Turn off the faucet! Rain *slowly* exits the region Thursday
ROANOKE, Va. โ Some places, including Hillsville and Lynchburg, have seen more than a monthโs worth of rain within the past 24 to 30 hours. A relentless connection to the Atlantic continues to feed us with moisture Thursday morning, resulting in rounds of rain through about midday (see above). While we may not be completely dry Thursday afternoon, any rain or drizzle wonโt be nearly as intense as what weโve seen the past day or so. The Roanoke River will be in minor flood stage through Thursday afternoon, flooding portions of the Greenway and Wasena Park. River flooding impacts - 11/12 to 11/13/2020As our front continues to move off the East Coast, high pressure takes its place.
Flood of 1985: Remembering the disaster 35 years later
That was not the case 35 years ago as one of the worst weather disasters in this regionโs history unfolded, the Flood of โ85. The flood killed 10 people in the Roanoke Valley and damages were estimated at $225 million. The culprit for the heavy rain and flooding? Rainfall totals from the Flood of '85 (WSLS)All of that rain caused area rivers to rise, especially the Roanoke River. For perspective, our heavy rain back in May caused the river to crest at under 16 feet.
Crews continue clean up following Roanoke County train derailment
ROANOKE, Va. โ Crews removed 22 rail cars from the Roanoke River following a train derailment on Friday. The train derailed after a bridge collapsed in Roanoke County Friday night. The water supply and water quality is not currently affected, according to officials. The Salem Water Treatment Plant is currently withdrawing from groundwater wells and not from the river at this time. Soon after the spill occurred, the water treatment plant switched to back-up water sources, which prevented possible impacts from coal contamination.
Train derails in Roanoke County after bridge collapsed releasing 2000 tons of coal in river
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. โ UPDATERoanoke County officials responded to the train derailment incident in a press release Saturday night. Officials said that a Norfolk Southern Corp. bridge collapsed in Roanoke County near Barley Drive Friday night around 11:15 p.m. The bridge collapsed while a train carrying coal was crossing the Roanoke River, and a dozen of 22 rail cars that derailed fell into the river, causing about 2000 tons of coal to fall out. ORIGINAL STORYA Norfolk Southern train derailed in Roanoke County late Friday night, according to emergency dispatch. Norfolk Southern train derailment in Roanoke County.
This adventure will give you a thrill like you've never experienced
Roanoke County's Explore Park has some experiences from the tops of trees to the rippling waves of the Roanoke River. The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies.
Devastating 1985 Roanoke flood remembered in new City Market exhibit
The flood happened on November 4, 1985, but a new exhibit at City Market aims to teach those who werenโt alive than about the severity of the storm. Five signs were installed on Market Square Friday morning, showing pictures of the devastation and facts about the flood. The installation is a joint effort of Roanoke Stormwater and the History Museum of Western Virginia. Itโs never happened at this scale in Roanoke since, and Iโm so thankful that it hasnโt.โThe display on City Market is accompanied by a photography exhibit at the history museum, which opens on Sept. 22. โHopefully the people who were not alive or in the Roanoke area will see what an impact the flood had,โ said Webb.
โIt is not time to get out on the riverโ: Carilion Clinic warns of risk for flash flooding near Roanoke River
ROANOKE, Va โ Carilion Clinic is warning anyone who plans on being near the Roanoke River to be vigilant over the next several days as heavy rain may cause potential flash flooding. Areas near the Roanoke River Greenway have dealt with flooding in recent months, potentially making it unsafe for kayakers or floaters. Staff at Carilion are asking the community to keep an eye on the water levels to help keep everyone safe. โIt comes up pretty quickly every time it rains pretty heavily, weโve seen a lot of people out kayaking on it and enjoying the river but as flash floods are coming in and a hurricane coming in, it is not time to get out on the river,โ Sarah Beth Dinwiddie Trauma Nurse Specialist with Carilion Clinic said. Carilion also advises drivers who may be near the river to avoid driving through flooded waters.
Floating with Brooke: Roanoke River
ROANOKE, Va. Its still hot so were hitting the river! Were floating a stretch of the Roanoke River where youll put in at Bridge Street at the Roanoke Greenway parking lot, and pull out at the bridge in front of the River House in Wasena. Once everything is blown up, youll walk down a short path to the river. I promise we checked the forecast before we went- but its a summer in Roanoke, we all know how this story goes! After a little rain this week, it took us about an hour and a half.
With shower and storm chances increasing today, could we see a risk for more flooding?
ROANOKE, Va. โ 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 wouldnโt 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!
ROANOKE, Va. โ River levels remain our top concern as we start the long, holiday weekend. Many rivers have come down from their crests, but weโre 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, weโve seen dense fog develop this morning. Saturday morning fog alerts (WSLS)We shouldnโt 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.
Roanoke River crests at moderate flood stage, making it the 8th highest on record
In Roanoke, the Roanoke River crested around dinner-time at 15.9 feet. This was the 8th highest crest on record for the river. As of 9:20 a.m. Friday, the river was at 12.9 feet in moderate flood stage. The next highest crest on record is 16.64 feet, which happened on Oct. 11, 2018. Because of the rising river and floodwaters other places, many roads were closed throughout the city.
Roanoke River now expected to reach major flood stage
Published: May 21, 2020, 7:54 am Updated: May 21, 2020, 8:01 amROANOKE, Va. โ Thursday Morning UpdateThe Roanoke River is expected to reach its crest between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday. Flood stage is 10 feet, and cresting is 16 feet. The river is expected to fall back below flood stage by Friday evening. Hereโs what the Roanoke River looked like then:Roads close to the river will be flooded and structures may be affected. The Roanoke River Greenway and Wasena Park will also flood.
Roanoke's Wasena neighborhood celebrates 100 years with block party
ROANOKE, Va. - A Roanoke neighborhood is celebrating 100 years young with a big party this weekend, and that means shopping discounts for you. Wasena is right across the Roanoke River from downtown. The River House apartments and Wasena Tap Room started the economic re-birth in the area about a decade ago. "I t all started when Ed Walker bought the ice house, and we were just excited to be able to walk to a restaurant," Wasena Neighborhood Forum Treasurer James Settle said. "And now we have four restaurants in the neighborhood and all kinds of cool businesses and more to come."
Roanoke River Floatilla encourages people to reconsider the Roanoke
"We're just promoting the area and getting people outside, making them realize how easy it is to utilize the river," said Kat Andrew, Roanoke Parks and Recreation Outdoor Recreation coordinator. "I've never been on the Roanoke River," Jay Smith said. She's lived in Roanoke for 14 years and has floated all the other area rivers, but never the Roanoke. More people realizing that the Roanoke River Blueway is a viable outdoor option is good news to people such as Rob Issem, a lover of all things outdoors and an advocate for Roanoke's outdoor opportunities. July's non-profit is Roanoke Parks and Recreation, which provided an extra reason for people to come out and enjoy something new.
Foul play not suspected after dead man found in Roanoke River, police say
ROANOKE, Va. - Police say they have found a dead man in the Roanoke River but do not suspect foul play. Officers reportedly received a call for a dead person in the Roanoke River near the Piedmont Park area around 12:30 p.m. Monday. Officers are waiting to hear back from the medical examiner before releasing any further information. Authorities are still at the scene, and 10 News has a crew there working to learn more. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Clean Valley Riverfest celebrates Roanoke River with recycling, rubber ducks
ROANOKE, Va. - Roanoke residents went down to the riverside Saturday to celebrate the importance of the Roanoke River. The second annual Clean Valley Riverfest set up shop next to the river at Smith Park and paid tribute to the environment. Executive Director Mary Ann Brenchick says the goal is to inspire people to keep the Roanoke River clean by showcasing how beautiful and vital it is. "We're all about the Roanoke River and our region, so we want to be right here touching it for Riverfest," Brenchick said. "People may not make the connection between the river and the Roanoke Valley if they're off somewhere else."