Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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As flood debris cleanup continues on Creeper Trail, visitors warned to use caution
Crews this week are clearing flood debris from around trestles 18 and 19 of the Virginia Creeper Trail near Damascus, and motorists, fishermen and other visitors are advised to exercise caution in the area.
Workers are clearing downed trees, landslide debris and wreckage around the two destroyed trestles about 2 miles east of Damascus, according to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service. The work could dislodge debris that could be carried downstream along Whitetop Laurel Creek.
The area around Damascus sustained significant flooding and other damage in September as the remnants of Hurricane Helene swept through the region.
To date, crews have removed more than 6,900 cubic yards of debris since June 3, the release said.
Fishermen are particularly urged to be cautious and to consider using other sections of the creek upstream from trestle 19 or below trestle 18.
The Virginia Creeper Trail remains open from Damascus to Abington. For updates, visit the “Alerts” section on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests website at www.fs.usda.gov/r08/gwj.
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Rising temperatures could bring rapidly changing water levels on New and Roanoke rivers, Appalachian Power warns
Appalachian Power is warning that water levels on the New and Roanoke rivers downstream of the Claytor and Leesville dams could rise rapidly starting Sunday and fluctuate through the week as temperatures soar.
Appalachian said in a news release that PJM, the regional transmission organization that manages the electric grid in 13 states, has notified the utility that it may need to increase power generation at its hydroelectric plants in response to the high temperatures forecast for next week by the National Weather Service.
Below Claytor Dam, water levels could increase up to 2 feet in a matter of minutes, the utility said. Water levels below Leesville Dam could increase as much as 8 feet over seven hours. River users can monitor AEP’s website for additional information and follow the Smith Mountain Project and Claytor Facebook pages for updates.