Southwest and Southside Virginia Weather

January 2022 was the last month with sustained cold air and multiple snow events in Southwest and Southside Virginia, including this early January snowfall decorating a forest in southern Roanoke County. Since then, two consecutive winters have had minor amounts of snow in most of our region. Photo by Kevin Myatt.

Will La Niña bring about another dud winter for snow?

by Kevin Myatt October 30, 2024October 31, 2024

Early forecast tilts mild and relatively dry for the coming winter, but there are many uncertainties, starting with whether La Niña fully develops.

The Waterrock Knob Overlook facing east at Milepost 451 in North Carolina. Courtesy of Blue Ridge Parkway.

Weather

Blue Ridge Parkway reopens more sections in North Carolina

by Cardinal Staff October 30, 2024October 30, 2024

Also, the foundation that owns the Mountain Lake Lodge has donated to flood relief efforts in Giles County.

Dennis Sanders (left), assistant environmental manager for the Virginia Department of Transportation, and Michelle Earl, communications manager for VDOT, discuss the damage done to U.S. 58 from floodwaters caused by Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27. Photo by Ben Earp/Ben Earp Photography.

Weather

U.S. 58 revisited: a walk with VDOT and the plans for repair

by Susan Cameron October 28, 2024December 18, 2024

VDOT signed a contract for cleanup and repair of the 1.5-mile section of U.S. 58 in Damascus that was washed away by the hurricane. The project will start in November and is expected to take a year to complete.

Trestle 18 on the Virginia Creeper Trail showing damage done to it by debris from flood waters caused by Hurricane Helen on September 27, 2024. (Ben Earp/Ben Earp Photography)

Weather

Youngkin recommends $1.3 million in federal funding for outdoor recreational areas to recover from Helene

by Cardinal Staff October 25, 2024October 24, 2024

Other Helene aftermath news: Concert series planned to raise money for flood relief. Series of events set to brief farmers on resources available.

The rising sun brightly illuminates high-level clouds in a red hue over the Blue Ridge in southern Roanoke County on the morning of Oct. 15. Photo by Kevin Myatt.

Weather

It’s a beautiful autumn week, but dryness will soon start to become an issue again

by Kevin Myatt October 23, 2024October 23, 2024

Paltry rain totals three weeks into October are in stark contrast to Helene-enhanced September totals, with little or no rain expected in the next week.

Inspections of the Linn Cove Viaduct revealed no significant impacts from Hurricane Helene. Courtesy of Blue Ridge Parkway.

Weather

Blue Ridge Parkway reopens first stretch of road in North Carolina

by Cardinal Staff October 23, 2024October 23, 2024

Almost all of the Virginia portion of the parkway has already reopened.

FEMA workers processing claims in Independence. Courtesy of FEMA.

Weather

FEMA opens seventh disaster recovery center, this one in Wythe

by Cardinal Staff October 23, 2024October 22, 2024

The new center opens Wednesday.

The Guest River. Courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey.

Weather

Forest Service reopens additional areas closed by Helene

by Cardinal Staff October 23, 2024October 22, 2024

Other parts of the national forest remain closed indefinitely due to storm damage.

A mangled metal trestle rests against an overgrown creek bank.

Weather

Floodwaters destroyed 18 trestles on the Creeper Trail and washed away much of the path. Now comes the rebuilding.

by Susan Cameron October 17, 2024April 15, 2025

The beloved trail is the “lifeblood” of the town of Damascus. Until repairs can be made, visitors are being encouraged to explore the trail’s other half, which is now open.