Southwest and Southside Virginia Weather - Cardinal News

A typical fall scene of fallen leaves alongside a tumbling Appalachian creek greeted hikers on the way to Roaring Run falls in Botetourt County near its border with Alleghany County on Friday, Oct. 4. While some new piles of debris were observed in this creek, it was located far enough north not to experience the worst flooding impacts from Hurricane Helene's inland effects. Photo by Kevin Myatt.

Autumn reset: After Helene, where does this season’s weather go for Virginia?

by Kevin Myatt October 9, 2024

The pendulum has swung back to a prolonged cool, dry spell after recent tropical stickiness and downpours.

Three girls wearing t-shirts and shorts rest on a grassy hill next to a parking lot filled with pickup trucks and emergency vehicles. Behind them, the church hall is seen, and outside it, volunteers prepare meals for pickup under a blue canopy at a Smyth County church.

After Helene, schools were closed for a week in rural Smyth County. Educators kept working to make sure families had needed resources.

by Lisa Rowan October 9, 2024

The scattered population in Smyth County added to the challenge of providing relief efforts in the week following the storm. The public schools served as an extension of local emergency services, contributing to relief efforts by providing meals, supplies and comfort to weary families.

An appliance floats among other debris near the dam at Claytor Lake

Claytor Lake remains closed while cleanup of storm debris continues

by Kate Flannigan October 9, 2024

Cleanup of the 20-acre debris field has been hampered by dangerous conditions, including the discovery of many propane tanks in the water.

Storm damage to the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 306 (Grandfather Mountain) in North Carolina. Courtesy of Blue Ridge Parkway.

Most of Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia will reopen ‘within the next week’

by Cardinal Staff October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

There is no reopening date in North Carolina, where some damage is described as “catastrophic.”

Gov. Glenn Youngkin updated the press on recovery efforts in Southwest Virginia, at the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond on Tuesday. Recovery is ongoing, 11 days after the remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding and wind damage across the Appalachian region. Photo by Elizabeth Beyer.

Youngkin says no current plans for a special session as Virginia works toward recovery post-Helene

by Elizabeth Beyer October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

The number of homes and businesses damaged or destroyed in Southwest Virginia rises as assessments continue.

Aerial view of wooded mountains.

State reopens wildlife management areas following storm cleanup

by Cardinal Staff October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

Most DWR-managed boating access sites remain closed.

Devil's Bathtub, a swimming hole surrounded by rock walls.

Forest Service reopens some recreational areas after Helene

by Cardinal Staff October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

Many sites in the Clinch Ranger District and Mount Rogers National Recreational Area have reopened.

A woman walks in front of the Damascus post office.

Agenda Washington County: Latest details on Helene recovery efforts at Tuesday meeting

by Susan Cameron October 7, 2024October 7, 2024

Agenda Washington County: Leaders will detail the latest on flood damage and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene during Tuesday meeting.

VDOT crews working on one of the bridges in Taylors Valley in Washington County. Courtesy of governor's office.

Appalachian Power restores power throughout Southwest Virginia

by Cardinal Staff October 6, 2024October 6, 2024

Meanwhile, the two bridges into the Taylors Valley community in Washington County have been reopened.

Debris from upstream flooding of the New River spreads across Claytor Lake. Courtesy of Pulaski County.

List of localities declared under a major disaster grows to nine in Southwest Virginia

by Elizabeth Beyer October 5, 2024October 6, 2024

FEMA adds Montgomery and Pulaski counties to the list.