Starr Anderson
Sleet and freezing rain will make driving hazardous, especially on bridges and overpasses. The National Weather Service says ice buildups on trees and power lines may cause widespread power outages.
Roads/Highways
VDOT reports no major incidents as of 8:30 am. Most roads and highways are listed in “minor” condition, which means they are generally wet but may have some slick spots. Click here for the latest VDOT traffic information.
Airport
As of 8:30 am, Roanoke Regional Airport reported 1 canceled flight and 1 delayed flight. If you have flight plans, you are urged to check with your airline before heading out. Click here for the latest airport information.
Appalachian Power
As 8:35 am, Appalachian Power reports about 7,371 power outages. Click here for the latest Apco information.
Schools
Several schools closed for the day or delayed.
Click here for the latest information.
It’s Winter Preparedness Week, and the State Department of Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation encourage you and your family to be prepared for winter weather. A VDOT spokesperson says the first thing you should do is create an emergency kit with plenty of food and water. WFIR’s Starr Anderson has more.
The Lynchburg Police Department is receiving almost $60,000 from the state to train its officers on how to handle situations involving someone with a mental illness. The money goes to the police department’s Crisis Intervention Team. WFIR’s Starr Anderson has the details.
ABC Stores across the state started extending their hours and discounting products on Black Friday last year. An ABC spokesperson says, last year Virginians spent almost $6 million on the day after Thanksgiving, compared to 2011 when people spent $3 million. WFIR’s Starr Anderson has more.
The 17-year-old driver in the deadly accident on Merriman Road that killed two others has been released from the hospital and is facing charges. Dominique Young is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle because of the November 11th accident. Young was driving a car when police say he lost control because he was going too fast. The accident killed the two men in the back seat of the car, 20-year-old Danial Buckner and 18-year-old Cody Elliot. Young is being detained at the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center.
The State Health Department says it has identified about 150 William Fleming High School students considered at potential risk to contracting tuberculosis, and it plans to test those students a week from Friday at the school. The department is sending letters home with those students with permission slips that parents must sign. WFIR’s Starr Anderson has the story.
Click here for the full Virginia Department of Health news release