This morning at approximately 10 a.m. the Wythe County Consolidated Dispatch Center received an E-911 call from a resident of the Speedwell community who stated that she had observed what appeared to be oil in Sugar Run Creek, a small tributary of Cripple Creek which runs parallel to U.S. Route 21 (Grayson Turnpike).

The Wythe County Emergency Coordinator and Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department were first dispatched to the scene.

Upon arriving at the scene, Jason Kinser, Wythe County’s Emergency Coordinator, confirmed that the waters were in fact contaminated and immediately began implementing containment measures with the aid of the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) was notified and officials from VDEM and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) arrived sometime later.

Officials say they were able to successfully locate the source of the contaminant – a leaking underground heating oil tank on private property.

According to Kinser, Sugar Run Creek will remain unsafe for drinking – both for humans and livestock – for the next three to five days as booms and other containment efforts are in place to purify the waters.

The contaminated area runs from the 5200 block of Grayson Turnpike to Cripple Creek.

Kinser says the sheer ratio of water contained within Cripple Creek versus that of Sugar Run will be enough to dilute any residual amounts not captured by the containment efforts.

“DEQ and other governmental agencies will be monitoring the water over the next week,” said the county’s emergency coordinator, adding, “Farmers should keep their livestock away from the water for three to five days as the contaminated water is filtered.”

The Wythe County Consolidated Dispatch Center has sent a citizen notification alert to the phones of residents who live near the contaminated area.

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LAST UPDATED: 1:27 p.m.
Below is the latest update from the Virginia Department of Transportation regarding road conditions in Wythe County.

If you know of a road that is flooded and is not listed below, please contact the county’s emergency management department (276-223-4521), so that the county’s first responders will be able to make appropriate detours in the event of an emergency.

Information concerning road conditions throughout the county may be obtained from the following website:

http://www.511virginia.org/mobile/?menu_id=conditions

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2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 625N (Wythe County) at Crawfish Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 625N (Wythe County) at Crawfish Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 614N (Wythe County) at Ramsey Mountain Rd View on Map	passable with care because of flood – Rt. 614N (Wythe County) at Ramsey Mountain Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 600S (Wythe County) at Rose Hill Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 600S (Wythe County) at Rose Hill Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 650N (Wythe County) at Rudisill Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 650N (Wythe County) at Rudisill Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 664E (Wythe County) at Glade Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 664E (Wythe County) at Glade Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 618N (Wythe County) at Reed Creek Dr View on Map	passable with care because of flood – Rt. 618N (Wythe County) at Reed Creek Dr	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 614S (Wythe County) at Ramsey Mountain Rd View on Map	passable with care because of flood – Rt. 614S (Wythe County) at Ramsey Mountain Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 650S (Wythe County) at Rudisill Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 650S (Wythe County) at Rudisill Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 749E (Wythe County) at Cedar Springs Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 749E (Wythe County) at Cedar Springs Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 664W (Wythe County) at Glade Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 664W (Wythe County) at Glade Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	VA-121N at Max Meadows Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – VA-121N at Max Meadows Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 600N (Wythe County) at Rose Hill Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 600N (Wythe County) at Rose Hill Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 619W (Wythe County) at Gleaves Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 619W (Wythe County) at Gleaves Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 715N (Wythe County) at Cobb Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 715N (Wythe County) at Cobb Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 649N (Wythe County) at Kents Ln View on Map	passable with care because of flood – Rt. 649N (Wythe County) at Kents Ln	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 625S (Wythe County) at Crawfish Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 625S (Wythe County) at Crawfish Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 619E (Wythe County) at Gleaves Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 619E (Wythe County) at Gleaves Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 649S (Wythe County) at Kents Ln View on Map	passable with care because of flood – Rt. 649S (Wythe County) at Kents Ln	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 715S (Wythe County) at Cobb Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 715S (Wythe County) at Cobb Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 738S (Wythe County) at Jonas Town Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 738S (Wythe County) at Jonas Town Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 655N (Wythe County) at High Bridge Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 655N (Wythe County) at High Bridge Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 603N (Wythe County) at Cove Rd; Rockdale Rd; Rt. 659E/W (Wythe County); City Rt. 5255N/S (Town of Wytheville); County/City/Town Line: @ WYTHEVILLE View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 603N (Wythe County) at Cove Rd; Rockdale Rd; Rt. 659E/W (Wythe County); City Rt. 5255N/S (Town of Wytheville); County/City/Town Line: @ WYTHEVILLE	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 738N (Wythe County) at Jonas Town Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 738N (Wythe County) at Jonas Town Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 655S (Wythe County) at High Bridge Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 655S (Wythe County) at High Bridge Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 749W (Wythe County) at Cedar Springs Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 749W (Wythe County) at Cedar Springs Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 680W (Wythe County) at Black Lick Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 680W (Wythe County) at Black Lick Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 684S (Wythe County) at Old Bank Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 684S (Wythe County) at Old Bank Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 779N (Wythe County) at Francis Mill Rd View on Map	passable with care because of flood – Rt. 779N (Wythe County) at Francis Mill Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 684N (Wythe County) at Old Bank Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 684N (Wythe County) at Old Bank Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 643N (Wythe County) at Silings Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 643N (Wythe County) at Silings Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	US-52N at Stoney Fork Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – US-52N at Stoney Fork Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 603S (Wythe County) at Cove Rd; Rockdale Rd; Rt. 659E/W (Wythe County); City Rt. 5255N/S (Town of Wytheville); County/City/Town Line: @ WYTHEVILLE View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 603S (Wythe County) at Cove Rd; Rockdale Rd; Rt. 659E/W (Wythe County); City Rt. 5255N/S (Town of Wytheville); County/City/Town Line: @ WYTHEVILLE	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 680E (Wythe County) at Black Lick Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 680E (Wythe County) at Black Lick Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 642W (Wythe County) at Pope Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 642W (Wythe County) at Pope Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 643N (Wythe County) at Old School Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 643N (Wythe County) at Old School Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 643S (Wythe County) at Silings Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 643S (Wythe County) at Silings Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 643S (Wythe County) at Old School Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 643S (Wythe County) at Old School Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 642E (Wythe County) at Pope Rd View on Map	impassable because of flood – Rt. 642E (Wythe County) at Pope Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	US-21S at Grayson Tpke View on Map	passable with care because of flood – US-21S at Grayson Tpke	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 11:21	Wythe (County)	Rt. 779S (Wythe County) at Francis Mill Rd View on Map	passable with care because of flood – Rt. 779S (Wythe County) at Francis Mill Rd	Weather – Flood – Weather
2015-04-20 08:44	Wythe (County)	I-81S from MM 65.0 to MM 57.4 View on Map	On I-81 in the County of Wythe from mile marker 65 to mile marker 57.4, motorists can expect potential delays in this area from 04/20/15 at 8:42 AM until 04/20/15 at 6:00 PM due to pothole patching operations. The south right shoulder is a mobile closure.	Planned Event – WZ – Maintenance – Pothole Patching Operations

 

Wythe County emergency officials are closely monitoring flash flooding throughout the county, as numerous roads have been closed Sunday night and early Monday morning.

According to E-911 dispatchers serving in the Wythe County Consolidated Dispatch Center, local residents have made numerous calls reporting flash flooding throughout the county.

In total, at least 15 roads in Wythe County have experienced varying degrees of roadway ponding or flooding, with at least three being officially closed by emergency officials.

Extreme weather reports include the following:
• FRANCIS MILL RD. (BRIDGE COVERED)
• CEDAR SPRINGS RD / DRY RD. (CREEK HAS FLOODED THE ROADWAY, CURRENTLY IMPASSABLE)
• STONEY FORK RD CLOSED DUE TO MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF WATER IN THE AREA, AND THE ROAD WASHING AWAY/40FT SINKHOLE IN THIS AREA.
• RIDGE AVE (CALLER STATED THE WATER IS UP TO THE DOOR OF HIS DODGE DUALLY TRUCK)
• ATKINS MILL RD @ MUSKRAT RD. (OFFICER ADVISED THIS AREA IS IMPASSABLE DUE TO HIGH AMOUNTS OF WATER IN THE AREA)
• BEREA RD (WATER COVERING ROADWAY, DRIVEWAY BRIDGE WASHED OUT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.)
• CHURCH ST & BAUMGARDNER (IMPASSABLE ACCORDING TO CALLER.)

County officials are urging the general public to avoid travel if at all possible throughout the night, as emergency crews are working to assess the situation and offer assistance where necessary.

Sunday evening, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Blacksburg issued a flood warning for Wythe County, as well as all neighboring localities, following “heavy rainfall across the area.”

Though intense rain showers are expected to cease later into the night, forecasters are warning of additional showers and thunderstorms Monday after 11am.

Emergency officials are reminding motorists to remember the phrase, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” when they come to areas where water covers the roadway.

“The dangers of roadway flooding are heightened at night when it is more difficult to recognize the possible extent of the water,” said Wythe County public information officer Jeremy T.K. Farley.

“Should a motorist encounter a roadway that is flooded, we are asking them to turn around immediately and then, when it is safe, to notify 911,” added the county spokesperson.

The National Weather Service is advising residents to act quickly if flooding is observed.

Wythe County is reminding residents and visitors to call 911 should they experience flooding or any other emergency situation.

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This week, localities from across the nation are recognizing E-911 emergency dispatchers as part of a nationwide effort known as National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week.

Wythe County emergency officials say the initiative, which can be traced back to the early 1980s, allows the county an opportunity to highlight the critical role dispatchers play in emergency services.

“A call to 911 is a call for help – no one ever wakes up in the morning expecting to call 911 that day – and our staff answers dozens of these calls each day,” said James Copeland, who serves as the director of Emergency Communications for Wythe County.

Copeland added, “This week gives the public an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ for the wonderful job they do.”

The Wythe County emergency communications official is not alone in his praise for E-911 dispatchers, this past week, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe joined governors from around the nation in formally recognizing public safety telecommunicators.

Addressing E-911 dispatchers, the governor stated, “Although Public Safety Telecommunicator Week is only for seven days, the praise and acknowledgement you will receive during this period is for the outstanding service you provide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

In addition to receiving a certificate of recognition from Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, thanking dispatchers for their hard work, county dispatchers have also been treated to complimentary lunches and doughnuts from businesses based in our region.

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Wythe County officials say the unemployment rate in their county has reached its lowest point in nearly a decade.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the county’s March 2015 unemployment rate had fallen to 5.2% — a 6.8-point drop from February 2010’s record high of 12.0%.

The county’s latest unemployment figures are lower than all of the neighboring localities surrounding it, including the counties of Bland, Pulaski, Smyth, Carroll and Grayson.

In addition to boasting of the lowest unemployment rate among its neighbors, the county’s jobless rate is also the second lowest in all of Southwest Virginia, falling just short of Montgomery County, home of Virginia Tech.

The county’s economic development officials credit the downward trend in jobless claims to the proactive effort local leaders have made over the past decade in making the county as job-friendly as possible.

East Wytheville’s Board of Supervisors representative Steve Willis, who also serves as Vice President of Operations for Camrett Logistics, says his company has hired 15 new workers since the first of the year.

“The economy is picking up across the nation and Wythe County has the groundwork already in place to incentivize business owners to put people back to work,” stated Willis.

Much of that groundwork is a result of the county’s relationship with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, which recently approved Wythe County’s request to renew and expand the county’s enterprise zones – Virginia Enterprise Zones allow partnership opportunities between state and local governments that encourage job creation and private investment through special incentives and grants for businesses wishing to expand their operation in the Commonwealth.

Joe Hale, who serves as chairperson for the county’s Economic Development Committee, believes that not only is the county’s fresh economic data a testimony to the job-friendly policies of the county, but can also be attributed to the massive infrastructure projects the county has spearheaded over the past two decades.

April’s good economic news comes on the heels of a December 2014 announcement that Coperion Corporation, in collaboration with a local real estate developer, will invest a total of more than $3 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Fairview Industrial Park, located in Wythe County.

Work has already commenced at the site and when finished, the project is estimated to create 22 additional jobs for the community.

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WYTHEVILLE, Va. – In the fall of last year, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors voted to sell-by-auction several surplus properties owned by the county. County officials say auctioning these tracts will allow local residents an equal opportunity to purchase land at a fair-market price.

Another benefit of liquidating surplus county property, according to local officials, will be the additional revenues the sales will bring to the county’s general fund – first through the sale of the properties and then via real estate taxes.

“Anytime you can reintroduce parcels of land back onto the real estate tax rolls, the general public sees a benefit,” said Wythe County Public Information Officer Jeremy T.K. Farley.

Farley added, “These are tracts that the county government no longer has a use for and it’s time to allow individuals in the private-sector to develop these properties.”

The absolute auction will be managed by the Stanley King Land Auction Company and will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015.

The first set of auctions will begin at 10 a.m. in Speedwell under a tent at the Speedwell Field, with the sale of the Old Speedwell Fire Department Building. The building (tax no. 81A-2-36A/37A) is a 2-story, 30′ x 60′ cinderblock structure which property appraisers say would make an “ideal business location for a garage.”

Additional property to be sold in Speedwell is the Speedwell Field, approximately 4.36 acres of level bottom land (tax no. 81-3-11).

Auctioneers will then move to Ivanhoe, where several properties are slated for sale beginning at 1 p.m. under a tent at 151 Carbide Lane.
In Ivanhoe, the county will be selling Granite Road Tank and Well Lot, approximately 1.5 acres – Nice building location. (tax no. 73-34); 151 Carbide Lane, approximately 2.9 acres (tax no. 87-9B) lies within sight of the New River Trail; Approximately 72 acres between Route 94 and Rakes Town Road, Ivanhoe — to be subdivided into approximately 8 tracts joining Route 94, (tax no. 87-9/9H/9I) (Tracts ranging from 5 to 21 acres) public water available.

Individuals wishing to participate in the auction should be aware of the auction terms: 10% nonrefundable deposit day of sale – balance not to exceed 30 days.

Those desiring additional information pertaining to the auction or the properties scheduled to be sold are encouraged to contact the Stanley King Land Auction Company.

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WYTHEVILLE, Va. – The Wythe County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to honor state wrestling champions from Rural Retreat High School as well as George Wythe High School during their most recently scheduled meeting.

The Board’s first resolution recognized the George Wythe Maroons for completing “a very successful 2014-2015 season.”

This year, George Wythe High School’s wrestling team placed second in the Virginia High School League’s (VHSL) Group 1A State Championship, scoring 68 total tournament points.

Specifically mentioned in the resolution was Austin Tolbert who defeated the competition to become the 132-pound weight class’ individual VHSL State Wrestling Champion.

The Board of Supervisors then voted on Wythe County Resolution 2015-06, “A Resolution Honoring the Rural Retreat High School Wrestling Team.”

Rural Retreat High School’s resolution made mention of the team’s perfect 20-0 record in dual meets as well as recognized the school for “winning an unprecedented back to back overall title, earning the designation as Virginia High School League 1A State Wrestling champions for the second year… [scoring] an astounding 176.5 total tournament points and [earning] six individual wrestling weight class titles…”

Individual state champions from Rural Retreat were wrestlers Trey Boyd (106 lb. weight class), Ty Boyd (126 lb. weight class), Josh Penuel (138 lb. weight class), Caleb Snider (145 weight class), Jacob Wynn (120 lb. weight class) and Josh Wynn (113 lb. weight class).

The following wrestlers were a member of this year’s state championship wrestling team for the Rural Retreat Indians: Trey Boyd, Ty Boyd, Westin Coley, Logan Deel, Jacob Glenn, Devon Meredith, Harley Mitchell, Trent O’Neil, Josh Penuel, Leighton Powell, Cade Rouse, Caleb Snider, Marshall Taylor, Jacob Wynn and Josh Wynn. Rick Boyd served as the team’s head coach.

“The county is very proud of these young men from both schools. Their hard work, sportsmanship and outstanding dedication embody the spirit of Wythe County,” stated Tim Reeves, Wythe County Board of Supervisors Chairman.

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WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Emergency officials in Wythe County are urging drivers to take extraordinary precautions this afternoon, as heavy sleet is creating hazardous driving conditions on roadways throughout the region.

According to the county’s E-911 dispatch center, multiple accidents have been reported on Interstate – 81 over the past hour and officials with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are advising residents to avoid “unnecessary travel.”

All of Southwest Virginia remains under a winter weather advisory, as meteorologists with the National Weather Service (NWS) are forecasting freezing rain, sleet and snow throughout the remainder of the day.

Snow and sleet accumulation totals are expected to reach anywhere between one to four inches.

According to a statement from NWS, “Periods of snow, sleet, or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties.” The federal meteorological service has asked drivers to “be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities… use caution while driving.”

In a statement released this morning from VDOT, officials cautioned motorists: “With snow, rain and sleet falling in many areas of southwestern Virginia this morning and continuing today, motorists are advised to know conditions before traveling and postpone unnecessary travel.”

In addition to creating unsafe driving conditions, today’s ice storm has left more than 500 customers in Wythe County without electricity, according to Appalachian Power.

As is always the case throughout the winter months, local households are urged to ensure secondary, non-electric sources of heat are in place, should the event of a power outage leave residents without electricity.

County residents are also encouraged to proactively check on their neighbors, especially the elderly and handicapped, during times when power outages are most possible.

Individuals with specific emergency needs should dial 911.

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WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Wythe County emergency management officials are warning local residents to take all necessary precautions as the region will experience another surge of frigid arctic air Wednesday evening, leading Thursday’s high temperature to reach only 2F.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS) have issued numerous special weather statements for Wythe County and surrounding areas, including a Winter Weather Advisory, which is slated to remain in effect until seven o’clock tonight. NWS has also issued a Wind Chill Advisory and a Hazardous Weather Outlook statement for the region.

According to an NWS statement, Wythe County residents should expect “snow showers and squalls including blowing snow followed by frigid wind chills” this evening and into tonight.

Total additional snowfall amounts are not expected to exceed one inch in most places, though as much as four inches may accumulate along mountain ridges.

The greatest concern for safety officials, however, are the temperatures themselves, which will produce exceptionally low wind chill readings that are expected to bottom out around -30 degrees Fahrenheit tonight and Thursday night.

This evening, residents should expect wind speeds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts during snow squalls reaching up to 50 mph. Today’s regular temperature readings will fall to zero by the evening and drop to 10 below zero tonight.

Visibility will fall to near zero at times within heavier snow showers and squalls.

Tonight’s wind chill temperatures are expected to bottom out between 20 to 30 degrees below zero sometime late tonight and then again Thursday night.

Jason Kinser, Wythe County’s emergency coordinator, is urging county residents to be prepared for frigidly low temperatures over the next couple of days.

“Extremely cold temperatures are a normal part of winter in Southwest Virginia, but if residents fail to take adequate precautions this time of year can be extraordinarily lethal,” said Kinser.

All safety experts agree that the greatest way to stay safe during times of intense cold is simply by avoiding going outside altogether.

“Strong winds will create dangerously low wind chill values. This will result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken,” stated an official at the National Weather Service.

Residents should also be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities. If driving is absolutely necessary, drivers should exercise extreme caution.

Households are urged to ensure secondary, non-electric sources of heat are in place, should the event of a power outage leave homeowners without electricity.

Wythe County Animal Control officials are reminding county residents to ensure all pets have adequate shelter.

Local residents are also encouraged to proactively check on their neighbors, especially the elderly and handicapped.

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WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Wythe County emergency management officials are warning drivers to avoid roadways in the county, as an arctic blast has created numerous driving hazards throughout the region.

By 8 o’clock Saturday evening, the county’s E-911 joint dispatch center had reported several accidents throughout the county, mostly between Rural Retreat and Wytheville along Interstate 81, as well as on Grayson Turnpike between Wytheville and Speedwell.

A combination of snow, high winds and freezing roadways has created hazardous driving conditions throughout Wythe County and neighboring localities.

With county emergency responders working numerous accidents, local officials are advising residents to avoid travel if possible.

Lows through tonight and into tomorrow are expected to reach near-zero temperatures, with a wind-chill bottoming out near -20F.

In addition to creating hazardous driving conditions, the high winds are expected to create additional hazards throughout the region.

According to the National Weather Service, “Strong gusts may down trees and power lines – scattered power outages are likely.”

NWS warns that “sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph are likely… residents should move unfastened items such as garbage cans and deck furniture inside.”

Should unavoidable circumstances require a county resident to travel, they are advised to take certain cold weather precautions. Among these precautions are: Always keep your gas tank full. Make sure your trip is planned and someone knows your route. If your vehicle becomes stranded in the snow in the countryside, do not leave it. Do not attempt to walk to a home in the middle of a snowstorm and strong winds. Periodically run the vehicle engine and heater, but make sure you open your window a crack and make sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, make sure you tie a red or orange rag to the vehicle radio antenna so that others may see your vehicle better. Each winter, make sure you have updated your vehicle winter storm survival kit. Fully check and winterize your vehicle before winter. Pack extra blankets or sleeping bags.

The following items should be in your vehicle at all times during the winter:
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid Kit
High calories non-perishable food
Water proof matches
A bag of sand or kitty litter.
Shovel
Windshield scraper and brush
Booster cables
Road Maps
Cell phone charger and extra battery

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