Virginia
‘It’s devastating:’ Recovery efforts continue in VA following Hurricane Helene
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – Down trees, destroyed roads, communities underwater. These are just some of the chilling impacts Helene had in the Commonwealth.
“Our hearts go out to all those people in those communities that are going to be recovering for quite a while,” said Kristopher Dumschat with the Red Cross of Virginia.
The category four hurricane made landfall in Florida Thursday, leaving neighborhoods in utter disarray.
“It’s devastating. From houses that have been flooded or completely damaged to people who have no place to sleep anymore or don’t have the ability to take a shower or cook in their home,” Dumschat said.
Helene’s remnants eventually making its way to Virginia, where the southwest region got hit the hardest.
“This is a very rural area, so many of these homes may not be part of a neighborhood per say, so that adds some challenges on top of communications issues that we’re experiencing and just navigating some of these communities that have roadways that are washed out due to mudslides,” said Jonathan McNamara with the Red Cross of Virginia.
Governor Glenn Youngkin made stops in those communities. His team announced Sunday that the governor’s request for assistance from FEMA was approved.
Meanwhile, crews with the Red Cross of Virginia are on the ground helping those residents in whatever way they can.
“Supporting emergency shelters, going into areas to speak with families to understand what damage they have experienced and get a sense for what resources from not only the red cross, but those other relief agencies can be put to bare to help them recover,” McNamara said.
Despite the destruction here at home, Virginians are still assisting people in other states.
Dumschat and dozens of other Red Cross volunteers loaded trucks with food, water and clean up kits in Florida.
“I have a line of ERVs [emergency response vehicles] waiting to come in and as they come in they are getting loaded up by our volunteers and then they’re going out to the communities to drop off those much needed supplies,” Dumschat said.
The Red Cross is seeking help from the public. They’re in need of donations, volunteers and blood.
“There’s dozens of blood drives cancelled up and down the east coast. We feel that here in Richmond, but we feel that exponentially greater in those communities that have been impacted. You want to make sure we don’t a second crisis on our hand,” McNamara said.
Click here if you’re interested in helping the Red Cross of Virginia.
Copyright 2024 WWBT. All rights reserved.
WASHINGTON – Last weekend’s winter storm dumped five to 12 inches of snow across the DMV, leaving many roads unshoveled or covered in ice.
As a result, several school districts in the area have either canceled school or will have a delayed start on Monday, Feb. 2.
Stay with the FOX 5 Weather Team for the latest forecast updates and check the updated list of closings and delays. The FOX LOCAL app is your source for live FOX 5 DC weather updates. Click here to download.
Full list of school closings and delays for Monday, February 2
The Source: Information in this article comes from the FOX 5 Weather Team and the National Weather Service.
Virginia
Virginia State Parks Invite Public to Join 2026 Great Backyard Bird Count | Williamsburg Yorktown Daily
RICHMOND — Virginia State Parks are calling nature lovers and bird enthusiasts to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 13–16.
The annual global event brings together millions of people to observe and record bird species, helping scientists track bird populations and migration patterns, according to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Participants are asked to spend 15 minutes on one or more days during the count observing birds in their backyard, local park or favorite outdoor space, DCR explains. Observations can be logged using the Merlin Bird ID app for identification or the eBird Mobile app for submitting sightings.
Virginia State Parks across the commonwealth will be hosting programs and events to enhance your birding experience, DCR added.
Those interested in participating in this year’s bird count can find an event or related program at one of several participating parks:
- Bear Creek Lake, Cumberland
- Caledon, King George
- Fairy Stone, Stuart
- Hungry Mother, Marion
- Lake Anna, Spotsylvania
- New River Trail, Max Meadows
- Powhatan, Powhatan
- Staunton River Battlefield, Randolph
To learn more about Backyard Bird Count events at Virginia State Parks, visit dcr.virginia.
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – A Georgia woman was arrested in Virginia Friday, January 30 after a police chase, according to the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office.
The Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office assisted Virginia State Police and the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at 1:15 a.m. with a high-speed chase on I-81.
The pursuit originated in Augusta County and entered Rockbridge County traveling southbound on I-81, according to deputies. Deputies say the suspect was reported to be traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour and driving erratically, posing a significant risk to public safety.
Officers coordinated a controlled response, including the deployment of tire deflation devices, according to deputies. Deputies say the vehicle was successfully disabled, bringing the pursuit to a safe conclusion near mile marker 197.
Melissa Lee Mathura, 43 of Mansfield, Georgia, was taken into custody and transported for medical evaluation as a precaution. She was charged in Augusta County with felony eluding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence (second offense within five years).
“This incident highlights the importance of strong inter-agency cooperation and disciplined decision-making during high-risk situations,” said Sheriff Tony McFaddin. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all involved agencies, this pursuit was brought to a safe conclusion and the threat to the public was minimized.”
Copyright 2026 WDBJ. All rights reserved.
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