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Roanoke Police respond 10 crashes due to icy conditions, slick roads

ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke Police are warning residents about slick roads due to overnight icy conditions. Authorities have responded to ten crashes as of Friday night at 11:45 p.m. They have put barricades up on 2700 Peters Creek and 3800 Welcome Valley and are asking people to avoid the area. Police say they are monitoring other parts of the city. Most importantly, they are asking people to stay safe and be mindful of the dangerous road conditions.

ICE rolls out new guidelines for deportations to focus on certain groups

ICE rolls out new guidelines for deportations to focus on certain groups The Biden administration issued new guidance Thursday instructing deportation agents to focus on apprehending recent border-crossers and immigrants determined to threaten national security and public safety, and requiring them to seek supervisory approval for other arrests. Nick Miroff, an immigration reporter with The Washington Post, discusses how critics are responding to the new guidance and who is no longer a priority for ICE.

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Ice takes down trees, power lines in Pulaski County

PULASKI COUNTY, Va. – Winter weather caused widespread damage and power outages across the New River Valley. The icy mess meant downed power lines and downed trees in Pulaski County. The main roads were pretty clear, but side roads were covered with ice, weighing down branches and snapping tree limbs. Like, if you don’t have to be out, II recommend staying home,” said Heather Fizer, who lives in Pulaski County. AEP doesn’t have any estimates yet when power might get restored because ice-covered branches and power lines are still causing outages.

State police respond to 442 traffic crashes, 310 disabled vehicles due to icy conditions across Virginia

Virginia State Police have responded to hundreds of crashes on Thursday during the ice storm that continues to affect much of Virginia. Police responded to one deadly crash in Caroline County although they do not believe it was weather-related. Here’s a breakdown of how many crashes and disabled/stuck vehicles police responded to as of 9 p.m. in each division:Richmond Division (1 on map below): 55 disabled vehicles and 100 traffic crashesCulpeper Division (2 on map below): 51 disabled vehicles and 54 traffic crashesAppomattox Division (3 on map below): 28 disabled vehicles and 47 traffic crashesWytheville Division (4 on map below): 30 disabled vehicles and 27 traffic crashesChesapeake Division (5 on map below): 47 disabled vehicles and 53 traffic crashesSalem Division (6 on map below): 42 disabled vehicles and 54 traffic crashesFairfax Division (7 on map below): 57 disabled vehicles and 107 traffic crashesBelow is a map showing which Divisions cover which parts of Virginia:Virginia State Police Divisions (Virginia State Police)Police advise Virginians to avoid traveling through Friday as road conditions remain dangerous.

Stay in! Winter storm creates messy travel, power outage threat Thursday

ROANOKE, Va. – Snow, sleet and freezing rain have begun making their presence felt in southwest and central Virginia. Weather update with Jeff HaniewichJeff's Thursday afternoon weather update (2/18/21) We're talking ice and sleet accumulations along with a warm up? FutureTracker - 9 a.m. ThursdayThe longer that snow or sleet holds on, the lesser your chance for power outages will be. This will be in the form of rain and/or freezing rain. Tips for freezing rain and power outagesFor those that do lose power, it may take some time for it to come back on.

Danville prepares for its second severe ice storm this week

DANVILLE, Va. – Five days after an ice storm left thousands of Danville residents without power, the city is gearing up for round two. Another storm is expected to coat Danville in a half an inch of ice, which could mean danger for both roads and power lines. “I think it’s been 10 or 15 years since we’ve had a storm of this magnitude,” said Danville Public Works director Rick Drazenovich. However, Drazenovich said the brine has its limits if Danville receives a sizable amount of ice. We’re making sure our generators are in good shape.”Downed trees were a major reason why more than 20,000 Danville households were left without power after Saturday’s ice storm.

Pittsylvania County declares local state of emergency ahead of Thursday’s ice storm

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – Pittsylvania County leaders are taking action ahead of Thursday’s ice storm. This activates the local emergency operations plan and authorizes the furnishing of aid and assistance, according to Virginia law. Here’s a more in-depth look at what it means to declare a local emergency. Due to the widespread power outages in the territory of all five of the utility providers that operate in Pittsylvania County, some of which are still in effect, many Pittsylvania County volunteer fire departments have been opening their doors to the public. AdYou can keep up with which stations are open on the Pittsylvania County Public Safety Facebook page.

Next two days to be the calm before *another* winter storm

ROANOKE, Va. – Watch the video below for Jeff’s 9;50 p.m. weather update:Jeff's 2.16.21 forecast update Winter storm watches are in effect from tomorrow evening through Thursday PM. High temperature forecast for Tuesday, 2/16/2021Next Winter StormCome late Wednesday night and Thursday, we’re tracking yet another wintry mess. High pressure to the north will keep cold air trapped at the surface, while a storm system rises from the south. FutureTracker - midnight ThursdayWe may start with just enough cold air above to create snow and sleet in areas near and north of US 460. By late Thursday night and Friday morning, our storm system will have moved to the northeast.

Ugh! More clouds, rain and wintry weather in store this week

We’ll keep the clouds locked in (AGAIN) for the rest of the day Monday, with high temperatures locked in the upper 30s and lower 40s. Freezing rain will be possible on a spotty basis during the evening and up until about midnight. Wind speed and wind gust for Tuesday, 2/16/2021This might actually be enough to break the overcast for the first time in nearly a week! High pressure builds over the Northeast, while another storm system rises from the Gulf. Freezing rain and sleet are becoming increasingly likely Thursday, and it could once again be a significant storm for parts of the area.

VSP responds to 366 crashes, 195 disabled vehicles due to icy road conditions

Virginia State Police have responded to hundreds of crashes on Saturday during the ice storm that affected much of Central, Southeastern and Northern Virginia. From midnight to 9 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a total of 195 disabled vehicles and 366 traffic crashes across the Commonwealth. Here’s a breakdown of how many crashes and disabled/stuck vehicles police responded to as of 9 p.m. in each division:Richmond Division: 41 disabled vehicles and 77 traffic crashesCulpeper Division: 10 disabled vehicles and 47 traffic crashesAppomattox Division: 14 disabled vehicles and 45 traffic crashesWytheville Division: 15 disabled vehicles and 13 traffic crashesChesapeake Division: 51 disabled vehicles and 60 traffic crashesSalem Division: 22 disabled vehicles and 93 traffic crashesFairfax Division: 42 disabled vehicles and 93 traffic crashesPolice advise Virginians to avoid traveling through Sunday as road conditions remain dangerous. There have been no fatal crashes reported.

Slick, drizzly Friday with more rain, freezing rain to come Saturday

While roads may improve a bit beyond the morning, we will still have to watch for slick spots throughout the day. TimingAs another storm system moves in from the south, this sets the stage for another round of freezing rain after 6 or 7 a.m. Saturday. AdFutureTracker - 10 a.m. SaturdayAs a southeast wind begins, we should start to see any freezing rain change to a chilly rain in parts of Grayson, Wythe, Carroll, Pulaski and Bland Counties by midday or early afternoon. Moving ForwardWe’ll start with slick/icy spots Valentine’s Day morning and temperatures near freezing. We’re once again looking at the chance for freezing rain and rain Tuesday morning.

Download our app! Winter storm to make things messy at times Sunday

The winter storm we’ve been forecasting is on top of us as we write up this article. The most snow accumulation will be from areas like Blacksburg, Roanoke and Lynchburg to the north. Snow accumulation forecast for Sunday 1/31/2021As snow accumulation drops farther south, the potential for ice goes up. That’s especially the case the closer you get to the North Carolina-Virginia line. That’s especially the case during the first half of the day.

Heads up! Next winter storm to bring mix of snow, ice Sunday

Ice AccumulationThis is going to be the biggest winter storm system that we’ve dealt with this season. Despite that, as a general rule with this storm, we expect more snow farther north and less snow/more mix farther south. AdWinter storm likely Sunday, 1/31/2021When looking at timing, this starts before sunrise Sunday and lingers into the early-to-mid afternoon before taking a break. That mix is most likely farther south, with more snow expected farther north. Temperature above the surface by around midday SundayThis makes forecasting snow totals very difficult Sunday.

Slick, windy and cold as snow departs; next system Sunday

ROANOKE, Va. – Snow exits the area Thursday morning, but it leaves a (somewhat) lasting impact on parts of the region. High temperature forecast for Thursday, 1/28/2021This is also where the wind can blow fallen snow onto the roads. Wind chill forecast for Friday morning, 1/29/2021Wet or snow-covered roads will remain slick as we head into Friday morning. As high pressure drifts northeast, our cold air will stay in place for the next storm system. Odds of wintry weather through 1/31/2021It’s likely that this becomes a more prolonged winter storm, especially since we already have cold air and this storm isn’t moving very quickly.

Feds seize 284 fake sports championship rings from Florida memorabilia store

Federal authorities seized hundreds of fake sports championship rings from a memorabilia store in Florida, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Thursday. The law enforcement agency's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) team found 284 counterfeit "sports championship rings" at "Friendly Confines Collectibles" in Oviedo, Florida, on January 14, ICE said. The rings were replicated as teams from the NFL, NBA and WWE. ICE seized hundreds of counterfeit rings last week. The recent seizure was predicated upon a previous one made in November, when federal agents seized 54 fake NFL and 30 NBA rings that were shipped from China and headed for Friendly Confines Collectibles.

cbsnews.com

Slick spots possible Thursday after Wednesday’s wintry slop

ROANOKE, Va. – Following Wednesday’s combination of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow, parts of the area are under a Freezing Fog Advisory. A Freezing Fog Advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. for most areas south of U.S. 460. pic.twitter.com/ZODgoDUHDI — Chris Michaels (@WSLS_Michaels) December 17, 2020Aside from that, slick spots will be possible during the morning commute. What we're tracking by Christmas of 2020This is traditionally where the better chance of a White Christmas is anyways. Historical odds of a White Christmas in all five zonesRarely do we have one inch of snow on the ground on Christmas Day.

Snow, ice to cause slippery roads, scattered power outages Wednesday

FutureTracker - 2 p.m. WednesdayThe backside of our system moves through later on, producing another mix of snow, freezing rain, sleet and rain. This may be your best chance of light snow accumulation in parts of the New River Valley. We still think the bulk of snow accumulation will be farther north. Snow accumulation forecast for Wednesday, 12/16/2020Ice is still a concern for a large part of the area, given the fact that there’s a layer of above-freezing air just a few thousand feet up. Higher totals will be possible in parts of the New River Valley, Roanoke Valley and near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Significant winter storm featuring snow, ice coming Wednesday

ROANOKE, Va. – * Winter Storm alerts are in effect for a large portion of the 10 News viewing area. Regardless, an impactful and significant winter storm is likely in parts of our area Wednesday due to snow and ice. TimingThis event starts between 5 and 7 a.m. Wednesday south of U.S. 460 as a combination of snow and ice (snow closer to 460 and ice farther south). More snow will accumulate closer to I-64, with totals dropping off farther south. Ice accumulation forecast for Wednesday, 12/16/2020At 0.25″ of ice accretion, damage starts to happen.

Winter Storm Watch issued for much of Southwest, Central Virginia ahead of Wednesday’s snow, freezing rain

ROANOKE, Va. – Winter weather is on its way to Southwest and Central Virginia. On Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of the region beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Depending on where you are you’ll see no or very little snow to more than 6 inches! Snow accumulation forecast for Wednesday, 12/16/2020 as of Monday, 12/14/2020Because of how this system works, many will see ice, as well as snow. “Ice accumulations up to two-tenths of an inch possible along the Blue Ridge,” according to the Watch.

Double Whammy: Soaking rain Monday comes before wintry mess Wednesday

A winter storm is likely by Wednesday with snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain all on the table. If it tracks farther north, then we get a mixed bag of every type of precipitation. How different types of precipitation formGiven recent forecast data, snow and freezing rain begin as soon as sunrise Wednesday. FutureTracker - midday WednesdayThe farther north you go, the more snow you get because that’s where the coldest air hangs on longest. Then, you start to see the sharp cutoff in snow totals going farther south and east, where more mixed precipitation is likely.

Elmwood on Ice is canceled this year — Thanks, 2020

ROANOKE, Va. – Looks like this classic winter activity won’t be happening in Roanoke this holiday season, and we only have this unanticipated year to blame. Elmwood on Ice, an annual ice-skating event, has been canceled as Downtown Roanoke focuses on other priorities for 2020. Officials said that finding a new location for Elmwood on Ice took a backseat to other downtown priorities, but they hope to bring the ice rink back for 2021. Downtown Roanoke also announced that Elmwood Park was chosen to highlight a new space, but did not say what it will be. Don’t worry though — The other Downtown Roanoke holiday tradition, Dickens of a Christmas will still happen this year on Dec. 4, 11, and 18.

US Forest Service police dog survives second stabbing attack

In this Aug. 28, 2020, photo provided by the USDA Forest Service, is an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois named Ice, a highly decorated U.S. Forest Service police dog, the day after he suffered nine stab wounds during a marijuana raid in Northern California. (USDA Forest Service via AP)SACRAMENTO, Calif. A highly decorated U.S. Forest Service police dog suffered nine stab wounds during a marijuana raid in Northern California. What's more, it's the second time the dog, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois named Ice, recovered after being seriously injured on the job. The dog, which had been wearing a protective vest, was released later that afternoon, and federal prosecutors are still considering charges. Ice had multiple stab wounds that were more severe during a similar raid in 2016, the agency said.

Jens Soering, Elizabeth Haysom granted parole, set to be deported

RICHMOND, Va. – The two people responsible for the murder of a Bedford County couple in 1985 have been granted parole, according to The Richmond Times-Dispatch. Jens Soering and Elizabeth Haysom, both convicted for the murder of Elizabeth’s parents, Derek and Nancy, were granted parole on Monday. Soering was serving two consecutive life sentences for the murders and had tried for decades to be granted parole. This decision is in line with the Parole Board’s recommendation. Governor Northam respects the Parole Board’s expertise and appreciates their work on this and all other cases.

Major hotels still allow feds to detain immigrants in their rooms

At least seven companies issued statements in July opposing the detention of immigrants in their hotels following protests from customers and activists. Related: Medical care in immigrant detention centers under fireFederal data previously released to advocacy organizations through a public records request showed that ICE has used hotels in the past as well. Those used between 2015 and 2018 included a couple locations that held hundreds of immigrants -- and one that held thousands. The company told CNN it communicated its position to franchisees earlier this year and that each property manages its own reservations and contracts. The Best Western Plus Dragon Gate Inn in Los Angeles' Chinatown also reportedly held immigrant youth -- with two children staying there in August, and two in September.

Florida's ban on sanctuary cities begins

Joe Raedle/Getty Images(CNN) - Florida's ban on sanctuary cities just went into effect. Florida's measure forbids law enforcement agencies and local governments from adopting such so-called sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. But there's one key detail to keep in mind: No Florida municipalities had designated themselves as sanctuary cities before SB 168 passed. Many of the largest cities in the United States have sanctuary policies in place. More than 30 bills related to sanctuary policies -- both for and against them -- are pending across the country, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Shots fired during Tennessee ICE operation

CNN VideoANTIOCH, Tennessee (CNN) - An ICE officer fired shots in a Tennessee grocery store parking lot during an attempted vehicle stop Thursday. The shooting occurred in a Food Lion parking lot outside Nashville in Antioch, Tennessee. ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility, which looks into all officer-involved shootings involving ICE, is also investigating, the ICE official said. Memphis FBI spokesman Joel Siskovic said the individual who the ICE officer was attempting to stop remains at large. The vehicle he had been driving was found abandoned with blood inside, the ICE official said.