WDBJ 7 morning news AM cutins for 02/28/03

[7-Richard-Live]

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Slick conditions remain, but roads are improving throughout the area. Richard Lesko joins us now with un update.
[DOUBLE BOXES=kim / Richard PATIO;]
Kimberly, A-E-P officials say they have dodged a bullet and are reporting just scattered power outages.
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Roads around Roanoke are in fair condition, with the trouble spots being around Lynchburg and Central Virginia, and in Southside. The situation is improving, but many roads were blocked last night for long periods of time.
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(( All three lanes of Route 2-20 in Roanoke were blocked for most of the night after a tractor trailer crashed through the guardrail and down an embankment. The work wasn't easy. Before the truck could be pulled up and towed away, crews needed torches to tear out parts of the guardrail. The truck went over after the driver apparently lost control on an icy bridge late last night. Roanoke police say the driver had only minor injuries. Many roads around the region are just wet, but law enforcement officials warn icy patches are still out there.
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[ANCHOR=Richard]
[TAKE VDOT BOARD FS # 4491 EssC]
And you can check out road conditions around the state by calling VDOT's hotline at 1-800-367-ROAD, [TAKE WEB PAGE 4473 ESSC] or on their web page, and you can find a link to that at WDBJ-7-dot-com.
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So it was a long night last night
[DOUBLE BOXES=Leo/ Richard PATIO;]
but Leo, it should be easier to travel as the temperatures rise.

[45-Richard-Live]

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While we prepare to say farewell to this latest batch of winter weather, Richard Lesko is outside our studios with an update on the roads.
[DOUBLE BOXES=kim / Richard PATIO;]
Well Kim, portions of Interstate 81, and Routes 220 and 460 were all blocked at times last night,
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[SUPER=@Richard1;]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke;]
but it seems things are quieting down a little. Roads around Roanoke are mostly clear but there are patches of ice. And around Lynchburg, the New River Valley, and the Alleghany Highlands, major portions of pavement are covered with ice or slush. No matter where you are, police are warning you to be careful.
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Slick roads were a problem last night for the driver of this truck on 220 in Roanoke. Police say the truck slid on ice, through the guardrail, and down an embankment. The driver suffered only minor injuries. The road was reopened shortly before 3-o'clock. This morning, VDOT crews have been hitting the highways, spreading salt and chemicals, and waiting for a warm up.))
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[TAKE VDOT BOARD FS # 4491 EssC]
And you can check out road conditions around the state by calling VDOT's hotline at 1-800-367-ROAD, [TAKE WEB PAGE 4473EssC] or on their web page, and you can find a link to that at WDBJ-7-dot-com.
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Now so far, A-E-P is reporting scattered power outages throughout the region,
[DOUBLE BOXES=Leo/ Richard PATIO;]
but Leo that situation is expected to improve as the temperatures rise.

[45-11National-Guard]

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Roanoke area members of the National Guard 229th Chemical Company are now on their way to parts unknown.
Family and friends provided an emotional sendoff yesterday morning at the Roanoke armory.
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Approximately 125 soldiers embarked on their dual mission of providing smoke cover for ground troops, and running decontamination operations in case of a chemical attack.
Gaberielle Trent knows that her husband's job is to head into areas that other troops are leaving. That makes saying goodbye even harder.
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The Chemical company will be on active duty for at least a year.
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[8-Richard-Live]

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After a long night of battling icy roads, VDOT is making progress throughout the region.
[DOUBLE BOXES=kim / Richard PATIO;]
Richard Lesko joins us with an update. How are the roads faring Richard? Well Kim, the situation is improving around the region,
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[SUPER=@Richard1;]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke;]
major roads around Roanoke are reported in good condition, but many secondary roads are still covered. AroundLynchburg, the New River Valley and Alleghany and Rockbridge Counties, VDOT is warning of significantly covered roads, and very slick conditions. State police say things were worst before midnight last night, but you still need to be careful.
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[SUPER=01-Tim Robison/Virginia State Police; :00]
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Last night was busy for state police, as they battled icy conditions. This truck crashed around the Colonial Avenue exit on 220 in Roanoke last night, and blocked all three lanes of the road for hours. Police say the truck hit a patch of ice on a bridge, ran off the road and went down an embankment. The driver suffered only minor injuries. But as VDOT crews continue their work, spreading salt and chemicals, they still warn about icy patches around bridges and overpasses.))

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[TAKE VDOT BOARD FS # 4491 EssC]
And you can check out road conditions around the state by calling VDOT's hotline at 1-800-367-ROAD, [TAKE WEB PAGE 4473 EssC] or on their web page, and you can find a link to that at WDBJ-7-dot-com.
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[LIVE=Richard/FULL]
[SUPER=05-Roanoke;]
Now police say be patient if you have to drive, and slow down,
[DOUBLE BOXES=Leo/ Richard PATIO;]
because Leo, you may not know a patch of ice is there until you hit it.