Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. River forecasts are based on current conditions and rainfall forecasted to occur over the next 24 hours. During periods of flooding...Evening forecasts are reissued with updated rainfall forecasts. Observed and forecasted stage data plots are available on our Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service web page at... www.weather.gov/lzk Under the Current Conditions section...Select River and Lakes AHPS. The next statement will be issued Saturday morning at 1015 AM CDT.

Dry and windy conditions are expected this afternoon from the from the mountains to the Blue Ridge foothills...including the New River, Roanoke, and Shenandoah Valleys. Relative humidity values are expected to drop under 30 percent associated with strong northwest winds of around 15 to 25 mph, with gusts of 30 to 50 mph. This will result in the continued rapid drying of leaf litter and other forest fuels. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution if handling open flames or equipment that creates sparks. Also, dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and other flammable items in appropriate containers. Keep vehicles off of dry grass and obey local burn bans. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly. For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state's forestry or environmental protection website.