ROANOKE COUNTY, VA — The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Roanoke County, the City of Roanoke, and the City of Salem, effective until 1:30 a.m. EDT on Friday, August 9.
As of 5:32 p.m. EDT, Doppler radar detected bands of heavy rain moving through the warned area, with rainfall totals of 2 to 2.5 inches reported over the past few hours. Additional rainfall of 1.5 to 2.5 inches is expected, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour as the storm continues to move from the east.
Flash flooding is either ongoing or anticipated shortly.
The flash flooding is likely to affect small creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and low-lying locations, including Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, Catawba, Bent Mountain, Cave Spring, and Poages Mill. Specific streams and drainages at risk include Big Bear Rock Branch, Buffalo Creek, Brake Branch, Carvin Creek, and Back Creek.
Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution, especially during nighttime hours when the dangers of flooding are harder to identify.
The public is urged to avoid flooded areas and seek higher ground if necessary.
- Philadelphia Man Shot Multiple Times in Critical Condition
PHILADELPHIA, PA - A 44-year-old man was shot multiple times early this morning inside a building on N Dekalb Street in the 16th District. The shooting occurred at approximately 5:50 AM. The victim, who was critically wounded, was transported by police to Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center where he remains in critical condition.
See AlsoThe Roanoke Times from Roanoke, VirginiaCASEY: After 30 years in the Star City, can I call myself a Roanoker?Currently, the crime scene has been secured by authorities. No weapons have been recovered and no suspects have been apprehended in connection with the shooting.
The Philadelphia Police Department's Shooting Investigations Group is actively investigating the incident. They urge anyone with information to contact them at 215-686-8270.
For anonymous tips, individuals are encouraged to call or text the PPD's tipline at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
- New Prospect Road Widening Begins to Improve Traffic Safety
JACKSON, NJ—County crews and contractors began a much-anticipated road widening project on South New Prospect Road in Jackson Township this week.
According to county officials, the project is aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing safety measures, the project will transform the currently bustling two-lane road into a three-lane thoroughfare.
Jackson Township Councilman Mordy Burnstein, who kicked off discussions between the township and county last winter said the widening is long overdue and appreciated.
"The residents in the surrounding neighborhoods brought this to my attention after I took office, and through multiple meetings with county officials, we were able to convince the county that this was needed for the safety of our residents," Burnstein said.
The expansion will add a center turning lane to avoid traffic jams and to improve safety along the busy stretch of the road.
This initiative follows a productive meeting in January between township officials, Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, and other county professionals. The discussions highlighted the county's support for addressing the township's traffic concerns.
South New Prospect Road has evolved over the past decade into a crucial artery for Jackson, linking Howell, Lakewood, and Jackson to County Line Road and the northeastern sectors of the township, including the Brookwood developments. This road is instrumental in facilitating smoother travel between these areas.
Burnstein thank Mayor Michael Reina and his administration for their work with the county to make sure this project came to fruition after the winter talks.
- The Grocery Store Has Become an American Horror Story Under Kamala Harris, Biden
TRENTON, NJ - Never mind Spirit Halloween, the scariest place at the shopping mall this fall is going to be the grocery store in New Jersey this year.
Remember when a trip to the grocery store didn’t require a second mortgage? Yeah, those days are long gone. If you’ve been clutching your receipt with tears in your eyes after each checkout, you’re definitely not alone. Between 2020 and 2024, prices have been skyrocketing faster than Taylor Swift concert tickets, and it’s all thanks to inflation. Let’s break down just how crazy things have gotten.
Back in November 2020, food inflation was chilling at a relatively tame 3.9%. But fast forward to March 2024, and the situation has spiraled out of control, with food prices up a staggering 25.8%! To put that in perspective: that $100 grocery run you made in 2020? It’s now costing you almost $126 for the exact same items. Ouch.
Eggs: The New Gold Standard?
If you’ve been eyeing your omelets with suspicion, it’s probably because eggs have become ridiculously expensive. Between 2020 and 2024, egg prices surged by a whopping 54%. Yep, those $2-a-dozen eggs you were buying? They’re now going for around $3.08. Suddenly, that viral egg-boiling hack doesn’t seem so ridiculous.
Dairy lovers, we feel your pain. Milk prices shot up 36%, meaning that $3 gallon is now $4.08. And don’t even get us started on cheese and butter—up about 30%. So, that delightful cheese board you’ve been dreaming of? Maybe rethink it, or at least savor it like it’s the last one you’ll ever have.
Your morning bowl of cereal is officially not safe from inflation’s greedy hands. Prices for cereals and baked goods have risen around 28% since 2020. A $4 box of cereal now runs you about $5.12. Suddenly, skipping breakfast sounds like a financially savvy decision.
Meat Lovers, Beware: Your Protein Fix Isn’t Cheap Anymore
Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs—basically everything that makes up a classic American dinner—has seen an average price jump of 23.5%. Beef is up 20%, chicken’s up 25%, and your wallet is crying. That $5 pack of ground beef? Yeah, it’s now about $6.
Fruits and Veggies: Even Healthy Eating Costs More Now
Eating healthy is great until you realize how much more you’re paying for it. Fresh fruits and vegetables saw a 21% increase, with a $3 pound of apples now costing you $3.63. Looks like an apple a day now keeps the doctor away—and your bank account too.
Overall, food inflation has been on a wild ride. After peaking at a horrifying 11.4% in August 2022, it’s cooled down a bit to 2.2% as of March 2024. But don’t start celebrating just yet—because while the increase has slowed, prices are still way higher than they were pre-2020.
So, what does this mean for us regular folks? Well, we’re all spending a bigger chunk of our income on food, leaving less for other things—like saving for that tropical vacation we’ll never be able to afford now.
In the end, one thing’s clear: the grocery store has turned into a financial horror show. We’re all paying more for less, and the impact on our budgets is real. So next time you’re staring in disbelief at your grocery bill, just know—you’re not alone in this inflation-induced nightmare.