A wave of unexplained drone activity is now raising concerns across Southwest Virginia. What started with unusual sightings in New Jersey has spread to local communities, catching attention on social media. Many viewers have reported spotting strange flying objects, and through our Facebook page, we’ve mapped out the locations of these sightings.
Candace Poling, a Botetourt County resident, shared her experience after seeing the drones: “When you don’t experience it yourself, it’s hard to imagine, but once you see it, you know. I’ve never seen anything like this, I hope I don’t again.”
Though Poling couldn’t identify what the objects were, she clarified, “But it definitely wasn’t a plane. I had one person harassing me on my post saying, ‘Oh, you saw a plane.’”
Many of the sightings initially took place in New Jersey, prompting statements from the FBI and Homeland Security. According to a statement, “Upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully. There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space.”
To understand the regulations around drones, we spoke with certified drone pilot Steve Stover. He explained that if a drone is not allowed to enter an area, it will automatically stop. “It’s called a geofence. Around Roanoke, there are certain areas where if your drone gets too close, it will just stop. There are also zones near the airport where the drone won’t take off without an unlock code.”
One viewer described seeing a drone about 6-8 feet long, further fueling concerns. With this potential drone activity in southwest Virginia, many people are left uneasy and seeking answers.
“It was very real, and so I think people just need to not be afraid to talk about it. That way, maybe we can all figure out what’s going on,” said Poling.
The most striking element of the potential drone sightings in southwest Virginia is the significant reaction from locals. People I spoke with are both curious and unsettled, finding the situation very strange. As we continue to gather more information about these sightings, we will keep you updated both on air and online. Stay tuned for further developments.