Executive Summary
- Chesterfield County officials have urged residents to shelter in place starting Jan. 24 due to an incoming winter storm.
- The National Weather Service predicts heavy snow and ice will make travel nearly impossible and likely cause widespread power outages.
- Residents are advised to stock 3-7 days of food and water, along with a two-week supply of necessary medications.
- Safety protocols include operating generators outdoors only and reporting power outages directly to utility companies.
Chesterfield County officials have urged residents to shelter in place and prepare for potential isolation lasting several days as a significant winter storm system moves into Central Virginia. The advisory coincides with a winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) beginning Saturday, Jan. 24, affecting most of the region.
According to the NWS, the incoming system is expected to deliver a combination of heavy snow, ice, and sleet, creating conditions that will make travel “nearly impossible.” The agency further warned that ice accumulations are likely to cause widespread power outages and significant tree damage across the impacted areas.
In a statement released Jan. 23, Chesterfield County officials emphasized the necessity of staying indoors during the severe weather event. Authorities provided specific guidance for household preparedness, recommending that residents secure at least three to seven days’ worth of nonperishable food and one gallon of water per person per day. Officials also advised residents to maintain a one-to-two-week supply of prescription medications and essential medical equipment.
To mitigate safety risks associated with power loss, county representatives stressed that generators should only be operated outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Residents were also instructed to insulate exposed pipes and allow faucets to drip slightly to prevent freezing. For reporting infrastructure failures, the county directed the public to contact utility providers directly—Dominion Energy or Southside Electric—rather than emergency 911 lines, which are reserved for life-safety situations.
Public Safety and Infrastructure Impact
The issuance of a “shelter in place” recommendation for a winter weather event underscores the anticipated severity of the storm’s impact on municipal infrastructure. While such orders are often associated with acute public safety threats, in this context, it reflects a strategic effort to keep roadways clear for emergency responders and utility crews. The projected combination of ice accumulation and tree damage poses a substantial logistical challenge for power restoration efforts. Consequently, the advisory implies that residents should be psychologically and logistically prepared for extended periods without electricity or the ability to travel for resupply, shifting the immediate focus from government response to individual household resilience.
