Weather & Safety
Powhite Parkway Extension Construction to Begin This Winter
Chesterfield County officials announced that construction on the $565 million Powhite Parkway extension will begin this winter, with the nine-mile project slated for completion in 2034.
Chesterfield Ranks No. 2 in Digital Counties Survey
Chesterfield County ranked No. 2 in the 2026 Digital Counties Survey among mid-sized U.S. counties, reflecting its commitment to technology-driven government services.
Swift Creek Mill Theatre seeks funds for holiday reopening
Swift Creek Mill Theatre, closed since May 2026 after years of financial strain, is seeking $250,000 by the end of September to reopen in December with a scaled-down seasonal model centered on its popular holiday show.
County Officials Explain 1 For Schools Sales Tax Referendum
County and school leaders outlined the mechanics and rationale for a 1 percent sales tax referendum on the November ballot, expected to generate up to 70 million dollars annually for school construction and maintenance projects.
Chesterfield County Fair launches heat-relief measures for visitors
The Chesterfield County Fair is implementing steps to help attendees cope with hot weather during the event.
Brush Fire in Matoaca Area Flares Up, Creates Smoke
A brush fire that ignited on Church Road in Chesterfield County's Matoaca area over the weekend flared up again Tuesday, continuing to generate smoke in the region as crews work to contain it.
Chesterfield County Fair Opens with Heat-Safety Measures
The Chesterfield County Fair, running through September 5, has implemented cooling resources including misting tents and shaded areas as temperatures remain high.
County Studies Beach-Winterpock Intersection for Growth
Chesterfield County launched a feasibility study in late March 2026 to evaluate improvements at the Beach Road and Winterpock Road intersection, examining both near-term and long-term alternatives to accommodate future traffic growth.
County to Build Drainage Culvert on Belmont Road
Chesterfield County plans to build a larger drainage culvert and realign a curve on Belmont Road between Whitepine Road and Corcoran Drive to address chronic flooding.
Lightning strikes spark three structure fires in Chesterfield
Lightning strikes sparked three structure fires in Chesterfield County during severe thunderstorms on August 16, 2026.
Lightning sparks 6+ fires across Chesterfield County
A severe thunderstorm that swept through Chesterfield County overnight Sunday into Monday, August 17-18, sparked at least six lightning-caused fires and closed roads due to high water, prompting emergency crews to respond to 112 calls, most of them storm-related.
Heavy rain floods streets across Chesterfield County
Heavy rain Sunday evening flooded streets across Chesterfield County, stranding drivers and prompting over 100 emergency calls.
Severe storms damage Chesterfield homes and roadways Monday evening
Severe storms swept through Chesterfield County on Monday evening, felling trees into homes and causing widespread power outages with no injuries reported.
County to Fund Drainage Work at Otterdale Road Crossings
Chesterfield County will fund a $47 million drainage and bridge project at two Swift Creek crossings on Otterdale Road to eliminate chronic flooding, with construction expected to start fall 2026.
County Summer Interns Featured on Chesterfield Behind the Mic
Chesterfield County summer interns Julianna Howe and Mark Perkins discuss their internship experiences in a new episode of the county's "Chesterfield Behind the Mic" podcast.
224 Traffic Citations Issued in Hull Street Enforcement Operation
Chesterfield Police issued 224 traffic citations and 29 warnings during a one-day enforcement operation on Hull Street Road on July 24, 2026, targeting unsafe driving practices.
Lightning Strike Ignites Garage Fire in Chesterfield
Lightning struck a residential garage in Chesterfield early Wednesday morning, igniting a fire that was extinguished within 15 minutes with no injuries reported.
Chesterfield Homeowners Seek Solutions to Property Flooding
A Chesterfield County family is seeking relief after years of property flooding following heavy rain, with county and state agencies proposing a collaborative review.
What Chesterfield Homeowners Need to Know After Lightning Strikes
After multiple lightning-caused fires in July 2026, Chesterfield fire officials urge homeowners to call 911 immediately if struck and hire an electrician to inspect for hidden damage.
Lightning Strike Blamed for Chesterfield House Fire
A lightning strike sparked a house fire in the Country Manor Court area of Chesterfield on Saturday, displacing one resident with no injuries reported.
Chesterfield County Urges Heat Safety as Temperatures Climb
Chesterfield County opened cooling centers and adjusted public events as an extreme heat warning brought record-breaking temperatures to the region in early July 2026.
Chesterfield Asked to Conserve Water Amid Dry Conditions
Chesterfield County residents and businesses are asked to voluntarily reduce water consumption as drought conditions lower the James River, which supplies water to six regional counties.
Air Quality Alert Issued for Richmond Area Through Friday
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert for the Richmond metro area through Friday due to Canadian wildfire smoke, prompting residents to limit outdoor activities.
Extreme Heat Wave Expected This Week in Chesterfield
Chesterfield County is warning residents to prepare for extreme heat conditions this week with recommendations to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and monitor vulnerable populations.
Chesterfield House Fire Underscores Dangers of Improper Cigarette Disposal
A house fire on Providence Creek Road in March 2026 caused by a discarded cigarette displaced five residents and prompted Chesterfield fire officials to reinforce warnings about proper smoking safety.
County Plans Shoosmith Landfill Closure, Seeks Resident Input
Chesterfield County is working with state and federal officials on closure and remediation plans for the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill and has launched a web portal for resident questions ahead of a July 22 Board of Supervisors update.
Lightning believed to have sparked a house fire in Chesterfield County, Virginia - The Watchers - Watching the world evolve and transform
Lightning struck a two-story home on Okuma Drive in Chesterfield County on July 6, 2026, igniting an attic fire that firefighters extinguished in about 20 minutes with no injuries reported.
Chesterfield Library Opens Winter Maker Market Applications
Chesterfield Public Library is accepting Winter Maker Market vendor applications by July 31, with the market scheduled for December 5 at LaPrade Library.
Chesterfield firefighter hospitalized battling commercial fire
A Chesterfield County firefighter was hospitalized for heat exhaustion while battling a commercial fire on Reymet Road during extreme heat on July 3.
Chesterfield cancels July Fourth celebration due to extreme weather
Chesterfield County cancelled its Fourth of July celebration at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds on July 4, 2026, citing extreme heat and severe thunderstorm risk.
Meadowdale Library Opens for Heat Relief This Weekend
Meadowdale Library opens extended hours July 3-5 as a free cooling center during extreme heat, offering air conditioning, books, Wi-Fi, and computers.
Flash Flooding Hits Chesterfield After Heavy Rains
Heavy rain from severe thunderstorms on June 28 caused flash flooding across Chesterfield County, affecting neighborhoods and roadways through the evening.
Chesterfield Mother Charged in Son's Death From Severe Neglect
Chesterfield County mother Manisha Nath faces felony charges for abuse and neglect in the death of her 28-year-old autistic son, Somak Nath, who weighed 65 pounds when he died in October 2025.
Summer Events Fill Chesterfield's Schedule This Week
Chesterfield County residents can enjoy a variety of summer activities this week, including live music, library events, historic tours, and waste disposal services.
Supervisor Hylton Discusses 2026 County Priorities, Dale District Projects
Interim Dale District Supervisor Dr. LeQuan Hylton discusses the county's 2026 priorities, emphasizing education investment, infrastructure development, and public safety in the context of major school construction projects underway in his district.
Iron Bridge Road in Chester reopens after power line repairs
Iron Bridge Road in Chester reopened after VDOT completed repairs to downed power lines that temporarily shut down the route.
Storm-damaged trees crash through North Chesterfield roofs
A fast-moving severe storm brought down trees that crashed through the roofs of residential homes in North Chesterfield on June 14-15, causing significant structural damage with no reported injuries.
Chesterfield Week Ahead: Juneteenth Celebrations, Blood Drive, Father's Day
Chesterfield County hosts Juneteenth celebrations this week, a blood drive at Central Library on Thursday, and government closure on Friday, with Father's Day activities available throughout the county's parks and trails.
New Trail and Parking at Winterpock Area Park Coming This Fall
Chesterfield County Parks is opening a new 10-space parking lot, 1.5-mile wooded trail loop, and paved pedestrian path at Winterpock Area Park in fall 2026.
Bear spotted in Chesterfield County backyards
A black bear has been spotted in residential neighborhoods in Chesterfield County, prompting wildlife officials to remind residents to secure food sources and maintain distance.
School Board Recognizes Chesterfield Staff Success
Chesterfield County School Board honored district staff achievements at its June 2 meeting, recognizing teachers in specialized areas and celebrating district initiatives.
School Board Honors Outstanding Bus Drivers
Chesterfield County Public Schools Board of Education honored bus drivers for excellence in safety and service at its June 2, 2026 meeting.
School Board Celebrates Community and Business Partners
Chesterfield County School Board recognizes its network of more than 200 community and business partners who support student achievement across the district.
School Board Meeting Materials Now Available Online
Chesterfield County Public Schools now makes School Board meeting materials, indexed videos, and comprehensive information available online through a centralized portal for public access.
Firefighters Battle Van and Brush Fire on Powhite Parkway
Chesterfield firefighters extinguished a van fire that spread to brush along Powhite Parkway near Courthouse Road on Wednesday, with no injuries reported.
Chesterfield Discusses Cannabis Safety Amid Evolving Drug Landscape
Chesterfield County's Prevention Services is educating residents about modern cannabis safety, highlighting how today's products are far more potent and varied than past decades, posing particular risks to children and adolescents.
Icy Conditions Trigger Wave of Fall-Related Emergency Calls
Chesterfield County emergency responders handled over 60 fall-related calls during an icy weather event in late January 2026, highlighting winter hazards for residents.
County Opens Call Center for Winter Storm Questions
Chesterfield County opened a dedicated call center on January 25, 2026, to handle non-emergency winter storm questions during Winter Storm Fern.
I-95 nightly traffic pattern changes coming to Chesterfield
VDOT announced nightly traffic pattern changes on I-95 in Chesterfield County, including lane closures and slow rolls for bridge and infrastructure work through June 2026.