Goochland Declares State of Emergency, Offices and Convenience Centers Reopen 11 AM

Goochland County declared a local state of emergency as crews prepared for this week’s winter storm, and county officials posted that county offices and convenience centers will open at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The declaration put the county’s Emergency Operations Center into coordination mode and centralized information for residents coping with power outages, icy roads, and service disruptions.

County Alerts show a multi-day response. Earlier notices closed county facilities for two consecutive days: “Goochland County Offices and Convenience Centers will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026,” and “Goochland County Offices and Convenience Centers will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.” The most recent update, posted January 27, states plainly that facilities will reopen at mid-morning on January 28, while cautioning that schedules remain subject to change depending on road and weather conditions.

The Alerts page links directly to Virginia Department of Transportation plow maps and advises residents to check VDOT plow locations and 511 for the latest road conditions before traveling. The county also lists electric outage resources for Dominion Energy, Central Virginia Cooperative, and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, and records closures for convenience centers and Parks & Recreation programs during the storm window.

For residents needing immediate assistance, the county posted the Emergency Operations Center phone number: 804-556-5678. Animal and livestock owners were given specific support options; potable water for livestock and pets is available by appointment at Fire Station 5. Warming and shelter resources were included in the county’s emergency information to help households without heat or power find local options.

The staggered closures and delayed reopening affect routine county services that Goochland residents rely on, including drop-off of household waste at convenience centers and in-person transactions at county offices. Residents should plan around the 11:00 AM reopening and expect potential interruptions to schedules for trash, permitting, and Parks & Recreation activities until roads and utility services stabilize.

Local government moves during the storm illustrate how small jurisdictions mobilize resources and communicate priorities under stress. The state of emergency activated coordination across the Emergency Operations Center, VDOT, and power utilities, while giving residents a single set of contacts for assistance. As thaw and clearing continue, officials urge residents to verify posted schedules, monitor VDOT 511 and plow maps, and call 804-556-5678 if they need county assistance.

Expect further updates on the Alerts page if weather or road conditions change; for now, mid-morning reopenings restore access to essential county services while recovery and safety checks continue.