Homes in 'danger path' evacuated near Falling Creek Dam in Chesterfield

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Authorities evacuated homes in the "danger path of the water" downstream from the Falling Creek Dam off Hopkins Road in North Chesterfield Saturday evening.

Chesterfield Police posted a highlighted map showing the homes in the "danger path of the water."

The water was at at more than 100 feet as of 5:45 p.m., which is a stage three flood advisory for that dam.

“There is hundreds of residents that we were making contact with," Chesterfield Fire Battalion Chief Sal Luciano explained. "Not everybody will come to the shelter. If they have a way to go to another location, they can do that on their own, but this is a mandatory evacuation.”

Meadowbrook High School opened at 7 p.m. as a shelter. The Chesterfield County Animal Shelter was also opened yo accept pets from those evacuated by Chesterfield Police and Fire & EMS crews.

Officials noted the shelters are not open to the general public.

"Residents are reminded that shelter capacity has been greatly reduced due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation," officials said. "Residents who come to the shelter should bring their own masks, pillows, blankets, medication, personal hygiene items, change of clothes and device chargers."

The evacuation order came hours after the county declared a local state of emergency because of flooding.

"Many roads in the county are impassable and closed due to high water," officials said. "If you come across a road that's closed or water is covering it, turn around, don't drive through it!"