Charleston County remains at OPCON 2 with the Emergency Operations Center activated as essential personnel manage the county’s response to ongoing winter weather conditions.
Up to four inches of snow and sleet were reported throughout the area overnight, creating packed roadway surfaces and dangerous driving conditions. Residents are urged to continue to remain off the roads until conditions improve.
The National Weather Service continues to forecast near record low temperatures with dangerous wind chills in the teens tonight. These conditions will cause any partially melted snow or ice to refreeze tonight, creating areas of black ice that will make travel extremely dangerous into the morning, especially along secondary roads.
Due to the likelihood that a refreeze will prolong and intensify existing hazardous conditions, in-person county operations will remain suspended tomorrow, with employees working remotely. This includes the Charleston County Judicial Center and all Charleston County Public Library branches.
The Charleston County Council Committees scheduled to meet tomorrow will instead convene at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 28, prior to the regularly scheduled County Council meeting.
The general population and pet shelter of last resort at the Charleston County Sheriff’s Administration Building (3831 Leeds Ave) will remain open tonight, with plans to close at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
Public Works Updates
County Public Works crews continue coordinating with SCDOT, who is the lead agency on snow and ice removal in the state. Crews have been dispatched to I-26 and I-526 and are using motor graders to remove layers of ice packed onto the roadways.
SCDOT is expected to replenish existing supplies with 600 additional tons of salt later today, which Public Works crews will have access to in order to continue to treat area bridges and roadways.
The Bees Ferry Landfill and county Convenience Centers will remain closed Thursday.
Curbside recycling collection is suspended today and Thursday.
Charleston Center
- All Charleston Center outpatient and ADSAP services are canceled through Friday, January 24.
- The Opioid Treatment Program clinic will be closed through Friday, January 24, and will open for normal hours on Saturday, January 25.
- Virtual consulting will be provided as needed.
Bond Court
- One session is scheduled for Thursday, January 23 at 2 p.m.
Board of Voter Registration and Elections
The Board of Elections will be certifying the Special House District 113 Democratic Primary at 10 a.m., Thursday, January 23, via Zoom. More information is available at chsvotes.gov.
The Board of Elections meeting originally scheduled for tomorrow will be postponed to a later date.
Additional Information and Resources
The county’s Community Information Line will remain staffed until 6 p.m. tonight provide updates and answer questions regarding the storm.
- English: (843) 746-3900
- Spanish: (843) 746-3909
Residents are encouraged to follow Charleston County Government on social media and sign up for the Community Alert Notification System and official county newsletter.
For the most accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts, residents should stay tuned to the National Weather Service Charleston websites, as well as local media and SCEMD’s SC Emergency Manager app. For checklists and tips on how to prepare for hazardous conditions, download SCEMD’s official South Carolina Severe Winter Weather Guide.
