Charleston County Emergency Management officials are preparing for expected winter weather impacts and remain in close communication with the National Weather Service as the forecast continues to take shape.
Residents are encouraged to use the remainder of the holiday weekend to make any necessary preparations, as icy conditions may create unsafe travel conditions and possible power outages later this week. That includes:
- Stocking up on food, medication, and other essentials.
- Creating an emergency supply kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, cash, flashlights, batteries, blankets/warm clothing, a first-aid kit, and important documents.
- Insulating exposed pipes and dripping faucets overnight to prevent freezing/bursting during extreme cold.
- Ensuring pets have access to plenty of food, water, and heat.
- Preparing alternative heat sources, including gathering dry, seasoned wood for (recently inspected) fireplaces.
- Situating kerosene heaters and generators outside, properly vented, and away from flammable materials. (Reminder: Portable generators should never be used indoors.)
“While extreme cold is rare in our area, this winter weather system is expected to bring dangerously low temperatures along with ice and potentially hazardous roads,” said Charleston County Emergency Management Director Justin Pierce. “That’s why we’re urging residents to use the rest of this holiday weekend to get prepared—stock up on essentials, check on loved ones, and make plans to avoid unnecessary travel as this system moves through our area mid-week. Simple preparations made now can help keep you and your family safe and reduce strain on emergency resources that may be needed throughout this event.”
Latest Forecast
According to the latest information from the National Weather Service, near record cold temperatures are expected to impact the area throughout much of next week, with potentially dangerous wind chills as low as 8 degrees. A Cold Weather Advisory is currently in effect and Extreme Cold Watches/Warnings could be issued in the coming days.
The probability of accumulating snow and/or freezing rain continues to increase, with the greatest local impacts expected Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. Charleston County could see 1 to 3 inches of snow, with 0.05 to 0.25 inches of ice.
Melted snow or ice may refreeze Wednesday night into Thursday morning, creating areas of black ice that would make travel conditions extremely dangerous.
County Operations
Charleston County Public Works crews will transition to alternating 12-hour shifts Tuesday evening and have equipment ready to assist South Carolina Department of Transportation with treating roadways and bridges impacted by icy conditions.
Curbside recycling collection will take place as scheduled Monday and Tuesday, and a determination about the remainder of the week will be made in the coming days.
The Bees Ferry Landfill will open as scheduled tomorrow and will operate normally as long as conditions allow.
The Emergency Operations Center will activate in a limited capacity with essential county staff and partners Tuesday evening.
Further adjustments to Charleston County operations will be announced as additional information about the storm’s timing and likeliest impacts becomes available. At this time, no other changes to county operations have been made.
Additional Information and Resources
Residents are encouraged to follow Charleston County Government on social media and sign up for the Citizen’s Alert 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.