Winter Weather Update #3 from Charleston County:
County offices closing at 4 p.m. today, in-person operations suspended tomorrow
In anticipation of the onset of potentially hazardous winter weather, Charleston County offices and facilities, including all Charleston County Public Library branches, will close at 4 p.m. today. In-person operations will remain suspended tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22, with county employees working remotely. (Additional operational adjustments below)
Charleston County will shift to OPCON 2, indicating that a disaster or emergency is likely to affect the county, at 6 p.m. tonight in conjunction with a partial activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC will remain staffed with essential county personnel and partners throughout the duration of the weather event.
The county’s Community Information Line will be staffed from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to provide updates and answer questions regarding the storm.
- English: (843) 746-3900
- Spanish: (843) 746-3909
As a reminder, residents should not call the Community Information Line or 911 to report a power outage. Power outages must be reported directly to utility providers.
Warming Center and Shelter Information
The following privately operated area Warming Centers have indicated that they will be open to men, women, and children (no pets) throughout the winter weather event. Each will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Hibben United Methodist Church (690 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant)
- Admission hours: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (open through the 23rd)
- Transportation: Hibben UMC will pick up at 68 Columbus Steet (near Trident Tech Palmer Campus) at 6:30 p.m. each night and provide transport to the center. CARTA will provide free transportation from the center each morning.
- Contact: Site specific questions can be answered at 843-884-9761.
- Holy City Missions at Aldersgate (1444 Remount Road, North Charleston)
- Admission hours: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Transportation: CARTA will provide transportation to and from the center via Route 13 with pick-up and drop-off at Remount Road/Allison Avenue.
- Contact: Site specific questions can be answered at 843-647-0320.
- Seacoast Church Summerville (301 East, 5th North Street, Summerville)
- Admission hours: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Transportation: Board CARTA Route 10 outbound at either Meeting Street/Sheppard Street or Meeting Street/Johnson Street and inform the driver you are going to the warming center. Then, transfer to Tri-County Link at T-Mobile (8751 Rivers Ave). Pick-ups from that stop at 4:10 p.m., 5:16 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
- Contact: Site specific questions can be answered at 843-486-0193.
In the event these warming centers reach capacity, a general population and pet shelter of last resort will be available at the Charleston County Sheriff’s Administration Building (3831 Leeds Ave) beginning at 6 p.m. tonight. Individuals can access the shelter via normal CARTA routes until 8 p.m. tonight. The shelter will remain open while hazardous conditions persist.
Latest Forecast
A Winter Storm Warning and Cold Weather Advisory remain in effect, with near record cold temperatures and extreme wind chills expected to impact the area throughout much of the week.
The National Weather Service continues to forecast a wintry mix beginning early this evening and transitioning to accumulating snow (1 to 2 inches) overnight and into Wednesday morning.
While precipitation is expected to taper off Wednesday morning, partially melted snow or ice is likely to refreeze at night, creating areas of black ice that would make travel conditions extremely dangerous.
Travel may become unsafe due to icy conditions as early as this evening. Residents should plan to limit all unnecessary travel while these conditions persist, likely throughout the day Wednesday and possibly into Thursday.
County Operations
Public Works officials are working closely with SCDOT. Crews will transition to 12-hour shifts this evening and will continue to monitor and treat bridges and roadways as needed throughout the event.
The Bees Ferry Landfill closed at 2:30 p.m. today and will remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22.
Curbside recycling collection is suspended Wednesday and will resume Thursday, delayed by two hours. Collection for the remainder of the week will take place on a one-day delay schedule.
Charleston County EMS is prepositioning units throughout the county to maximize coverage in the event travel becomes hazardous in certain areas.
The Charleston County Judicial Center closed at 2 p.m. today and will remain closed Wednesday. All jurors summoned to serve the week of January 21 in the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions are to report as originally scheduled.
Charleston Center
- All Charleston Center outpatient and ADSAP services are canceled through Friday, January 24.
- The Opioid Treatment Program clinic will be closed Wednesday, January 22 through Friday, January 24, and will open for normal hours on Saturday, January 25. Take home medication is being given during normal clinic hours today.
- Virtual consulting will be provided as needed.
Bond Court
- One session is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22 at 2 p.m.
- Further schedule updates will be released, as needed, throughout the week.
Today’s South Carolina House District 113 Special Primary Election is proceeding as scheduled, with no changes to polling locations or hours. Polls will remain open until 7 p.m. tonight.
Additional Information and Resources
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.
