The City of Charleston is actively preparing for a winter weather event expected to impact the region starting late Tuesday afternoon, with hazardous cold temperatures, wind chills, snow, and freezing rain. City officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions, especially as dangerous wind chills and freezing conditions are forecasted.
Weather Forecast Summary:
- Wind Chills: Temperatures and wind chills are expected to drop significantly, with the most dangerous conditions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Wind chills are predicted to be as low as 14°F, which can be hazardous to humans, pets, plants, and pipes.
- Precipitation: Starting Tuesday afternoon, rain is expected to change to a sleet/snow mix in the evening, with snow continuing into early Wednesday morning. Total precipitation is expected to be 1-2 inches—mostly snow—with the heaviest impacts occurring between 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and 6:00 a.m. Wednesday.
- Hazardous Travel Conditions: Due to the low temperatures, roads are expected to refreeze, creating hazardous travel conditions. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel during these hours.
- Thursday: There is a low chance of freezing rain on Thursday morning, which could extend hazardous conditions.
City Office Closures and Public Services:
- City Office Closures: In response to the inclement weather, City of Charleston offices will close at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, and will remain closed all day on Wednesday, January 22. All public meetings scheduled for these days will also be rescheduled.
- Garbage and Trash Collection: Garbage and trash collection will proceed as usual on Tuesday, January 21, until road conditions worsen. No collection will occur on Wednesday, January 22. Collection will resume on Thursday, January 23, pending fair road conditions.
City Coordination with Partners:
The City of Charleston is working closely with regional partners, including Charleston County Emergency Management, South Carolina Department of Transportation, and the National Weather Service, to monitor the situation and respond as necessary. The City’s departments are taking proactive steps to ensure that public safety, infrastructure, and essential services remain operational throughout the storm.
“We encourage all residents to stay informed and take immediate steps to prepare for the cold and potentially hazardous weather conditions,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “Our team is working hard to ensure that our community stays safe, and we are committed to providing the resources needed to get through this winter weather event.”
Precautions for Residents:
Residents are reminded to take the following precautions:
- Dress in layers and cover exposed skin to protect against frostbite.
- Keep pets indoors or provide them with warm shelter.
- Ensure pipes are properly insulated to prevent freezing.
- Avoid travel if possible, especially between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
For more information, including updates on road conditions and emergency services, visit the City of Charleston's website at www.charleston-sc.gov or follow the City on social media.
