The City of Charleston’s preparations for the impending winter weather event are underway. Starting late this afternoon, the Charleston region will begin to see snow, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills. City officials are urging residents to prepare themselves and their property for the potentially dangerous conditions ahead.
City Office Closures and Public Services:
- Garbage and Trash Collection: Garbage and trash collection will be running Monday routes today, January 21. No collection will occur on Wednesday, January 22. Collection will resume on Thursday, January 23, running Tuesday’s routes pending fair road conditions. Wednesday’s route will run Friday, January 24, and Thursday’s route will run on Saturday, January 22.
· Trident Waste (collection for outer West Ashley and Johns Island) will be closed on Wednesday, January 22. They will collect Wednesday’s garbage and trash on Thursday, January 23. Thursday’s route will be collected on Friday, January 24, and Friday’s route will be collected on Saturday, January 25.
- 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 are being rescheduled.
Warming Shelters: There are several warming shelters across Charleston County that are open this week for those seeking relief in the cold weather. All shelters listed below will be open through January 24.
Holy City Missions: 1444 Remount Road, North Charleston (Capacity: 75)
- Admission occurs between 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and closes the following morning at 7:00 a.m.
- The shelter will provide a hot meal, breakfast, bag lunch, hot shower, warm clothes, and toiletries.
- For a connecting ride to the shelter please board a CARTA bus route 13 and request Holy City Missions/Aldersgate.
- No pets allowed.
Seacoast Summerville Warming Center: 301 E. 5th N. St, Summerville (warming center entrance at back door facing Gum St.) (Capacity 60)
- Open from 7:00 pm to 7:00 a.m.
- The shelter will provide a cot with linens and a pillow, warm dinner, and takeaway breakfast.
- For transportation, please text TRANSPORT to 320320 or choose Warming Center option when you call (843) 486-0193.
- No pets allowed.
Hibben UMC Warming Center: 690 Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant
- Admission occurs between 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and closes the following morning at 7:00 a.m.
- The shelter will provide a hot dinner and breakfast, shower facilities, and cots.
- For transportation, CARTA will pick up at 68 Columbus Street near Trident Palmer Campus at 6:30 p.m.
- No pets allowed.
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 13°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 2-3 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.
Precautions for Residents:
- 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.
- Let each faucet in your home drip one drop per second to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting..
- 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.