As the winter weather event has started to move in, the City of Charleston has preparations in place to ensure your safety. The Charleston region has already begun to see winter precipitation, with more on the way overnight.
NO YAHOOS:
City officials are urging residents to stay off the roads for the safety of themselves and our first responders. Barricades have been placed on roads across the city to allow for snow plows as precipitation continues to fall. Please adhere to barricades and road closures to ensure everyone’s safety.
Bridge Closings:
- Bridge closings are determined by police and the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) on an as needed basis, based on conditions. To monitor open/closed bridges, use this link.
Winter Weather Preparations:
- Snow melt pre-treatment has been placed at entrance points of parks/rec centers, fire and police stations.
- All city fountains have been deactivated.
- Heaters have been installed for large irrigation pumps at Colonial Lake, Septima Clark, Bayview, Freedom & Governors Park.
CARTA:
- All CARTA buses will stop running by 8:00 p.m. tonight. At 1:00 p.m. tomorrow, CARTA leadership will make a decision to begin service again.
Plows:
- SCDOT has 15 plows spread throughout the Charleston area tonight to clear the roads.
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 closed at 3:00 p.m. today, 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 22.
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.
(AT CAPACITY FOR MEN, NEARING CAPACITY FOR WOMEN) 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.
(AT CAPACITY) 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: Rain is expected to change to a sleet/snow mix in this evening, with snow continuing into early Wednesday morning. Total precipitation is expected to be 4-6 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:
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.
- Allow every faucet in your home to drip one drop per second to prevent pipes from 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.
