Today, January 22, 2025, Dorchester County Council approved a state of emergency effective from 3 p.m. today through Monday, January 26, 2025. This decision comes in response to the hazardous road conditions due to this week's winter storm.
The declaration of a state of emergency allows Dorchester County to mobilize necessary resources and take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
While wintry precipitation has concluded, a Cold Weather Advisory continues to be in effect until Thursday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. Wind chills will decrease to 10 to 15 degrees overnight, which could cause melted snow or ice to refreeze areas throughout the county. This will cause areas of black ice and dangerous driving conditions. Residents are encouraged to avoid traveling until conditions improve.
Road Updates
Due to the accumulated snowfall and ice on county and state roadways, Dorchester County has executed a memorandum of understanding with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to maximize the use of resources, specific to clearing snow from roadways, during the winter storm.
Today, Jan. 22, Dorchester County Department of Public Work crews are clearing snow and ice on U.S. Highway 78 from the Dorchester County Courthouse in St. George to the Interstate Highway 95 and U.S. Highway 15.
Dorchester County Water and Sewer personnel is clearing snow from the parking lot of the Troy Knight Judicial Complex/Dorchester County Emergency Operations and Consolidated Dispatch Center/Law Enforcement Complex buildings, as well as Deming Way.
The county is coordinated with the private sector to supplement the efforts of SCDOT and the county’s Public Works. A contractor is removing snow on Highway 17-Alternate and Dorchester Road, and considering resources for deployment around Midland Pkwy near Summerville Medical Center. The county has also requested snowplows through a mutual aid agreement.
Operational Updates
With the likelihood of overnight freezing tonight into Thursday, Jan. 23, Dorchester County Government Administrative Offices, Convenience Centers, and Parks will be closed on Thursday. The county continues to remain at OPCON 2 with the Emergency Operations Center activated with essential personnel to support response coordination involving public safety, public information, roads, water and sewer, and other essential functions.
Dorchester County Seniors, Inc., with facilities in Summerville and St. George is expected to remain closed until Friday. The centers will provide five additional meals, beginning today, Jan. 22, to participating homebound seniors through their home delivery meal program.
Dorchester County Courts, Dorchester County Library, and Dorchester Alcohol and Drug Commission will be closed on Thursday.
The Board of Elections will be certifying the County Council District 1 Primary at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Kenneth F. Waggoner Building (201 Johnston Street, St. George). The Board of Elections meeting will follow the certification.
Dorchester School District 2 and Dorchester School District 4 will be on e-learning instruction on Thursday.
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and follow official sources for the latest updates, including:
- Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service.
- Follow Dorchester County on Facebook for updates.
- Get the latest from Dorchester County Emergency Management.
Visit DorchesterCountySC.gov
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