Dorchester County Emergency Management officials continue to monitor weather conditions and work closely with the National Weather Services for the expected weather impacts this weekend.
The current forecast shows snowfall will continue from Saturday afternoon to Sunday at 7 a.m. with totals of four to six inches throughout the County. Higher totals are possible in upper Dorchester County. There will be dangerously cold wind chills in the single digits from Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. Wind speed could reach 20 to 30 mph on Saturday night, causing low visibility and drifts. While temperatures are expected to rise during the daytime on Sunday, low temperatures on Sunday night may refreeze any precipitation on the roadways, including causing some black ice, for Monday. Residents are encouraged to stay off the roadways during the storm and dress in layers and limit time outdoors, especially as temperatures drop.
The County is partially activated, operating at Operating Condition Level 2 (OPCON 2), which means the County is in a heightened state of awareness. Emergency plans are being implemented as needed and coordination among private and public partner agencies is underway. Local emergency managers are closely monitoring conditions and ensuring resources are ready to respond.
County Preparing Ahead of the Storm
Ahead of the weather, the County’s Public Works Department worked in collaboration with SCDOT and other municipalities to pretreat the roads and have stationed snow plows on standby in coordination with a private company, Safe Industries. The County and a private company, Banks Construction, will assist with blading roads from Saturday to Monday until frozen precipitation has melted.
SCDOT has pretreated and salted roads and bridges. However, as freezing temperatures drop, these areas will become especially hazardous with possible black ice.
For road closures, the County is utilizing the Waze map to update the community. Residents can access the map online or by downloading the Waze App on Apple App Store or Google Play. Residents should note that hazards, such as ice or covered roads, may still existing on roads not marked as closed throughout the county and should avoid travel during the storm.
Operational Changes
In preparation for the winter storm this weekend, the following County offices will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1:
- County Circuit Court and Family Court
- County Convenience Centers
- County Libraries
- County Parks
Based on the road conditions, County staff will continue to evaluate Monday operations and announce any closures through social media and the County newsletter.
Winter Storm Tips
Residents are urged to avoid traveling during the storm and to be particularly cautious of snow, ice, and other hazardous conditions on both roadways and walkways throughout the county.
Residents are also encouraged to:
- Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or may need additional assistance.
- Dress in warm layers and limit time outside. When shoveling snow, take periodic breaks.
- Practice safe generator, portable heater and fire safety. Only use generators and fuel outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages, as well as install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the house to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Consider allowing house faucets to drip, open cabinet doors with pipes, and insulate exterior walls and pipes in unheated areas to avoid pipes from freezing.
Warming Center Availability
The following warming centers will be open for men, women, and children. Seacoast Summerville accepts pets as well.
Seacoast North Charleston
5505 N. Rhett Avenue, North Charleston
Shelter in Place on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. to Monday, Feb. 2 at 9 a.m.
Seacoast Summerville
301 E. 5th N. St., Summerville
Open Saturday, Jan. 31, Noon- Release Time TBD; and Sunday, Feb. 1, shelter in place and intake any time.
For transportation assistance, text TRANSPORT to 320320.
Holy City Missions at Aldergate UMC
1444 Remount Road, North Charleston
Saturday, Jan. 31; and Sunday, Feb. 1: 7 p.m. – 7 a.m.
For site-specific questions: (843) 744-0283
Bethel AME Church, St. George
5585 Memorial Blvd, Saint George
Open Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1, starting at 7 p.m.
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 storm and operational updates.
- Get the latest weather forecast or tips from Dorchester County Emergency Management.
- Sign up for Dorchester’s Emergency Notification System and County newsletter for emergency updates.
- Follow the Waze website or download the Waze app for road closures during the storm. Please note that road conditions may still be hazardous even if a road is not closed.
Visit DorchesterCountySC.gov