The following is the second Winter Weather Update from Charleston County:
As confidence in the upcoming winter weather forecast continues to increase, Charleston County Emergency Management officials are urging residents to make preparations now. Click here for a detailed list of recommended preparations.
Travel may become unsafe due to icy roadway conditions as early as Tuesday evening. Residents should plan to limit all unnecessary travel while these conditions persist, likely throughout the day Wednesday and possibly into Thursday.
With that in mind, Charleston County offices and facilities, including all Charleston County Public Library branches, will close at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21. Additional operational adjustments may be made and will be announced as they are finalized.
Emergency Management officials will remain in close communication with the National Weather Service as the forecast continues to evolve and will issue updated recommendations as needed.
Latest Forecast
A Winter Storm Watch and Cold Weather Advisory are currently in effect, with near record cold temperatures expected to impact the area throughout much of this week.
According to the latest information from the National Weather Service, precipitation is expected to begin as a wintry mix early Tuesday evening, transitioning to accumulating snow (1 to 2 inches) overnight and into Wednesday morning.
While precipitation is expected to taper off Wednesday morning, partially melted snow or ice is likely to refreeze Wednesday night, creating areas of black ice that would make travel conditions extremely dangerous.
County Operations
Charleston County Public Works crews are out today assisting the South Carolina Department of Transportation in pre-treating roadways with salt. Crews will transition to alternating 12-hour shifts Tuesday evening and continue to assist SCDOT throughout the duration of the weather event.
Curbside recycling collection will take place as scheduled today and Tuesday. The collection schedule will be adjusted, as needed, throughout the week.
The Bees Ferry Landfill is open today and will open tomorrow, as scheduled. It will close at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Charleston Center
- All Charleston Center outpatient and ADSAP services are canceled from Tuesday, January 21 through Friday, January 24.
- The Opioid Treatment Program clinic will be closed Wednesday, January 22 through Friday, January 24, and will open for normal hours on Saturday, January 25. Take home medication will be given during normal clinic hours on Tuesday, January 21.
Bond Court
- Bond Court is following a normal holiday schedule today, January 20.
- One session is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, at 10 a.m.
- Further schedule updates will be released throughout the week.
The South Carolina House District 113 Special Primary Election will be held as scheduled, with no changes to polling locations or hours. Polls will open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, and will close at 7 p.m.
The Emergency Operations Center will activate in a limited capacity with essential county staff and partners Tuesday evening.
Further adjustments to Charleston County operations will be made as needed.
Additional Information and Resources
Residents are encouraged to follow Charleston County Government on social media and sign up for the Citizen’s Alert System and official county newsletter.
For the most accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts, residents should stay tuned to the National Weather Service Charleston websites, as well as local media and SCEMD’s SC Emergency Manager app. For checklists and tips on how to prepare for hazardous conditions, download SCEMD’s official South Carolina Severe Winter Weather Guide.
