According to the latest forecast from Weather Underground, Charleston has an 80 percent chance of precipitation, and the forecast calls for 1 to 3 inches of snow and ice. Wednesday’s forecast is a 70 percent chance of snow, with snow accumulations predicted at less than one inch.

Charleston County School District has not announced plans for closures yet, but a spokesman says the district will make an announcement this afternoon.

A College of Charleston spokesman says no decision has been made about cancellations yet.

Meanwhile, S.C. Electric & Gas has a Storm Center up and running. If you experience a power outage, call 1-888-333-4465 or file a report online.

The City of Charleston has several meetings scheduled for Tuesday, including City Council at 5 p.m. A spokesperson for the city says staff is evaluating weather information and “will decide shortly” whether to cancel meetings.

In Columbia, leaders in the state legislature are considering whether to shut down legislative sessions scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, according to The State.

The Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center is once again opening its work camp facility for those in need of warm shelter, working in conjunction with CARTA and local homeless shelters to help those in need. The work camp will be available from Tues. Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. until Fri. Jan. 31 at 9 a.m.

Charleston County Emergency Management has issued the following statement:

At this time, Charleston County Emergency Management has placed essential personnel on standby in case activation of the Emergency Operations Center is needed. We are constantly aware of any weather-related threats to the area. We will work with citizens and surrounding agencies to coordinate a response if the weather calls for it. In addition, we believe preparedness is the most pro-active method for citizens to be ready for any threat to the area.

You can download the Charleston County Emergency Management app for up-to-date emergency information on Android and iPhone OS. More information on the app here. The county also has an emergency preparedness guide available here.

The Charleston Animal Society will close early at 2 p.m. Tuesday and will remain closed all day Wednesday. The Animal Society gives the following advice for pet owners during winter storms:

1. Keep cats inside. Domestic cats are not equipped for cold weather and can freeze, or become lost, stolen, injured or killed when seeking protection from the cold.

2. Bang loudly on your hood before starting your car. Outdoor or homeless cats often seek the warmth of a car engine. When the motor is started, a cat huddled there can be injured or killed by the fan belt.

3. Never shave your dog during cold weather. Longer coats provide much needed warmth.

4. Consider a coat or sweater for short-haired dogs. This is especially important for smaller dogs.

5. Never leave pets alone in a car during cold weather. A car can trap cold in the winter, and potentially cause an animal to freeze to death.

6. Puppies and older dogs do not tolerate cold as well as younger adult dogs. During extreme cold consider taking them outside only for potty breaks.

7. Provide warm shelter for feral cats. This can be provided through a variety of resources found in most homes. Simply take some kind of container, such as a storage bin, cat or dog carrier or even a sturdy box and provide it with insulation. For insulation, you can line the container with a variety or combination of things such a blanket or a pillow, Styrofoam or hay.

8. Beware antifreeze! Antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Just a small amount of antifreeze can lead to kidney failure. It has a very sweet taste and animals will drink it. Never leave it laying around where a pet can get to it, and keep them out of garages and driveways where antifreeze may have leaked

9. Provide them a warm place to sleep. Ideally, this should be off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

10. Older pets can benefit from a check-up. Cold weather can exacerbate some medical conditions such as arthritis. A visit with their vet can help assure your pet is ready and as healthy as possible for freezing temperatures.

UPDATE (4:45pm): We’ve got a few updates on local closures:

  • College of Charleston will close Tuesday and reopen when weather permits
  • As of now, The Citadel has not made an announcement regarding classes Tuesday
  • Charleston County Schools will begin at normal time, but students will be sent home four hours later. Click here for further CCSD weather updates.
  • Berkeley County School District will operate on a half-day schedule
  • Charleston Southern University will be closed Tuesday
  • Charleston’s State of the City address has been postponed

    On Twitter, keep an eye on #chswx:


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