1/9 NEWSBREAK: Strong weather shuts local schools, offices

Charleston County schools, local government offices and some local businesses will be closed today in anticipation of a strong storm expected to bring heavy rain, tidal flooding and strong midday winds with gusts up to 50 mph.

Forecasters said parts of the Lowcountry could expect up to two inches of rain, but not expect widespread flooding. The peak for rain is expected to be after 3 p.m.

“Weather forecasts indicate heavy rain this evening, coinciding with high tide at 6:04 pm, which may result in temporary flooding,” a city of Charleston news release said this morning. “Throughout the day, gusty winds are expected with maximum sustained winds reaching 35 mph and gusts intensifying up to 50 mph by noon. These conditions could create hazardous situations, particularly for those traveling over bridges.”

The following downtown parking garages will be open for residents until 8 a.m. Wednesday morning:

Aquarium parking garage (24 Calhoun St.)
Visitor Center parking garage (63 Mary St.)
Queen Street parking garage (93 Queen St.)
East Bay/Prioleau parking garage (25 Prioleau St.)
99 West Edge parking garage (99 West Edge St.)
Charleston Tech Center parking garage (997 Morrison Drive)

As of Tuesday morning, weather impacts include:

Charleston. City of Charleston offices are closed Tuesday. Employees are encouraged to work from home. City council meetings are moved to Wednesday. Trash pickup is delayed by a day. City recreation activities are canceled for Tuesday.

North Charleston. City offices and facilities are closed on Tuesday. Trash collection is delayed by a day.

Charleston County schools. All district schools are having eLearning and remote work, due to the storm that district officials said would create dangerous travel conditions for school buses. School and district buildings will be closed. Some area colleges also are having eLearning today.

Charleston County government. County offices, the Judicial Center, courthouses, libraries, county parks, convenience centers and Bees Ferry Landfill are closed. Curbside recycling scheduled for Tuesday will be picked up Saturday. County Council’s Tuesday meeting will be held Thursday. Tuesday afternoon and evening bond court is canceled.

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CP NEWS: Biden attacks white supremacy, praises Charleston’s lessons of forgiveness. President Joe Biden criticized the stain of white supremacy and the rise of hatred in America during a 2024 campaign speech Monday at Charleston’s historic Emanuel AME Church, site of the racist killing of nine worshippers in 2015 during a Bible study meeting.

CP NEWS: Cogswell takes helm as Charleston’s newest mayor. Former state Rep. William Cogswell became the first Republican mayor of the city of Charleston in nearly 150 years when he took the oath of office Monday afternoon.

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Former pastry chef opens her own spot in West Ashley. Former WildFlour and Millers All Day pastry chef DaVee Keesee opened her very own bakery, selling cinnamon pecan scones, blueberry muffins, house-made toaster pastries, savory focaccia bread and more with Little Peanut Pastries in West Ashley.

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