[Updated: 4:30 p.m.] Charleston County schools will have a two-hour early dismissal on Tuesday and will remain closed through Wednesday to deal with predicted snow and freezing rain, according to an announcement from Charleston County School District.
The district will shift Wednesday to eLearning and remote work “to prioritize safety while minimizing disruptions,” an announcement said. In addition, Kaleidoscope, extracurricular activities and all after-school programs scheduled for Tuesday are canceled.
Teachers and schools are expected to provide specific instructions to students and parents to ensure a smooth transition into the Wednesday eLearning day, including access to necessary course materials and resources. School officials said they will continue to monitor weather conditions later in the week and communicate any needed operational changes as quickly as possible.
Any students or parents who need help with eLearning tools or platforms should contact the district’s IT Help Desk at (843) 308-8181.
Storm to blow through Tuesday night
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm watch and a cold weather advisory for the Lowcountry through Wednesday afternoon as Arctic air moves into the area. High temperatures will be in the 30s with lows in the 20s. Wind chills could dip into the single digits. Forecasters say frostbite and hypothermia may occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these cold temperatures for prolonged periods.
The NWS predicts between 1 and 3 inches of snow to fall across the region between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday. Forecasters say, however, that more snow is expected in areas north of Summerville, blanketing the Lowcountry in fresh snow for the first time in nearly seven years.
Residents should plan for “treacherous road conditions,” especially on bridges and overpasses. State and local officials are urging people to stay off the roads completely Tuesday evening and Wednesday.
Local offices closed, services suspended
Charleston County offices and facilities, including all public library branches, will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Additional 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.
City of Charleston offices will close at 3 p.m. Tuesday and remain closed through Wednesday. Public meetings scheduled for those days will be rescheduled. Trash collection will proceed as usual on Tuesday as conditions allow. Services will be suspended on Wednesday and resume Thursday.
Charleston County Public Works crews are assisting the South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) in pre-treating roadways with salt. Crews will transition to alternating 12-hour shifts Tuesday evening and continue to assist the DOT 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 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.
Residents are encouraged to follow Charleston County Government on social media and sign up for the Citizen’s Alert System and official county newsletter.
Tips for keeping safe and warm:
- Add winter supplies, like shovels and rock salt, to your emergency kit.
- Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and let faucets drip slightly in cold weather to prevent freezing.
- Use portable generators carefully during outages; follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Drip faucets in your hope one drop per second to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Ensure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to contain sparks. Cool ashes before placing them in a metal container, kept at a safe distance from your home.
- Have chimneys inspected and cleaned yearly by a professional to prevent creosote buildup, which is highly flammable.
- Equip every vehicle with a winter emergency kit, including a shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery-powered radio, water, snacks, matches, extra hats, socks, mittens, a first aid kit, medications, blankets, road salt, booster cables, emergency flares and a fluorescent distress flag.
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