Dorchester County Emergency Management officials continue to monitor weather conditions and work closely with the National Weather Services for the expected freezing temperatures and precipitation this weekend.
The current forecast shows high probability of snow beginning Saturday morning and continuing into Sunday with totals from four to six inches in Dorchester County. There will be dangerously cold wind chills in the single digits from Saturday evening through Sunday morning. 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 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.
County Preparing Ahead of the Storm
The County’s Public Works Department has received salt from SCDOT and has begun to mobilize to assist SCDOT in treating the roadways. The County and a private company will assist with blading roads from Saturday to Monday until frozen precipitation has melted.
SCDOT has begun pre-treating roads and bridges and will transition into salting operations when precipitation begins.
Essential County staff continue to work with private and public partners to plan for weather impacts throughout the storm.
Operational Changes
The County Convenience Centers will close on Saturday, January 31, to allow staff to pre-treat the roads.
The County Libraries will close on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1.
The County is assessing weekend closures for the parks and will announce planned operations this evening.
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
Open Friday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m.- 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m. – 6 a.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 1: 7 p.m. – 7 a.m.
Seacoast Summerville
301 E. 5th N. St., Summerville
Open Friday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. - 9 a.m.; 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
Friday, Jan. 30; 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:
Visit DorchesterCountySC.gov for more general government storm-related information.
