Dorchester County Emergency Management officials continue to monitor weather conditions and work closely with SCDOT local partners to continue to clear roadways this weekend into next week.
Dorchester County received close to two inches of snow throughout the county from Saturday into Sunday. Due to the frigid temperatures overnight, many roadways in the county have ice accumulation. Temperatures during the day on Sunday are not expected to exceed freezing until the afternoon, which will delay ice melting. While many roadways may be cleared of snow, ice accumulations will cause hazardous road conditions throughout the day. Residents are encouraged to avoid driving, if possible, to allow temperatures to melt the remaining ice and road crews to continue clearing the roadways.
The County continues to be partially activated, operating at Operating Condition Level 2 (OPCON 2), which means the County is in a heightened state of awareness. Local emergency managers are closely monitoring conditions and ensuring resources are ready to respond.
County Roads Updates
SCDOT, the County, and other local municipalities will continue salting and plowing efforts on Sunday to clear roadways.
For road closures, the County is utilizing the Waze map to update the community. Residents can access the map online or by downloading the Waze App on Apple App Store or Google Play. Residents should note that hazards, such as ice or covered roads, may still exist on roads not marked as closed throughout the county and should avoid travel during the storm.
Operational Changes
The following County offices will be closed on Sunday, Feb. 1:
- County Circuit Court and Family Court
- County Convenience Centers
- County Libraries
- County Parks
Runway 06/24 is currently closed at Summerville Airport.
Dorchester Seniors, Inc. will be closed on Sunday and will reopen on Monday at 9 a.m.
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
Shelter in Place on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. to Monday, Feb. 2 at 9 a.m.
Seacoast Summerville
301 E. 5th N. St., Summerville
Open 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
Open 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 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.
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