Charleston Reporter

The City of Charleston has issued an update regarding the anticipated winter weather event expected to affect the region. Snow, freezing rain, and cold temperatures are forecasted to begin this afternoon. The city is urging residents to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions over the coming days.

Garbage and trash collection will follow adjusted schedules due to the weather. Monday routes will be serviced today, January 21, but there will be no collection on Wednesday, January 22. Services will resume on Thursday, January 23, with Tuesday’s routes being collected if road conditions permit. Subsequent routes will follow a revised schedule through Saturday.

Trident Waste services for outer West Ashley and Johns Island will not operate on Wednesday but plan to collect delayed routes from Thursday onwards.

City offices in Charleston will close early at 3:00 p.m. today and remain closed on Wednesday. All public meetings set for these days are postponed.

Warming shelters have been made available across Charleston County to assist those in need during the cold spell. Holy City Missions in North Charleston offers various services including meals and warm clothing. Seacoast Summerville Warming Center provides cots with linens and meals, while Hibben UMC Warming Center in Mt. Pleasant offers dinner and shower facilities.

The weather forecast warns of dangerously low wind chills that could drop as low as 13°F between Tuesday and Thursday. A mix of sleet and snow is expected from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning, with potential accumulations of up to three inches.

Residents are advised against unnecessary travel due to anticipated icy road conditions, particularly from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning when roads may refreeze.

Precautionary measures include dressing warmly, protecting pets by keeping them indoors or providing shelter, insulating pipes to prevent freezing, and allowing faucets to drip slightly to avoid bursts.

For more information on road conditions and emergency updates, residents can visit the City of Charleston's website or follow their social media channels.