As we prepare for an incoming winter weather event, the City of Charleston would like to provide you with the latest updates on services and resources to help you stay safe during these potentially hazardous conditions. Snow, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures are expected to impact our region starting this afternoon. Please read through the following information and make sure you are prepared for the next few days.

Important Service Updates

• Garbage and Trash Collection:

1. Garbage and trash collection will be running Monday routes today, January 21. No collection will occur on Wednesday, January 22. Collection will resume on Thursday, January 23, running Tuesday’s routes pending fair road conditions. Wednesday’s route will run Friday, January 24, and Thursday’s route will run on Saturday, January 25.
2. Trident Waste (collection for outer West Ashley and Johns Island) will be closed on Wednesday, January 22. They will collect Wednesday’s garbage and trash on Thursday, January 23. Thursday’s route will be collected on Friday, January 24, and Friday’s route will be collected on Saturday, January 25. 

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• City Office Closures:
   In response to the inclement weather, City of Charleston offices will close at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, and will remain closed on Wednesday, January 22. All public meetings scheduled for these days are being rescheduled.

Warming Shelters Available Across Charleston County
 Several warming shelters are open to provide relief during the cold weather. Shelters will be open through Friday, January 24th.  

1. Holy City Missions
   • Location: 1444 Remount Road, North Charleston (Capacity: 75)
   • Hours: Open 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.
   • Services: Hot meal, breakfast, bag lunch, hot shower, warm clothes, toiletries
   • Transport: CARTA bus route 13 (request Holy City Missions/Aldersgate)
   • No pets allowed
2. Seacoast Summerville Warming Center
   • Location: 301 E. 5th N. St, Summerville (Capacity: 60)
   • Hours: Open 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.
   • Services: Cot with linens, warm dinner, takeaway breakfast
   • Transport: Text TRANSPORT to 320320 or call (843) 486-0193 for a ride
   • No pets allowed
3. Hibben UMC Warming Center
   • Location: 690 Coleman Blvd, Mt. Pleasant
   • Hours: Open 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.
   • Services: Hot dinner, breakfast, shower facilities, cots
   • Transport: CARTA pick-up at 68 Columbus Street at 6:30 p.m.
   • No pets allowed

Weather Forecast & Precautions

• Wind Chills: Wind chills will be dangerously low, with the coldest temperatures expected Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Wind chills may reach as low as 13°F, which poses a risk to people, pets, and even plants.
• Precipitation: Starting Tuesday afternoon, temperatures will drop, changing rain to a sleet/snow mix, continuing into Wednesday morning. Expect total snow accumulation of 2-3 inches, with the heaviest snow between 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and 6:00 a.m. Wednesday.
• Hazardous Travel: Due to freezing conditions, roads are expected to refreeze, making travel dangerous. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel, especially between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
• Thursday: There’s a slight chance of freezing rain on Thursday morning, which could prolong hazardous conditions.

Precautionary Measures

• Dress warmly in layers and cover exposed skin to protect against frostbite.
• Keep pets indoors or provide them with warm shelter.
• Insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
• Let each faucet in your home drip one drop per second to help prevent pipe bursts.
• Limit travel, especially during the heaviest snowfall on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

For further updates on road conditions and emergency services, visit the City of Charleston’s website at www.charleston-sc.gov or follow us on social media.