Frigid Weather and Winter Storms Hit Lowcountry, South Carolina

News Summary

The Lowcountry of South Carolina faces a severe winter weather warning with Arctic air expected to bring freezing temperatures and up to 6 inches of snow. Residents are advised to take precautions as a cold weather advisory is in effect, and warming centers are being established to assist those in need. Schools and government offices are closing early to ensure safety. Despite the weather, the Special Primary Election will proceed as scheduled.

Frigid Weather and Winter Storms Hit Lowcountry, South Carolina

It’s that time of year, folks! The Lowcountry is getting ready for a blast of Arctic air that’s swooping in this week. Residents can expect some chilly temps, with highs lingering in the 30s and lows dipping down into the 20s. The cold is not just in the air but also in our bone—I mean, we might even see wind chills taking a nosedive into the single digits!

Weather Warnings in Effect

The National Weather Service in Charleston is sounding the alarm, so keep an eye on the weather! A cold weather advisory is in place until Wednesday afternoon. Weather experts are reminding everyone to bundle up because prolonged exposure of unprotected skin to those freezing temperatures could potentially lead to serious health issues like frostbite and hypothermia.

Warming Centers Ready to Help

If you don’t have adequate heat at home or you’re facing homelessness, there’s some good news! Several warming centers are opening their doors to offer shelter and support. For example, the Goose Creek United Methodist Church is welcoming folks from January 20 to January 22, between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. They’ve got you covered with overnight shelter and meals.

Over in Mount Pleasant, the Hibben Hospitality Shelter will be available on January 21 and 22, opening from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., where guests can grab a bite to eat, shower, and find a warm place to rest. Meanwhile, North Charleston’s Holy City Missions Winter Warming Shelter is dishing out meals, toiletries, and shelter every day from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For those in the Summerville area, the Seacoast Church Warming Center will provide cots, warm meals, and showers Monday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. And if you find yourself in Walterboro, their Warming Center will be open from January 20 to January 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., ready to accommodate men, women, and families in need.

Winter Storm Warning Issued

winter storm system is making its way through the Lowcountry, bringing a mix of wintry precipitation and temperatures flirting with record lows. According to forecasts, we could see between 3 to 6 inches of snow, particularly in inland areas where the accumulation may be higher. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, and Dorchester counties, lasting until noon on Wednesday.

Charleston International Airport has temporarily halted operations, so if you have flight plans, it’s probably wise to check in with your airline.

Schools and Government Offices Close Early

Charleston County Schools will have an early dismissal on January 21 and will remain closed through January 22, shifting to eLearning for students. Local government offices are also shutting down early on January 21 and will stay closed until January 22.

Election Updates

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

The Lowcountry Gears Up for Rare Winter Storm
Winter Weather Takes Over Charleston, SC!
Winter Storm Causes School Closures in Charleston Area
Winter Storm Warning Hits the Lowcountry: Bundle Up!
Charleston Prepares for Major Winter Storm
Charleston Prepares for Winter Storm and Snowfall
Winter Storm Hits the Lowcountry: Prepare Now!
Lowcountry Schools and Government Offices Adjust for Winter Weather
Charleston Prepares for Rare Snowfall Next Week
Charleston Braces for Chilly Weekend Ahead

Additional Resources

• Live 5 News
• Wikipedia: Winter Storm
• Count on 2
• Google Search: Winter Storm Charleston
• Charleston City Paper
• Google Scholar: Winter Weather
• Post and Courier
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
• ABC News 4
• Google News: South Carolina Winter Weather

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.