News Summary
Lowcountry residents are facing treacherous travel conditions due to icy roads after unexpected snowfall. Local government services, including schools, are closed, while many businesses begin to reopen. With temperatures expected to rise slightly, safety remains a major concern as authorities work to clear roads affected by black ice. Travelers are advised to exercise caution as flight operations resume at Charleston International Airport amidst expected delays.
Dangerous Icy Roads Keep Lowcountry Residents on Edge
Lowcountry residents, it’s time to brace yourselves as icy road conditions have taken a turn for the worse following an unexpected snow day earlier in the week. The snow and sleet that fell have now re-frozen, making travel quite treacherous as overnight temperatures plummeted into the teens. It’s not the kind of winter wonderland we usually hear about!
Government Services Suspended and Schools Closed
In response to the icy conditions, local governments have decided to suspend offices and services through Friday. If you were hoping to get some errands done at city hall or other government offices, *think again!* Schools across the Lowcountry won’t be opening their doors anytime soon either, meaning kids are getting an extended break.
Mornings Slowly Heating Up
On a brighter note, morning temperatures are expected to rise to the mid- to upper-30s by around 10 a.m. So there’s some hope that the icy grip of winter will start to loosen a little. Your fingers are crossed, right?
Road Safety Remains a Concern
The South Carolina Department of Transportation is hard at work, treating those tricky icy patches on the roads. While many of our main arteries are mostly clear thanks to their efforts, beware! Neighborhoods and secondary streets are still *proving to be quite hazardous* due to black ice. Safety comes first, folks!
Businesses Begin to Reopen
In good news, many businesses, including gas stations and your favorite fast-food spots, are reopening and welcoming customers with open arms. After being cooped up, people might be eager to grab a hot coffee to go. Remember to drive carefully, though!
Airport Operations Resume, But Not Without Delays
Travelers planning to fly out from Charleston International Airport received some relief as operations have resumed after a brief shutdown due to the icy chaos. The crew from Joint Base Charleston and Charleston International has been hard at work clearing the runways, but hang on to your hats, because delays are likely on Friday morning.
A Look at Local Updates
In other exciting news, the Charleston City Paper continues to cover *a variety of interesting topics*. For starters, there’s an opinion piece reflecting on Joe Biden’s recent visit and its importance to Charleston. Additionally, a new book titled “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” by Grady Hendrix is gaining popularity in local bookstores.
Sadly, there’s also been an observed increase in bike deaths across South Carolina, even with overall traffic fatalities decreasing—this is especially alarming. On a lighter note, local bars are keeping the spirits up by serving warm drinks to patrons looking to escape the cold weather.
Various Developments Around Town
On the administrative front, South Carolina is seeing some major changes. There’s been a resignation of a state auditor amid a federal investigation concerning *financial errors*. Plus, a new deputy director has been appointed for the state’s probation and parole agency, signaling some fresh starts.
As the political landscape evolves, there are whispers about the impact of a TikTok ban on South Carolina influencers, and legislators are making progress on requiring better labeling for lab-grown food. Meanwhile, abortion opponents are gathering strength, reflecting changing political support!
Travel Cautions and Weather Updates
It’s worth noting that the melting of sleet and snow has caused some intermittent road closures, and we’re not out of the woods yet—overnight lows are expected to drop into the 20s again, raising those pesky concerns about black ice formation once more.
For those in Beaufort County, it’s good to report that primary roads like U.S. Highways 278 and 21 are seeing improvements, but be cautious as secondary roads are still quite dangerous. Law enforcement further advises against calling 911 regarding road conditions, insisting reserves for emergencies only.
So there you have it, folks! Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s hope for a bit of sunshine to melt away the icy troubles.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc in Charleston, S.C.
Ashley River Crossing Bridge Project Construction Begins
Winter Storm Enzo Causes Chaos Across the Southern U.S.
Unprecedented Winter Storm Blankets Southern U.S.
Winter Wonderland in Charleston: A Snowy Surprise!
New Orleans Sees Rare Winter Wonderland Following Snowstorm
Charleston Prepares for Major Winter Storm
Winter Storm Warning Issued for South Carolina
Historic Winter Storm Hits the Southern U.S., Affecting Millions
Winter Storm Hits the Lowcountry: Prepare Now!
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Road Closures Due to Ice
- Count on 2: Winter Storm Delays Trash Pickup
- Live 5 News: Lowcountry Runners React to Half Marathon Cancellation
- Count on 2: Snow and Ice Lingers in the Lowcountry
- Live 5 News: Overnight Refreeze Could Create Dangerous Commute
- Wikipedia: Black Ice
- Google Search: Winter Storm South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ice
- Google News: South Carolina Weather
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
