Originally published from Dorchester County:

Dorchester County Monitors Winter Storm

Dorchester County Updates Operational Changes for January 23:



Due to the inclement weather, the following locations will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 23:

• Dorchester County Government Administrative Offices
• Dorchester County Convenience Centers
• Dorchester County Courts
• Dorchester County Library
• Dorchester County Parks

Organizations are still monitoring the weather for operational changes throughout the upcoming week and may adjust as the storm progresses.

Storm Preparations

Prior to the expected winter weather, residents are reminded to:

• Have a family emergency plan in place.
• Build or restock emergency preparedness kits.
• Bring pets indoors, especially at night, and ensure water bowls do not freeze.

Winter Storm Tips

Residents are urged to avoid traveling during the storm and to be particularly cautious of black ice 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.
• 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

Residents who need shelter during the winter weather can visit Seacoast Church (301 E. 5^th N Street, Summerville) on Monday, Jan. 20, Tuesday, Jan. 21, and Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., each day. Men, women, and families are welcome, but no pets.

Individuals will be provided with a cot with linens and a pillow, a warm dinner, hot shower if requested, and a takeaway breakfast.

Those requiring transportation can board CARTA Route 10 outbound at either Meeting Street and Sheppard Street or the Meeting Street and Johnson Street stop and inform the driver they are going to the warming center; and then transfer to Tri County Link at T-Mobile (8751 Rivers Avenue) from that stop at 4:10 p.m., 5:16 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Site specific questions can be directed to the office at Seacoast Summerville by phone at 843-486-0193 or by texting TRANSPORT to 320320.

Operational Changes

At this time, local agencies are monitoring the weather to determine operational changes for next week. Dorchester County Government will provide these updates through an additional press release, the online calendar, and on social media pages.

Stay Informed

Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and follow official sources for the latest updates, including:

• Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service.
• Follow Dorchester County on Facebook for updates. 
• Get the latest from Dorchester County Emergency Management. 

Visit DorchesterCountySC.gov for more general government storm-related information.