Town of James Island prepares for winter weather impacts beginning Tuesday
Residents advised to prepare for possible power outages, icy roads; Town public meetings postponed; sand available
With severe winter weather expected in our area beginning Tuesday, the Town of James Island is in close contact with Charleston County Emergency Management officials as it prepares for potential impacts, including power outages and unsafe travel conditions due to snow and ice.
"While there's still uncertainty in the forecast, the National Weather Service has told us to expect dangerously low temperatures and the possibility of significant snow and ice," Mayor Brook Lyon said. "So, we're asking residents to make preparations now, if you haven't already, and to keep a close eye on local news and weather reports for important information throughout the event.”
Recommended preparations: Town and County officials are advising residents to use the remainder of the holiday weekend to make necessary preparations, including the following:
- Stock up on food, medication and other essentials.
- Create an emergency supply kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, cash, flashlights, batteries, blankets/warm clothing, a first-aid kit and important documents.
- Ensure pets have access to plenty of food, water and heat.
- Insulate exposed pipes and let faucets drip overnight to prevent freezing and bursting during extreme cold.
- Prepare alternative heat sources, including dry, seasoned wood for (recently inspected) fireplaces.
- Situate kerosene heaters and generators outside, properly vented, and away from flammable materials. Reminder: Portable generators should never be used indoors.
Town meetings postponed: The two Town meetings previously scheduled for this week — Wednesday's Mill Point Family Park public input session and Thursday's Neighborhood Council meeting — have been postponed. They will be rescheduled after the winter storm has left the area.
Sand available: From 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday, while supplies last and conditions permit, a limited supply of sand and bags will be available at Town Hall (1122 Dills Bluff Road) for use on walkways, driveways and other outdoor areas. Residents should bring their own shovels for bagging. Staff will be on-site to provide assistance as needed.
Additional information: For the latest emergency management news and information, please follow Charleston County Government on social media and sign up for the Citizen’s Alert System and official county newsletter.
For the most accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts, residents should stay tuned to the National Weather Service Charleston website, as well as local media and SCEMD’s SC Emergency Manager app. For checklists and tips on how to prepare for hazardous conditions, download SCEMD’s official South Carolina Severe Winter Weather Guide.
To stay connected with Town news and events, please follow the Town of James Island on Facebook and on the web.