Town of James Island Winter Weather: Release #2
Town offices to close for regular business at 3 p.m. today; residents asked to complete preparations by early afternoon; sand available
With severe winter weather expected to reach the area later today, the Town of James Island remains in close contact with Charleston County Emergency Management as well as state and regional officials as it prepares for potential impacts.
"The National Weather Service is telling us to be prepared for dangerously low temperatures and a winter mix of snow and ice, beginning sometime after 5 p.m. today," Mayor Brook Lyon said. "After the storm begins, we're asking residents to stay home and off the roads as much as possible until travel conditions return to normal.”
Closings and cancellations: Town offices will close for regular business at 3 p.m. today and remain closed Wednesday as officials shift to winter storm duties. In addition, 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. today, 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.
Recommended preparations: Town and County officials are advising residents to complete necessary preparations by early afternoon today, 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.
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.