With snow and extreme cold in the forecast for our area this week, Georgetown County Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents to get ready.
The County is under a Winter Storm Warning, with anywhere from 1-3 inches of snowfall expected. According to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington, a brief period of sleet is predicted late this afternoon, transitioning to snow this evening and continuing through tomorrow morning. The most significant impacts are expected to occur overnight. Wind chill is anticipated to drop into the low teens over the next several days.
The biggest concern for Georgetown County is the impact on roads. With temperatures forecast to remain below freezing until late Wednesday afternoon, wintry precipitation is likely to remain on roadways for several days, potentially melting and refreezing into black ice. Residents are advised to stay off the roads if possible once precipitation starts. Residents are also reminded to bring in their animals or make other arrangements to keep them warm and dry. If residents must go out, make sure to dress warmly.
Georgetown County Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation closely and encourages residents to remain weather aware. The County will move to Operating Condition 2 at noon today, which indicates an enhanced awareness status. The county's Emergency Operations Center is partially activated. County offices and facilities will close at 3 p.m. today and tentatively reopen at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Georgetown County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the weather situation as it develops and provide updates at gtcounty.org.
Below are additional tips to get your family ready to ride out a winter storm:
Before a Winter Storm
- Add winter supplies such as rock salt to melt ice and shovels to your disaster supply kit.
- Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
- Place a winter emergency kit in every vehicle that includes: a shovel; windshield scraper and small broom; flashlight; battery-powered radio; extra batteries; water; snack food; matches; extra hats, socks and mittens; first aid kit with pocket knife; necessary medications; blankets; tow chain or rope; road salt and sand; booster cables; emergency flares; fluorescent distress flag.
During a Winter Storm
- Stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress in layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wear a hat that covers your ears. Wear mittens and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
- Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
- Watch for signs of frostbite such as the loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as finger, toes, ear lobes and the tip of your nose.
- Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel in the day, don’t travel alone and keep others informed of your schedule. Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop the vehicle on icy roads.
After a Winter Storm
- Listen to your local radio or television station for the latest weather and traffic reports.
- Check on your animals and ensure that their access to food and water is not blocked by ice or other obstacles. Bring them indoors, if possible.
- Be aware of possible carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire if using alternative sources for electricity, heating or cooking. Do not use heaters intended for outdoor use inside your home.
For more information, monitor our website and follow us on social media. Residents can also download the State Emergency Management Division’s Winter Weather Guide at SCEMD.org.