News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch and cold weather advisory for the Lowcountry, warning of potentially unusual winter weather, including snow on January 21, 2025. Bitterly cold temperatures are anticipated, with inland areas near Summerville expecting 1 to 3 inches of snow. Residents are advised to prepare for hazardous road conditions and minimize travel. Local officials emphasize the rarity of such cold weather in the area and encourage community vigilance, particularly for vulnerable neighbors and pets.
Charleston, SC – The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch and cold weather advisory for the Lowcountry in anticipation of potentially unusual winter weather, including snow on January 21, 2025. Bitterly cold temperatures are expected, and snowfall is predicted to coat much of the area, particularly inland regions near Summerville, where between 1 to 3 inches of snow could accumulate.
The latest forecasts suggest that the wintry mix of precipitation will begin between 4 and 7 p.m. on January 21. Residents are advised to prepare for treacherous road conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses, due to the risk of refreezing and black ice formation as temperatures drop significantly.
Changes in forecasting have taken place since the initial predictions were made. While the National Weather Service had estimated up to twice the amount of snow just a few days earlier, the current outlook indicates that the heaviest snowfall is likely to occur further inland, away from the shore. Particularly vulnerable areas are north of Summerville, with uncertainty persisting about whether freezing rain, sleet, or snow will impact coastal regions.
As weather conditions deteriorate, municipalities across the Lowcountry have advised residents to minimize travel during the winter weather event. The state Department of Transportation and Charleston International Airport are ready for the impending snow and cold, ensuring safety and preparedness as the forecast develops.
Local officials underscore the rarity of such cold weather in the Lowcountry, with a spokesperson from the National Weather Service indicating that temperatures this low are uncommon. As the community braces for this unusual winter weather, residents are encouraged to check on their neighbors, particularly elderly individuals, and to make accommodations for their pets against the cold.
This winter event may be reminiscent of the last significant weather occurrence in the Holy City, which took place nearly seven years ago during early 2018. That event involved freezing rain that led to widespread school closures and prompted a state of emergency across the region.
As the situation develops and more information becomes available, residents are urged to stay updated and to heed advisories related to road conditions and safety. The winter storm watch remains in effect, and updates will be provided as the forecast evolves.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Unusual Winter Storm Forecasted for Summerville, SC
School Closures Sweep Beaufort County due to Fierce Winds
Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Summerville Ten Day Forecast
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Post and Courier: Snow in Lowcountry
- Google Search: Weather Summerville SC
- Live 5 News: Weather Conditions in Summerville
- Google Scholar: Winter Storm Impact
- Fox Weather: Hurricane and Storm Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- Post and Courier: SC Weather and Snow
- Google News: Winter Weather South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
