Charleston Braces for Severe Weather: School Closures and High Winds

News Summary

Charleston is preparing for severe weather expected on Wednesday morning, with winds potentially reaching up to 70 mph. Officials have issued a severe weather alert, prompting school closures across various districts, including Charleston County and Berkeley County. Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel due to high winds and possible tornadoes. Regular trash collection will continue until conditions become unsafe, and the storm’s greatest impact is anticipated between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Charleston Prepares for Severe Weather: School Closures and High Winds Ahead!

Good day, Charleston residents! Buckle up as the city braces for severe weather arriving bright and early Wednesday morning. City officials have officially declared a severe weather alert, and it looks like we could be in for quite the storm.

What’s Coming Our Way?

According to forecasts, the weather will start getting rough around daybreak. Early risers can expect winds of 30-35 mph, which is just a warm-up for what’s coming next. By 9 a.m., those winds are expected to ramp up, with gusts reaching 40-45 mph. And for those living near bridges, brace yourselves; gusts could be even higher, potentially soaring up to 60 mph!

The peak of this weather rollercoaster is expected to hit between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with wind speeds possibly reaching a staggering 70 mph. Those are some serious gusts, folks! City officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel as bridges may need to close due to the high winds. This is one of those times when staying home really is the best option.

A Caution for Everyone

But it’s not just the winds that have everyone on high alert. There’s also a chance for hail and even tornadoes in the region. Yes, you read that right—tornadoes! Those who venture out should definitely exercise caution, especially on bridges where strong winds can catch drivers off guard.

School Closures: What You Need to Know

In light of the impending weather, the Charleston County School District has decided to close schools for the day. It’s not just Charleston, though. The Berkeley County School District has also joined the list of closures. Meanwhile, the Dorchester School District 2 will implement eLearning procedures, allowing students to continue their studies from the safety of home.

Dorchester District 4, however, has opted to cancel all school activities and classes for the day. If that isn’t enough, both Colleton County and Orangeburg County School Districts will also close their schools. In Colleton County Schools, all after-school and athletic activities have been scrapped. And in Orangeburg County, the focus is squarely on safety due to the strong winds and potential for tornadoes.

Trash Collections and Other Services

What about regular waste collection? Well, those routes will continue until the conditions become unsafe. Any routes that cannot be completed on Wednesday will resume Thursday morning, so residents can rest easy knowing their trash won’t pile up due to this storm.

When Will the Worst Hit?

The storm is expected to pack the greatest punch between 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. It’s going to be a challenging morning, and we all need to prepare for the possibility of strong winds and inclement weather. Motorists are strongly urged to be extra cautious, particularly on bridges due to those unpredictable gusts.

Educational Institutions Also Taking Precautions

Palmetto Christian Academy and First Baptist School of Charleston have also confirmed that schools will be closed on Wednesday. It seems everyone is taking the threat of severe weather seriously this time around!

Final Thoughts

As we gear up to weather this storm, let’s look out for one another. Stay indoors, keep an eye on weather updates, and make sure you’re stocked up on essentials. So Charleston, stay safe and cozy as we ride out this weather rollercoaster together!

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Additional Resources

• Count on 2 News
• Wikipedia: Severe Weather
• Live 5 News
• Google Search: Charleston severe weather
• ABC News 4
• Google Scholar: Severe Weather Impact on Schools
• Post and Courier
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
• Count on 2 Weather
• Google News: Charleston Schools Closure