1/28 South Carolina Ice Storm

[Mike Johnston]

Very rare ice storm shaping up for coastal South Carolina. Cold air at the surface to undercut moist air above with FROPA tonight, then a surface low to ride up along the front which should be positioned just offshore tomorrow, drawing up and wrapping around plenty of moisture. Almost perfect and necessary conditions for any ice storm to impact this area.

What will be very interesting is the sociological impacts. I would venture to say the vast majority of folks down here in Charleston, SC have no practical experience in dealing with a full-blown ice storm, let alone actually driving on ice-glazed roads. Moreover, the electrical grid infrastructure - already relatively fragile - will be at significant risk for widespread and probably prolonged power failures. This area relies on an extensive network of bridges to connect everyone -most of which may be forced to close in the event of icing. And the trees! Besides being extensive, many retain their foliage during the winter months. Even 1/2" of ice will result in tremendous weight on the branches, and 1" of ice on the trees could result in significant damage to structures from breaking limbs.

Lots of local buzz, but if it really comes together as expected, I'm not sure folks have any idea what we may be in for.

 

[Dave Gallaher]

I had close friends from Charleston (Summerville) visiting me here in AL last weekend. They arrived home on Sunday to find a broken pipe between floors had caused considerable damage to their home. I hope this doesn't enhance their problems.

 

[Mike Johnston]

I had close friends from Charleston (Summerville) visiting me here in AL last weekend. They arrived home on Sunday to find a broken pipe between floors had caused considerable damage to their home. I hope this doesn't enhance their problems.

Yeah, Summerville is about 12 miles inland from where I am in Mt. Pleasant. They will probably be a bit more on the sleet side, while we will be more in the freezing rain. Schools letting out at noon based on forecast.

 

[Mike Johnston]

Just a post script to this ice storm. The temp remained near or below freezing Wednesday and Thursday, so we had little melting off. This morning, the sun came out, temperatures shot up, and rapid melting began. We have a large span bridge here in Charleston and this morning huge chunks began falling from the cables above the bridge and started hitting cars. As emergency calls came in, the police realized they had to close the bridge. It seems around 15 cars were hit by falling ice and 8 people have been taken to the hospital, including a woman with glass shards in her eye. Several windshields were shattered. Now the only question is how quickly the ice will fully melt this afternoon, so the bridge - which is the main traffic artery through town - can be opened.