How to Prep for Winter Weather in Coastal South Carolina

We’re expecting winter weather this weekend in Charleston and the rest of the state.

If you’re new to coastal South Carolina, winter weather can feel… confusing.

A forecast calling for “an inch or two or even six” of snow probably sounds like a non-event to anyone from Michigan, New Jersey, or anywhere with real snowplows, salt trucks, and a well-oiled winter response system.

Here in Charleston or Myrtle Beach?

That same inch or two can mean empty grocery shelves, iced-over bridges, and a collective decision to stay home and let nature do its thing.

That’s not panic. It’s local wisdom.

This post explains why winter weather hits differently here—and how to prepare calmly without overreacting.

We don’t have the equipment to scrape, salt, and clear roads quickly. Our winter weather plan is basically: pause, protect, and wait for it to melt. A January 3, 2018 storm dropped 5.3" (at CHS airport) and closed Charleston County schools for about a week.

With a little preparation, waiting for the snow to melt works just fine—and you can even enjoy it.

Here’s how to get ready.

First: Shift Your Expectations (and Your Schedule)

In colder states, winter weather is an inconvenience. Here, it can lead to a temporary shutdown.

• Roads ice over fast, especially bridges and overpasses

• Schools, offices, and medical practices often close preemptively

• Driving is the riskiest part of the whole equation

If snow or freezing rain is forecast, for most households, planning to stay put for a few days is usually the safest option.

Protect Your Pipes (This One Really Matters)

One of the biggest winter risks here isn’t snow—it’s burst pipes.

If temperatures dip below and stay below freezing for an extended period:

• Turn off outdoor water at the shutoff valve

• Drain outdoor spigots and hoses (like garden hoses and outdoor showers)

• Cover exposed faucets if you have covers

Charleston homes aren’t built for prolonged freezes, so a little prevention now can save a big mess later.

Power Up Before the Weather Arrives

If the power flickers—or goes out entirely—you’ll be glad you planned ahead.

Before Saturday night:

• Charge phones, laptops, tablets, and battery “bricks”

• Fully charge any backup power stations (like Jackery electric generator units)

• Keep cords and adapters in one easy-to-find place

  
  

Generator Safety: Please Read This Part

Backup power is great. Using it safely is essential.

If you’re using a gas generator (like a Honda):

• Never run it indoors or in a garage

• Keep it well outside, far from doors and windows

• Carbon monoxide exhaust from the generator is invisible and dangerous

Rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t grill there, don’t run a generator there.

If you’re using an electric power station (like Jackery):

• Use manufacturer-approved cords

• Avoid overloading with high-draw appliances

• Keep it dry and well-ventilated

Stock Smart (Not Like a Snow Apocalypse)

You don’t need to empty the grocery store.

Just make sure you have:

• Easy meals for 1–2 days

• Drinking water

• Medications you rely on

• Pet food (don’t forget this one)

And If It Does Snow… Have Some Fun

Snow in coastal South Carolina is rare. That makes it kind of magical.

A few local truths to know:

• Your kids may not know how to make a snow angel
  (Pro tip: face up, not down — learned that one the hard way when my son was 5 or 6)

• There are almost no real sledding hills – we live in the lowcountry. You may see cars parked along highway overpasses—like the 526 & Highway 17 embankments—when conditions allow because those are some of the few “hills” around

• Take photos. Lots of them. These moments won’t happen often.

If it’s safe to step outside, enjoy it. These are the stories your kids will remember. When you’re inside, remember to look outside. You might see wildlife—such as winter ducks or otters—that you don’t normally see.

The Big Picture

A little foresight lets you:

• Stay safe

• Protect your home

• Keep stress low

• Actually enjoy an unexpected pause

Stay warm, stay put, and take care of each other. Charleston will be back to flip flops soon enough.