The Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Division continues to monitor the impending winter weather expected to reach Beaufort County tomorrow.
EMD Staff has been in contact with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) about preparations for roadways and bridges. The SCDOT has activated its winter weather plans to respond to the situation. Crews are pre-treating bridges across Beaufort County ahead of the weather system's arrival. The calcium chloride brine pre-treatment that the SCDOT is using is most effective on dry surfaces.
Once the brine reacts with the precipitation, the brine refreezes at 5-degrees Fahrenheit. Brine dispersed on accumulated precipitation will bounce on road surfaces and create a more hazardous situation. Sand can be used on top of snow and ice to create friction.
Wednesday is expected to be hazardous for traveling on the roadways. It is highly recommended that if at all possible residents and visitors stay home and off of the roads. If driving is necessary, please do so cautiously and set aside extra time to get to your destination. The warming shelter at Sea Island Presbyterian Church located at 81 Sea Island Parkway on Lady's Island is operating nightly from 6:00 pm until 8:00 am through Friday. The American Red Cross is on standby to open other shelters across Beaufort County, if needed.
Thank you for your continued attention to our advisories.