Road (and sidewalk!) conditions remain hazardous in the areas that got snow/sleet Tuesday. Below freezing temperatures means that any wet or partially melted areas refroze, and there is now a hard layer of clear ice on a lot of surfaces. See what’s in between the obvious “slush” (which is also hard and slick since it refroze last night) on this bit of road?
Oh, wait, you can’t – it’s clear ice on the pavement (aka black ice). I’ve seen a lot of snarky comments by people who claim to be from up north, or saying “other states don’t shut down” and that sort of nonsense. Those people are (insert colorful language here). It takes practical experience and the right equipment to drive on iced over roads. We don’t have either. It should melt off by noon today, so be patient and stay home.
Here’s the official special weather statement from the Charleston WSFO (located 45 miles north of Frogmore):
Jenkins-Screven-Candler-Bulloch-Effingham-Tattnall-Evans-
Inland Bryan-Coastal Bryan-Inland Chatham-Coastal Chatham-Long-
Inland Liberty-Coastal Liberty-Inland McIntosh-Coastal McIntosh-
Allendale-Hampton-Inland Colleton-Dorchester-Inland Berkeley-
Inland Jasper-Beaufort-Coastal Colleton-Charleston-Coastal Jasper-
Tidal Berkeley-515 AM EST Fri Jan 24 2025
…HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS TO PERSIST THIS MORNING…
Temperatures in the low to middle 20s across many areas this
morning will remain below freezing through 9 or 10 AM this
morning. As a result, many roadways will remain hazardous for
travel with compact snow/ice and black ice. This includes primary
roads, secondary roads, and back roads, plus bridges and
overpasses.Black ice is difficult to see and distinguish from dry surfaces.
The deceptive nature of black ice can catch you unaware while you
are driving or walking, causing you to lose control of your motor
vehicle or to slip and fall.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you plan to drive or walk, remain alert for black ice. Slow
your driving speed and use care when walking on sidewalks,
driveways or parking lots. Slips and falls constitute a leading
cause of injuries during winter weather.
Savannah International Airport remains closed, but the latest NOTAM says it will reopen at noon (1700 GMT):
Issuing Airport: (SAV) Savannah/Hilton Head Intl
NOTAM Number: 01/088
Effective Time Frame
Beginning: Thursday, January 23, 2025 2157 (UTC)
Ending: Friday, January 24, 2025 1700 (UTC)
Affected Areas
Runway: 01/19
Operating Status: Closed
This episode should be mostly ended this afternoon as far as the roads are concerned, although some patchy “snow” in shady spots might persist for another couple of days.
Thank you for all the great information!
We need snow plows. We also need a hole in our head.
Everyone needs to deal with Mother Nature on her terms.
You don’t actually have a choice, so face the music and be patient.
The Mother Nature tantrum will be over soon.