The South Carolina Department of Transportation shared the preparations it has taken ahead of Winter Storm Gianna's projected Friday evening arrival. About 3,000 shift-work employees will stay ready to work as the department transfers to 24-hour operations Friday.
The developing system could bring several inches of snow, according to weather reports. State Transportation Secretary Justin Powell said the department will be ready to clear roads and get paths back to a safe, drivable condition. But he also had no timeframe estimate.
"It will take us some time to clear the roadways to get South Carolina moving again," he said.
DOT crews have already begun to pretreat roads and stage equipment for a response to the snowfall. The department has restocked salt supplies and made an effort to ensure it will have enough brine to help with roadway recovery. Widespread snowfall potential will keep initial recovery efforts to interstate roads and what Powell called "primary routes." He noted U.S. Highway 1 as a primary route example.
Secondary routes — like those along neighborhoods — will then be treated.
Powell said the biggest challenge in road treatment will be snow accumulation removal; the previous winter storm's greatest hurdles were potential fallen trees and power lines, as that event's main concern was ice, not snow. Any South Carolinian who wants or needs to drive before road treatment has completely finished was urged to stay cautious.
"Drive slowly, give adequate space between other vehicles and you," he said. "Certainly, be prepared for the possibility you might get stuck in some snow."
Real-time traveler information and road conditions are available on DOT's winter weather resources website subsection.
