Ice Storm — Inland Berkeley, South Carolina

2014-02-12 to 2014-02-13 · Inland Berkeley, South Carolina

Event narrative

Storm total ice accumulations across Inland Berkeley County ranged from around one quarter of an inch up to an inch. The lesser amounts were observed closer to the coast near Goose Creek and Huger, while the highest amounts occurred further inland around Cross. Widespread trees and power lines were reported down across the county with widespread, long duration power outages as well. Many trees and large limbs were down on area roadways, including Interstate 26. One indirect fatality and one indirect injury resulted from the ice storm as well. The fatality and injury occurred when investigators found that a couple in the Ladson area had been using a charcoal grill to heat their enclosed bedroom in their mobile home. The 25 year old male died from carbon monoxide poisoning and his wife, of unknown age, fell ill.

Wider weather episode

An area of low pressure tracked from the Gulf of Mexico to off the southeast coast, producing widespread precipitation across southeast South Carolina. A wedge of high pressure provided shallow, cold air, supporting the development of freezing rain at many locations away from the immediate coast. Across many inland areas, a major ice storm occurred with one to three quarters of an inch of ice accumulation and even a few one inch accumulation amounts reported. Widespread trees, large tree limbs, and power lines were reported down due to ice. Many trees were down and blocking area roadways including Interstate 95 and Interstate 26. Widespread, long duration power outages also occurred especially across inland areas. Numerous bridges around the region were closed due to ice accumulation, adding to hazardous travel conditions.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 503725. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.