8
March 2014
Winter Storm Strikes Kiawah Island, Lowcountry
Sub-freezing temperatures, ice hanging from trees, frozen bridges. Sounds
more like weather in Alaska than the Lowcountry. On Jan. 29, however,
a “perfect storm” of cold and precipitation brought these very conditions,
and much more, to our area.
A dusting of snow covered some inland areas, but the real story was the
ice. The entire Charleston area came to a standstill, and Kiawah was no
exception. Due to unsafe driving conditions, town and KICA offices were
forced to close for the day on Jan. 29 when temperatures never rose above
the freezing mark. KICA securi ty staff, however, remained on the island, as
well as a limited number of maintenance personnel. They sanded roads and
bridges to allow for safe travel around the island. Off-site communications
staff kept members connected via the KICA website, instant news flash
emails and social media (Facebook and Twitter), sharing real time weather
updates, safety tips and news on area driving conditions.
Property owners experienced an eerie calm as many were also without
internet, telephone service and television as Comcast services experienced
outages. Several events were also cancelled throughout the day, such as
the chamber orchestra concert and Sandcastle activities. Most stores at
Freshfields closed (with the notable exception of The Village Market by
Harris Teeter).
Temperatures fell to near-record lows and headlines on The Post and Courier
verified conditions rarely seen - power outages, multiple bridge closings,
cancelled flights and school shutdowns. The Ravenel Bridge closed down,
re-opened, and closed once again several days later as huge shards of ice
fell from the high wires, creating extremely dangerous driving conditions.
Intrepid islanders ventured out and found that even in the worst of times,
beauty was everywhere. Residents returned to everyday life by Thursday,
but memories of the storm will last for quite a few seasons.
Thank you to all island staff for your efforts in keeping Kiawah safe during
this unusual and dangerous weather situation.
*Article contributed by Digest Member Volunteer Shauneen Hutchinson.
Photos contributed by KICA staff, Tina Schell and Pamela Cohen.
Photo by Pamela Cohen
Photo by Tina Schell
Photo by Tina Schell
Photo by Tina Schell
Conservation Matters: Gardening Wise in Freezing Temperatures
Thursday, March 27 at 10 a.m. at the Sandcastle
The recent severe winter weather has been a main topic of conversation
on Kiawah recently. While there a lot of obvious complications from
this weather, what many may not realize is the affect such weather can
have on plants around the island. On March 27 at 10 a.m., the Kiawah
Conservancy, in cooperation with the Kiawah Island Garden Club and
KICA, is hosting a complementary Conservation Matters program about
this very topic.
John Wise, owner of Garden Wise, will discuss handling plantings that have
suffered from the Lowcountry’s unusually cold weather and icy conditions.
He will highlight pruning techniques, removal of damaged plants and the
importance of patience to see if plants may be revived. Questions will be
welcomed throughout the presentation. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, or to RSVP, contact the Kiawah Conservancy at
843-768-2029 or [email protected].
Photo by Pamela Cohen