Have you ever had a plumbing problem spiral out of control? It's easier than you might think - one minute you're trying to unclog a toilet with a DIY fix your friend told you about. The next moment, a minor clog has turned into a major leak, and you don't have the tools or training to remedy the problem.
Logic says it's time to call a reliable team of plumbers in Mount Pleasant, SC, but that's easier said than done. All too often, plumbing contractors and handymen promise a quick solution only to leave you high and dry. Other times, they'll show up on time and try to upsell their services or charge you an exorbitant rate you can't afford. What happened to the good old days when you could rely on a plumbing company to show up on time, work extra hard, and charge you a fair price?
Servant Plumbing represents the last of a dying breed dedicated to doing right by our customers. Our formula is simple: Show up on time motivated to solve your plumbing problems, put in a full day's work, and charge you a reasonable price.
You'd think that would be easy for other plumbing companies in Charleston, but they just can't help overcharging and underworking. On the other hand, Servant Plumbing puts our customers first - no questions asked.
Unlike other plumbing companies that talk a good game, we are the only plumbing company in metro Charleston that backs up our statement when we say that you, the customer, are our top priority. Why can we claim to be the best? Because we are currently ranked number one in the Greater Charleston Area out of over 60 plumbing companies.
We offer a wide variety of plumbing services in the Low country, including:
If you're looking for a Christian plumbing company that puts the customer first, look no further than Servant Plumbing.
Here at Servant Plumbing, our plumbers in Mount Pleasant, SC go the extra mile to understand your needs. Whether you need help with a minor drain clog or a more serious repiping problem, we're here to help.
We're proud to develop a personal relationship with each of our customers, assuring them that their plumbing issues are being handled by the most capable, professional crew around. We make sure we do things right the first time without having to make a return trip. Our trucks are always stocked with the necessary parts and supplies to complete your job with integrity and confidence.
When other companies just say that you're their top priority, we mean it and can back it up with our strong service record and reputation. We're proud to be ranked #1 among more than 60 plumbing companies in metro Charleston. Unlike our competitors, we never charge service fees and proudly offer warranties on our parts and labor. If you're an active duty or retired military veteran, you can always expect a 10% discount when you trust Servant Plumbing on your property.
It's safe to say that we do things a little differently than other plumbing companies in South Carolina. In an industry known for big frowns, we're proud to put smiles on our customers' faces. We pride ourselves on having actual relationships with our customers. We always strive to see ourselves through the customer's eyes and constantly look for ways to improve our service.
In short, we genuinely care! Because without our customers, there is no us! And it really is just that simple, and here's how we show it:
Curious if we solve the plumbing problem you're dealing with? Here are a few of the most common plumbing services our company handles for customers.
Have you ever tried flushing the toilet and stood by in shock while it overflowed onto your bathroom floor? You're not alone. When it comes to common issues that Servant Plumbing solves, clogged drains have to be near the top. From toilet drains to shower drains and every kind of drain in between, we've seen it all. For the homeowner, it might seem like the end of the world. But to us, it's just another day.
Our plumbers in Mount Pleasant, SC use the latest tools and technologies to unclog kitchen sinks, toilets, main sewer lines, showers, bathtubs, and more. Unlike other plumbing companies who quit once the clog is cleared, we can use a camera to give you solid answers as to why your drain is clogged. Once we know why your drains were clogged, we'll guide you on preventing problems from happening in the future.
In our experience, some of the most common reasons for drain clogs include:
If you've tried everything in your power to unclog your drain, it's time to call Servant Plumbing. When you trust our drain cleaning company, you can rest easy knowing we use the most advanced tools and reasonable pricing to eliminate your issue quickly and cost-effectively. When we're done, we'll leave your living space clean and tidy, like we were never there. That's just the Servant Plumbing way!
If you find that pipe repair just isn't going to keep your home's plumbing system running, it may be time to consider whole-home repiping. That's especially true if your home is over 25 years old. In these cases, replacing one pipe won't cut it. Whole-home and sewer line repiping is going to be your best bet, but it's a big job only suited for the most experienced plumbers in Mount Pleasant, SC.
Keep an eye out for these surefire signs that you need repiping services. If any of these signs sound familiar, give our office a call ASAP:
To ensure your home truly needs repining, Servant Plumbing uses advanced tools to inspect your pipes first. If repairs suffice, we'll let you know. However, repining is the best way to go if you're dealing with constant leaks or recurring pipe problems. Repining is a great way to nip future plumbing problems in the bud while adding resale value to your home.
Other benefits of repining include:
Who doesn't love their garbage disposal? Aside from its loud noise, it can work wonders for food disposal and general kitchen cleanup. But tidying up after dinner is a lot harder when you flip that little switch, and your disposal doesn't work as it should. When your garbage disposal is clogged, it can snowball into other plumbing problems like sink clogs and even piping issues.
Though the most common culprit behind garbage disposal clogs is rust and hard items that jam up the propeller, worn blades and inefficient food disposal are also on the list. In some cases, corroded motor wiring impacts disposal failure, which can even cause shock hazards.
To ensure your family is safe and your garbage disposal is fixed, it's best to call Servant Plumbing for a garbage disposal inspection. Our expert plumbers in Mount Pleasant, SC, have the proper tools and training to fix even the most confusing garbage disposal problems, like:
Whether you need simple repairs or a new garbage disposal installed, Servant Plumbing is here to help you make an educated purchase decision. As a crucial part of your kitchen, we know that living without your garbage disposal is a pain. That's why we'll work efficiently and effectively to find a solution to your problem, using innovative tools and decades of experience.
Have you noticed that water is leaking into your home or onto your property, but you can't figure out where it's coming from? Even a tiny leak emanating from your bathroom sink can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars of damage and wasted water. The longer you wait to call a reliable plumbing company, the worse your damage will likely be.
Servant Plumbing has earned an impeccable reputation for leak detection and repair services. With high-tech equipment and years of training, our master plumbers can accurately diagnose and repair the leak in your home. That way, you can get back to enjoying time at home without worrying about water damage.
Our team detects and repairs many different types of leaks, including those coming from:
If you notice any of the following signs, call Servant Plumbing ASAP for leak detection services in Charleston:
If you love taking a hot shower after work or crave hot tub sessions on the weekends, it's crucial that your water heater is in good working order. That's especially true for everyday activities like washing clothes or washing dishes. Unfortunately, many homeowners in South Carolina fail to keep up with their water heater maintenance. Before they know it, their hot water is completely out.
Here's the truth: Even with ongoing maintenance, your home's water heater will break down with enough time. When that happens, you need a team of trustworthy, expert plumbers in Mount Pleasant, SC, to help. Unlike other plumbing companies, Servant Plumbing can help with all your water heater needs, from repair to installation.
Sometimes, it can be easy to tell if your hot water heater has a problem, like if you aren't able to get any hot water for showering. However, some signs aren't as apparent. If you notice any of the following signs, it could be time for water heater repair or replacement:
Remember - water heater issues can be complex and difficult to diagnose. Before you try a DIY option that could create more trouble for you and your family, call Servant Plumbing. We've solved hundreds of water heater issues over our decades of experience and would be happy to help you too.
The quickest way to discover the Servant Plumbing difference is to experience it for yourself. If you're dealing with a plumbing problem in your home, contact our office today. We'll be happy to travel to your location and provide you with a free estimate. In the meantime, here are just a few reasons why we're the Low country's first choice for plumbing services in Charleston:
Ready for our team to fix your plumbing problems? Give our office a call today. We think you'll be happy with our unrivaled customer service, meticulous attention to detail, and cost-conscious pricing. When we leave your home, you WILL be smiling. We absolutely guarantee it!
Listen to this articleThree area hospitals have been sold in a $2.4 billion deal to North Carolina-based Novant Health by the previous owner, Tenet Healthcare of Dallas, Texas.The sale of East Cooper Medical Center in Mount Pleasant, Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville includes the associated physician clinics and other operations, according to a news release from Novant Health.“We are beyond thrilled to welcome our new team members...
Listen to this article
Three area hospitals have been sold in a $2.4 billion deal to North Carolina-based Novant Health by the previous owner, Tenet Healthcare of Dallas, Texas.
The sale of East Cooper Medical Center in Mount Pleasant, Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville includes the associated physician clinics and other operations, according to a news release from Novant Health.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome our new team members and grow our presence in South Carolina,” said Carl S. Armato, president and CEO, Novant Health, which is headquartered in Winston-Salem. “Novant Health’s long-term vision is to transform the health and wellness of these communities through expanded specialty services and clinical expertise. We are energized and united behind our cause to create a healthier future together by building connections with patients and clinicians in coastal South Carolina.”
The East Cooper Medical Center includes 15 physician clinics. Hilton Head Hospital includes the Bluffton Okatie Outpatient Center and 12 physician clinics. Coastal Carolina Hospital in Jasper County includes the Tidewatch Free-Standing Emergency Department in Bluffton, according to the news release.
Novant Health said continuity of care is a priority and appointments and procedures will continue as scheduled during the transition period. “We are working closely with our new Novant Health team members to ensure a seamless transition for patients and team members,” Joel Taylor, market CEO of Hilton Head Regional Healthcare, said in the release. “We are eager to move forward together in support of our teams and know decisions will be made with our community’s needs at the forefront.”
“There’s a lot to be excited about when planning for our future,” Tyler Sherrill, CEO of East Cooper Medical Center, said in the release. “Novant Health is known for elevating clinician leadership to provide patients with a trusted health care experience through world-class technology, personal connections and convenient access to care.”
Tenet Health also owns a cluster of imaging centers and urgent care clinics in York, Rock Hill and Fort Mill, but those South Carolina properties were not part of the deal for the coastal hospitals.
“We understand that taking care of our patients starts with taking care of our people, so I’m delighted to join a leadership team that strives to not only be a healthc are provider of choice but also an employer of choice,” Ryan Lee, CEO of Coastal Carolina Hospital, said in the release. “I look forward to expanding the resources available to our team.”
Novant Health supports health and wellness programs in the community, including health education/screenings, community health workers and mobile cruisers. Each year, Novant Health provides hundreds of programs that serve patients, neighbors and some of their communities’ most vulnerable citizens, the company said in the release.
The Novant Health network consists of more than 1,900 physicians and more than 38,000 team members who provide care at more than 800 locations, the release said.
AWENDAW — Just stop all the rapid home construction and let us catch our breath.That's the message this small coastal town is delivering to developers with a temporary ban on most new subdivisions.In the fastest-growing state in the nation, Awenda...
AWENDAW — Just stop all the rapid home construction and let us catch our breath.
That's the message this small coastal town is delivering to developers with a temporary ban on most new subdivisions.
In the fastest-growing state in the nation, Awendaw is among an increasing number of local governments adopting moratoriums that halt some types of development for a short time or for many years.
The justification for such moratoriums is typically to create time to update local development rules, usually to make them more strict once the moratorium is lifted. That's the case in Awendaw.
The rural village of about 1,400 residents in Charleston County sits just above Mount Pleasant, and the towns share a municipal border. Mount Pleasant became South Carolina's fourth-largest municipality after decades of suburban development and has about 94,000 residents.
Mount Pleasant residents eventually got fed up with rapid growth, more traffic and crowded schools. The town now has limits on annual building permits, high development impact fees and a moratorium on multi-family construction that has been in place for seven years.
Awendaw Councilman Kent Prause had a front-row seat for much of Mount Pleasant's love/hate relationship with growth because he was the town's zoning administrator. Prause has been leading the push for Awendaw's moratorium on zoning changes and subdivisions.
“Volume builders and tract home builders are coming in," he said. "They pretty much built out Mount Pleasant and now they are coming here."
“The people didn’t like it and that’s why the moratorium is in place," said Prause. "They don't want it to be Mount Pleasant."
The Awendaw moratorium hasn't been finalized, but it took effect in January under what's known as the pending-ordinance doctrine. That means the rules took hold as soon as Awendaw's council gave initial approval to the measure, although a final vote at a meeting scheduled for March 7 is still needed.
The ordinance states that "Town Council finds that the increase in the number and size of large-scale residential developments in the Town pose a risk to public health, safety, welfare, and quality of life in Awendaw..." for many reasons.
The moratorium wouldn't halt developments that have already been approved. What it would do is:
Of course, moratoriums can also be extended, as Mount Pleasant has done multiple times with its ban on new multi-family housing.
And Awendaw's moratorium rules could change before they get final approval. The town's Planning Commission recommended a 10-parcel cutoff for new subdivisions, instead of five, and allowing zoning changes on parcels of less than 10 acres.
At a Town Council hearing Feb. 22, no one spoke in favor of the Planning Commission's recommendations. Several residents urged the council to approve the moratorium without changes.
"We've already approved so many homes in this town," said Susan Cox. "We need to stop it, and figure out what is going on."
Developers paid limited attention to Awendaw for a long time because the town lacks a sewer system. New developments need to use septic systems, which require state permits and are more likely to fail in places where the water table is high.
But the Charleston area's population growth and Mount Pleasant's limits on development and lack of available land have increasingly pushed development up the coast.
SC Climate and Environment News
In 2022, Awendaw approved a 204-home subdivision on 148 acres near Seewee and Bulls Island roads over objections that its more than 200 septic systems could fail and send raw sewage into the waters near Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge.
Awendaw can't ban septic systems because there's no other option for treating household sewage, but in 2023 the town made it more difficult to build dense subdivisions where each house has a septic system. Awendaw adopted rules for minimum lot sizes, distance from wetlands and other regulations.
"It seems the less stringent rules are letting developers come in and have their way with the town," Planning Commission member James Gardner told council members at the time.
The pending development moratorium is the latest result of a change in attitudes and leadership in Awendaw. In the earlier 2000s the town aggressively sought to grow its boundaries through annexations — prompting court challenges — and approved some large subdivisions.
"Managed growth is the key to Awendaw's future," reads the first sentence of a large, framed copy of the town's vision statement, on the wall where Town Council meets.
Reach David Slade at 843-937-5552. Follow him on Twitter @DSladeNews.
MOUNT PLEASANT — The saying goes that beggars can’t be choosers, and Trader Joe’s certainly doesn’t need to beg for business (if you've ever fought for a parking spot on a Sunday afternoon, you know).The California-based grocery chain has a reputation for being highly selective about where it opens new stores — even if that means choosing a second location a few miles fr...
MOUNT PLEASANT — The saying goes that beggars can’t be choosers, and Trader Joe’s certainly doesn’t need to beg for business (if you've ever fought for a parking spot on a Sunday afternoon, you know).
The California-based grocery chain has a reputation for being highly selective about where it opens new stores — even if that means choosing a second location a few miles from an existing one.
Trader Joe’s confirmed in January that Mount Pleasant will soon have not one, but two stores in town.
The announcement sparked excitement, praise and a fair amount of grumbling from outside fans of the grocery chain who believe their communities are more deserving of a new Trader Joe's location. A post about the chain's plans for Mount Pleasant drew more than 800 comments on The Post and Courier's Facebook page.
"This is the craziest decision," one reader groused. "Right around the corner basically from the current one...why not spread out a bit and go to James Island, West Ashley, N. Charleston or Summerville?"
"Do better Trader Joes," another demanded. "Two locations in the same area is preposterous."
As one might imagine, the news received a much more favorable reception in Mount Pleasant.
Tasha Blomquist and her son perused the floral offerings in front of the store on a cloudy morning. Blomquist said she stops by the store twice a week and is eager to see a new location, hopefully, in the northern part of town, where she lives.
“I live way in north Mount Pleasant, so I’m happy there might be one there,” Blomquist said. “I think it’s needed though because every time I’m here … I feel like you have to do multiple laps around the parking lot just to find a spot.”
Another shopper, Kelly Crowley, who lives near Brickyard Plantation, said opening a second store will hopefully cut down on crowds.
“We come by here pretty regularly. If you come here on Sunday or even Saturday, it’s lines all the way back into the aisle," Crowley said.
Though Trader Joe’s has not disclosed where the new store will be, multiple sources have told The Post and Courier the grocery chain is considering the old Bi-Lo building at the foot of the Isle of Palms Connector — a few miles from the store on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard that opened in 2011, and not farther into northern Mount Pleasant as customers like Blomquist would hope.
The proximity to an existing store seems like a head-scratching move — why does Mount Pleasant get two stores 5 miles apart, bypassing places like Summerville or West Ashley?
Demand for a Trader Joe’s in these areas is high, as evidenced by petitions that attract thousands of signatures calling for the chain to open the shop in their towns and cities.
One such petition from 2020 that called for a store in Summerville earned nearly 5,000 signatures. Another in West Ashley gained over 6,000.
Similar efforts also crop up in Myrtle Beach regularly. The city is one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing, yet you won’t find a Trader Joe's in the coastal municipality. Former Horry County Director of Planning David Schwerd said he had that conversation over and over during his 30-year tenure.
“'We need Trader Joe's. Everybody always wants a Trader Joe's. Pretty much every time a commercial rezoning or development planning comes up, it's usually the first one that gets mentioned,” Schwerd said.
Jeff Campbell, the University of South Carolina's department of retailing chair, said grocery stores, particularly Trader Joe's, are extremely strategic in opening new locations. You won't see a Trader Joe's on every corner, and they take their time scouting areas before settling on a city.
"Typically, they would use a variety of metrics in site selection, and while location is still an important consideration, they'll look at things like projected foot traffic, the demographics of the area, where the current transportation routes are, where competitors are located," Campbell said.
Myrtle Beach being a hot spot for tourists might not be attractive to the chain either. People who visit the coastal city are looking to stock up for the week, heading to Walmart or Costco for items in bulk, rather than prepackaged, single-serve foods, Campbell said.
People can request that Trader Joe’s consider their city for a new store. Nakia Rohde, a spokesperson for Trader Joe’s, said the company receives “tons” of requests for stores nationwide.
The company doesn’t share much about how it chooses the perfect site for a new Trader Joe's. But Schwerd has a hunch. He pointed to the region’s median income, age and education level — factors the grocer is thought to consider when choosing sites for a new store.
“They have their undisclosed lists of what they're looking for in demographics,” Schwerd said. “Even though Trader Joe's does not list any specific criteria in their evaluation, that's what they're looking for. They have an upscale, educated clientele.”
An interview with Joe Coulombe, the store’s founder and namesake, published in the LA Times in 2011 demonstrates this ideology that seems to have stuck with the company: “Unless you have enough well-educated people, Trader Joe’s will not work.”
Because of these factors, Schwerd said Horry County or Myrtle Beach are unlikely to get a Trader Joe’s any time soon.
According to U.S. census data, Myrtle Beach has a median income of $57,713, a median age of 51.5 years and 28.8 percent of residents who hold bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Mount Pleasant’s median age of 41.3 years is slightly higher than the state’s 40.5 years, but in Greenville and Columbia, where the other two Trader Joe’s are located, the median ages are much younger at 35.9 and 28.4, respectively.
“They want younger consumers, they want a little bit better-income consumers," Campbell said.
Mount Pleasant, where the median income is $114,237 and 66 percent of residents hold a bachelor’s degree, is far above the state’s median income level of roughly $64,000 and where 32.6 percent of the state hold bachelor's degrees.
So, Trader Joe’s wants to open stores in higher-earning areas with higher volumes of college-educated folks, and Mount Pleasant happens to fit the bill. It fits so well that shoppers will soon find half of South Carolina's Trader Joe's in town.
Campbell, who lives in Lexington, said he’d like to welcome a store in his city, but it’s not likely — it's just not what Trader Joe’s is looking for.
“They're not trying to sell to everybody. They're trying to sell to a particular demographic, and that demographic tends to do very well,” Campbell said.
Reach Anna Sharpe at 843-806-6790.
has secured new space in Mount Pleasant at 11 Ewall St.With a 22,000-square-foot facility and support from the town of Mount Pleasant, the South Carolina Research Authority and Charleston County Economic Development, the location is designed to provide a collaborative space to inspire, educate and elevate entrepreneurial organizations, venture capital investment and innovation, according to a news release.Executive Directo...
has secured new space in Mount Pleasant at 11 Ewall St.
With a 22,000-square-foot facility and support from the town of Mount Pleasant, the South Carolina Research Authority and Charleston County Economic Development, the location is designed to provide a collaborative space to inspire, educate and elevate entrepreneurial organizations, venture capital investment and innovation, according to a news release.
Executive Director Grady Johnson said in an email the additional location for the center “will greatly expand our ability to house entrepreneurs and deliver services to them, like education, etc.”
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center’s objective is to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem for students, veterans, career changers and businesses to develop new enterprises and ideas to grow in the Charleston region, the news release said.
“The town’s economic development strategy specifically calls for a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation,” Mount Pleasant Economic Development Manager Matt Brady said in the news release. “Our partnership with Harbor addresses this directly, and lets the world know that Mount Pleasant is the hub of innovation for South Carolina. We are excited for the companies coming over with HEC and look forward to collaborating with our stakeholders to recruit high-growth firms and create jobs in our community and region.”
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center was recently selected to serve as the lead agent for innovation and entrepreneurship, one of the areas of focus of the One Region Roadmap, part of the strategy of a partnership among the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. The roadmap provides a broad platform for the community to address economic challenges heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as threats to our region’s prosperity and global competitiveness, according to the release.
“Naming the Harbor Entrepreneur Center as the lead agent for innovation and entrepreneurship gives us the opportunity to take the foundation the HEC has built over the past 10 years and create a high-impact resource for the region,” Johnson said in the release. “The town of Mount Pleasant’s ability to immediately recognize this opportunity and provide us with financial support allowed us to quickly propel this project from vision to reality.”
The Harbor Entrepreneur Center a 501c3 non-profit founded in 2012 by local entrepreneurs John Osborne and Patrick Bryant with support from the town of Mount Pleasant.
The center is housed in the Epic Center at the Citadel Mall, 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, you’ve come to the wrong place. It’s not likely that snow will be in our forecast for the holidays, but in these days of wacky weather, you never can tell. We’ve had our share of sunny and warm Christmas days here in the Lowcountry, but there have also been a few harbingers thrown in. In 2018, just after the holidays ended – and two days after the new year was ushered in with temperatures in the 70s – the year started out with more than 5 inches of snow, the third h...
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, you’ve come to the wrong place. It’s not likely that snow will be in our forecast for the holidays, but in these days of wacky weather, you never can tell. We’ve had our share of sunny and warm Christmas days here in the Lowcountry, but there have also been a few harbingers thrown in. In 2018, just after the holidays ended – and two days after the new year was ushered in with temperatures in the 70s – the year started out with more than 5 inches of snow, the third highest amount ever recorded here. The snowfall was followed by nearly a week of below-freezing temperatures and highs reaching only into the teens. Drivers were warned to stay off the roads due to the hazardous icy conditions, but several fatalities occurred when people attempted to simply walk on the ice.
Another bizarre winter storm that many long-time locals remember is the 1989 snowstorm, which happened just three months after Hurricane Hugo wreaked havoc. That one did give us a white Christmas – and even provided a bit of Christmas magic by covering up the mounds of debris and devastation that the hurricane had left behind. Eight inches of snow fell from the evening of Dec. 22 to the 23 and stayed around through Christmas Day.
But even without snow in the mix, there have been terrible ice storms when sleet and freezing rain has chilled the Lowcountry to the core, like in January 2011 when icicles draped live oak and palm trees as well as power lines. That meant many folks lost electricity when those power lines came crashing down—which made things pretty miserable since it meant that many homes had no heat. Along the coast, nearly an inch of ice accumulated. Three years later, the Lowcountry was hit with two consecutive ice storms – one in January and an even more severe one just weeks later which brought a third of an inch of freezing rain. That one forced the authorities to close the Ravenel Bridge when giant icicles hung on the bridge’s cables and later fell onto unsuspecting vehicles.
Even though such occurrences might (thankfully) be the exception rather than the norm for our area, early European settlers in the Lowcountry found that their new home would have its trials and tribulations during the winter. A local newspaper, the South Carolina Gazette, reported on Jan. 2, 1737, that frozen ponds and creeks were covered with a layer of ice 3 inches thick.
But winter storms don’t confine themselves to January, often considered the coldest month of the year. On Feb. 12, 1899, a severe blizzard blasted most of the Southeast, including the Lowcountry. Temperatures here plummeted to 7 degrees F and 4 inches of snow blanketed our area. Another February storm occurred in 1934. Lowcountry resident Yvonne Kanapaux said her parents got married on Feb. 10 during that ice storm. She remembered being told that her father had always jokingly predicted that “it would be a cold day in hell when he got married!” And February 1973 brought a record snowfall of 7 inches. Some locals seized that opportunity to use the old Cooper River Bridge as a ski slope.
The winter of 1784 proved to be a particularly bizarre set of weather anomalies. Due to the El Nino effect ushering in unusually cold temperatures to eastern North America coupled with the effects of an atmospheric low caused by a volcanic eruption in Iceland, frigid water temperatures froze up Charleston Harbor. It was reported at the time that some daring local residents ice skated on the surface of the harbor. Hard to imagine, but fact or fiction, it does allude to an extreme weather event.
Snow and icicles adorning the Palmetto State’s namesake trees might make for an interesting holiday photo replacing the iconic images of snow that appear on commercially produced Christmas cards – scenes that Lowcountry residents have never been able to relate to anyway. But when Old Man Winter pays a visit to our area, it’s not exactly picture-perfect. So this holiday season, just be careful what you wish for!
By Mary Coy
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