South Carolina is undoubtedly one of the best places to call home in the Southeast. Cities like Charleston boast a rich history, pleasant climate, delicious food, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere that captures the essence of southern hospitality. However, for homeowners and business owners, living in Charleston comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining the appearance of your property.
The humid weather in the area often results in mold and algae growth on surfaces like wood and concrete, which can make your property look unkempt and neglected. Fortunately, Peppers Pressure Washing can help restore your property's beauty and prevent future growth and grime.
When it comes to pressure washing in Mount Pleasant, SC, our #1 goal is delivering exceptional pressure washing services by going above and beyond to make sure our clients are satisfied. We ensure their satisfaction by prioritizing good old-fashioned hard work, honest pricing, ongoing communication, advanced training, and industry-leading customer service.
Our pressure washing company in South Carolina is the perfect choice to protect your home or business from mold and mildew across various surfaces. In doing so, we can help minimize unsightly objects like bird's nests and spiderwebs while protecting your property from damage to windows, gutters, roofing, and more. As a licensed, insured pressure washing company, our customer's health and happiness always come first - no questions asked.
So, when you hire Peppers Pressure Washing, you can rest easy knowing our experts will treat your home as if it were our own. When they need the highest quality pressure washing services, clients come to us because our team is:
If you're looking for a dedicated professional that will do the job right, you're in the right place. With over 10 years experience, we have learned to improve our skills and keep our equipment up to date for the best results.
Living in the Lowcountry often means that your home's exterior will suffer from harsh elements such as mildew, dirt, and pollen. If left uncleaned, these contaminants can cause damage to surfaces like brick, stucco, and vinyl over time. At Peppers Pressure Washing, we offer a safe and effective cleaning solution that utilizes time-tested techniques to remove hazardous contaminants from your home's exterior so that it remains uniquely beautiful year-round.
Unlike some pressure washing services in Charleston, however, we have the capability to perform traditional pressure washing as well as low-pressure washing for residential properties.
Most often known as "soft washing," this process involves washing and rinsing your windows and gutters using gentle pressure. Unlike high-pressure tactics - which can cause damage when used by amateurs in inappropriate spaces - soft wash cleaning for your home is specifically designed to remove mildew and algae from porous surfaces without causing harm. With soft washing, you won't have to worry about losing curb appeal or reducing the resale value of your home due to stripped paint or ruined siding.
Our techniques use gentle water pressure and an environmentally friendly cleaning solution to remove contaminants without causing harm to your plants or landscaping. That's why many homeowners ask for a combination of soft washing and pressure washing in Mount Pleasant, SC - to address the hard-to-clean areas as well as the more sensitive areas.
Once the cleaning agent has removed the mold, algae, and other contaminants, our team thoroughly rinses the exterior of your home, leaving it looking squeaky clean and envy-worthy to your neighbors. Some additional benefits of Peppers Pressure Washing's soft washing approach include:
Curious if our team can remove the mold and mildew from your driveway, walkways, back deck, and more? Give our office a call today - every estimate we provide is 100% free.
Experienced professionals can enhance your property's curb appeal with well-laid driveways and patios. The same goes for the fencing around your backyard, which can be painted and installed meticulously by experts. However, it's only a matter of time before stains, peeling paint, and other tough-to-remove items begin to sully your home's appearance. Fortunately, with an experienced pressure washing company by your side, you can bring life back to your home, even if it's been plagued by something like graffiti.
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Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Entrepreneurs understand the importance of presenting a positive image for their brand and business. A first impression is often the only opportunity to showcase what you have to offer. Neglecting the cleanliness and appearance of your warehouse, apartment complex, or storefront could lead to lost revenue. Put yourself in your customers' shoes: If a business owner fails to maintain walkways and other heavily trafficked areas around their location, they may not put much effort into providing quality products.
Every aspect of your building, entrance, parking lot, walking path, or storefront presents an opportunity to impress customers. With commercial pressure washing, you can capitalize on that opportunity and even help retain the same customers you initially impressed. The bottom line? If cleanliness and curb appeal are non-negotiable in your line of business, it's time to call Peppers Pressure Washing for a free estimate.
Don't delay - waiting to have your business pressure washed can end up costing you money. That's why our pressure washing company offers convenient monthly cleanings. We can arrange routine maintenance washing to help keep your business fresh and clean, helping you set the stage for success year-round.
Investing in exterior cleaning is a wise decision for any business owner. Services like pressure washing enhance curb appeal, attract new and returning customers, and show you care about the appearance of your business. But if you're like other hardworking entrepreneurs who are stretched thin as it is, keeping up with cleanliness is easier said than done, especially outside your property.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
If you notice unsightly stains, mold, or mildew on the outside of your business, it may be a sign of standing water issues or simply a lack of regular cleaning. Sure, you could make your own bleach solution and try to tackle the problem yourself. But you run the risk of damaging your property and even harming yourself in the process. The alternative? Contact Peppers Pressure Washing for thoroughly effective pressure washing in Mount Pleasant, SC.
At Peppers Pressure Washing, one of the most common questions we receive is why a homeowner or business owner should or should not hire professionals to handle pressure washing. We get it - most folks are on budgets and must be careful about spending frivolously on chores that they may be able to do on their own. And while we're big proponents of DIY projects at home and at work, pressure washing in Mount Pleasant, SC, should always be performed by trained professionals. Here's why.
Safety
Cost Effectiveness
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Avoid Damage toPressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
At Peppers Pressure Washing, we evaluate every pressure washing project with a fresh eye, knowing that no two situations are ever the same. As a licensed and insured pressure washing company in South Carolina, our goal is to leave your home and property looking its best, whether you need a one-time cleaning for your driveway or recurring services for your business. Whatever your needs may be, you can always rely on Peppers Pressure Washing for high-quality power washing at cost-conscious prices.
A Charleston workout site owner who transformed an old warehouse into a gym is now eyeing East Cooper for a new ground-up fitness center.Ethos Athletic Club wants to build a two-story, 20,065-square-foot facility at the juncture of Hungryneck Boulevard and Midtown Avenue in Mount Pleasant.Ethos, founded by w...
A Charleston workout site owner who transformed an old warehouse into a gym is now eyeing East Cooper for a new ground-up fitness center.
Ethos Athletic Club wants to build a two-story, 20,065-square-foot facility at the juncture of Hungryneck Boulevard and Midtown Avenue in Mount Pleasant.
Ethos, founded by workout enthusiast, Charleston native and Citadel graduate Joey Welling, opened its first location in 21,000 square feet on Huger Street beside High Wire Distilling in 2021. That space had previously operated as a storage site for an events company and decades ago as a backup warehouse for the long-gone Sears department store.
The proposed Mount Pleasant location will be new construction. The town’s Design Review Board will consider preliminary approval of the site, landscape and architecture on Dec. 6.
Plans to relocate a Charleston grocery store are moving forward with new design plans presented to the city.
Eighteen months after the property owner first indicated the planned relocation of Publix supermarket in Ashley Landing Shopping Center, the city’s Design Review Board is set to review the proposed project Dec. 4.
Charlotte-based retail center owner Faison wants to move the grocer from an existing 48,391-square-foot free-standing structure between Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Old Towne Road to a 48,387-square-foot store connected to the east side of the main shopping center.
To make that happen, Faison wants to demolish 130,180 square feet on the retail destination’s east side where Dollar Tree and Big Lots are located and tear down a 12,820-square-foot structure on the back side of the shopping center.
The demolished portions will make room for the grocery store, a 14,170-square-foot retail tenant and space behind the supermarket as a turnaround area for delivery trucks.
Dollar Tree’s lease extends through mid-2024 and Big Lots is leasing month to month, according to Kris Fetter, president and CEO of Faison.
The planned retail portion of the building next to the proposed relocated Publix is not being marketed until Faison’s plan works its way through the city’s review process, Fetter said.
The future of the existing Publix site hasn’t been determined. Apartments were planned on the site at one time, but the proposal received a cool reception from West Ashley residents.
Fetter said the company is willing to work with the city on a collaborative approach to redeveloping the property, including making the site more user-friendly for bicyclists and pedestrians.
A new three-story building over parking is in the works for Daniel Island.
The proposed 17,865-square-foot structure on three levels above almost 6,000 square feet of parking is planned for 211 Seven Farms Drive.
The building will include space for three retail shops on the first floor and two residential units each on the top two levels. Sixteen parking spaces are proposed.
The property is owned by SLS Development LLC, which paid $680,000 for the 0.34-acre site in August, according to Berkeley County land records.
Charleston’s Design Review Board will consider the proposal Dec. 4.
The Town of Mount Pleasant is considering a ban on new slab-built single-family homes in flood zones. Also known as “slab-on-grade” or “fill-and-build” construction, the method involves placing homes directly on a concrete slab foundation, which can make those buildings vulnerable to flooding.The practice can also create a domino effect that impacts adjacent homeowners. When trying to ensure new homes reach a certain elevation above sea level, developers often will raise a plot by importing dirt. That practice,...
The Town of Mount Pleasant is considering a ban on new slab-built single-family homes in flood zones. Also known as “slab-on-grade” or “fill-and-build” construction, the method involves placing homes directly on a concrete slab foundation, which can make those buildings vulnerable to flooding.
The practice can also create a domino effect that impacts adjacent homeowners. When trying to ensure new homes reach a certain elevation above sea level, developers often will raise a plot by importing dirt. That practice, multiplied across an entire development, can dramatically shift the hydrology of an area and worsen flooding. Developers often clear-cut trees and other plant life that help capture and control flood water — further complicating an already problematic situation.
Charleston City Council approved an essentially identical ban in April. It was a years-in-the-making policy that involved input from local environmental organizations and developers, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center, one of the ban’s key supporters.
Mount Pleasant’s ban would only bar new slab-built homes in the 100-year floodplain. Those are areas that have a 1 percent probability of flooding in any given year.
The proposed ban would go into effect July 1, six months after Charleston’s takes effect. Katherine Gerling, Mount Pleasant’s floodplain manager, said the proposed timing of the ban was intentional.
“This effective date was chosen to kind of see how the city of Charleston is going to manage their ordinance,” Gerling said at a Dec. 13 meeting of Mount Pleasant’s planning commission, where the proposal was under consideration.
Planning Commission member Adam Ferrara expressed concerns that the ban could make it more difficult to build affordable housing in Mount Pleasant, which has seen rising rents and home costs as a result of a decadeslong population boom. Mount Pleasant’s population has roughly tripled since 1990.
“Just bear in mind, that does kind of go against the narrative of trying to build workforce housing that is single-family,” Ferrara said at the meeting. “That does create a cost burden to builders and to homeowners. I’m not saying that’s right or wrong, I’m just saying that is a result of what we’re doing.”
Despite those concerns, the commission passed the measure unanimously. The ban still needs approval from Mount Pleasant Town Council.
Also at the Dec. 13 meeting, planning commission members voted unanimously in support of a measure extending restrictions on new residential construction in Mount Pleasant. Town leaders enacted that measure in 2019 to curb traffic and strain on local resources in the growing suburbs.
“In response to people that said, ‘We need to have all this development because it’s the only way we’re going to keep real estate reasonable,’ — they are wrong,” commission member Kathy Smith said. “That argument only works when the supply and demand curves are in a state of equilibrium. As long as we are net positive in demand in Mount Pleasant, no matter what we do, prices will go up. You can build until your brains blow out, and the prices will go up.”
The proposed ban would extend the restrictions, which would only permit up to 600 new residences annually, until January 2029. The restrictions also still need approval from the full town council.
Tell me about your professional background and how you feel it makes you a good fit to be a council member.I’ve been teaching in Charleston County since 2016. This is my 24th year teaching. The local aspect of teaching, most of my career has been in teaching elementary school, but still the local aspect of working in the community where I live has always been something that I really like. Now I’m in North Charleston, so it’s the greater community where I live. I think this is a theme of why I’v...
Tell me about your professional background and how you feel it makes you a good fit to be a council member.
I’ve been teaching in Charleston County since 2016. This is my 24th year teaching. The local aspect of teaching, most of my career has been in teaching elementary school, but still the local aspect of working in the community where I live has always been something that I really like. Now I’m in North Charleston, so it’s the greater community where I live. I think this is a theme of why I’ve chosen to run for Town Council because I would like to see Mount Pleasant make its own decisions on a local level and be responsible for them and with citizens participating in the process. I lived in France for seven years and I have a Bachelor of Science in French and psychology and a master’s degree in educational technology. I’ve just always been part of the local community and have worked well with others.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the town today, and what plans do you have to address this?
I have a daughter, a six-year-old, and we went to James Island yesterday to go rock climbing in James Island County Park. I would like to see the green spaces improved in Mount Pleasant to make it something where travelers don’t have to go across town to go to the (County) Park. I know that there’s a bike path in … Laurel Hill County Park and just a dirt road going in a half-mile circle and there are things that we can put back there that would be places you can take your kids and take your family.
The other thing is I think that health all across the United States is a problem. We pay more for healthcare. We have more healthcare issues related to obesity and diet. I would like to be somebody who spreads the message of healthy eating and healthy lifestyles lead to better lives. We have a great little local market there at Boone Hall...we have the Farmers Market on Tuesday and Boone Hall is open the rest of the week.
The results of the Public Input Matters survey found that throughout all seven districts in town, respondents feel that traffic in Mount Pleasant needs to be improved. What are some concrete solutions that you feel can address this?
The traffic in Mount Pleasant and housing in Mount Pleasant — I don’t know if ‘victims of our own success’ is the right word for it. We have a very unique geography here. We are a virtual island in that there’s no shortcuts. There’s one way in and one way out. You may come across I-526 or I-26 or you go north towards McClellanville and Georgetown up (Highway) 41. There just isn’t room.
I know that the Town Council has a plan and they’ve already hired a company to look into certain traffic solutions. As a new council member, I’m not sure if I would be able to offer anything different to what they have already decided on.
Another area Public Input Matters survey takers responded to was housing availability. Forty-one percent of respondents felt that affordable housing options should be increased. How do you feel this can be accomplished?
I think it speaks well to the people in Mount Pleasant that we want things for people like affordable housing, but whether or not there is a feasible solution to providing that affordable housing — where are we going to put affordable housing? It makes sense that people want affordable housing but do they want the affordable housing in their backyard?
I want to live locally, I want to buy locally, want to shop locally, but we can’t escape the fact that a lot of our local decisions are made on a state and national and global level. How does Mount Pleasant make affordable housing when the interest rates are 7.75 percent? There are things happening on a national level that we just can’t control that can make our job of creating affordable housing next to impossible.
Is there anyone who has served as a role model to you, either from politics, past experiences or family members, that you look to and consider while you run for office?
One thing my dad always taught us was sometimes doing the right thing is the hardest thing to do, but you can take solace in the fact that it’s the right thing to do. I am a part owner of a restaurant in Washington, D.C. with my brother Eric and when Washington D.C. decided to impose the vaccine mandate on restaurants … we were the only restaurant in Washington, D.C. to actively say no, we’re not going to check people’s health papers. It was very hard on my brother to do that, and he’s such a big part of the local community. What I just really admired was his courage and even though it financially wasn’t the best decision. Financially, it wasn’t a great decision, but it was the right decision to make and his principles are something that I truly admire and I try to follow that example in my own life.
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On Feb. 10, hundreds of people in Charleston will brave the weather in just their undies during Cupid’s Undie Run, the nation’s largest pantless party and run for charity.
The meeting site for the 2 p.m. run is Loggerhead’s Beach Grill, located at 123 West Ashley Ave., on Folly Beach.
The event raises awareness of neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, and fundraises for NF research through the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF). This is the 10th year the event has taken place in the city.
In addition to Charleston, Cupid’s Undie Run will take place in 30 other cities across the United States. More information regarding the event can be found at: https://my.cupids.org/event/2024-cupids-undie-run-charleston/e490563
Graze Craze, a new charcuterie concept known for crafting grazing boards and boxes, has opened its first South Carolina location at 3373 South Morgans Point Road in Mount Pleasant.The new storefront is located in the National Crossing shopping center at the main entrance of the Charleston National neighborhood, according to a news release. Graze Craze is a part of Big Flavor Brands, the food service division of Starpoint Brands, a family of companies affiliated with United Franchise Group.At Graze Craze, charcuterie experts, kn...
Graze Craze, a new charcuterie concept known for crafting grazing boards and boxes, has opened its first South Carolina location at 3373 South Morgans Point Road in Mount Pleasant.
The new storefront is located in the National Crossing shopping center at the main entrance of the Charleston National neighborhood, according to a news release. Graze Craze is a part of Big Flavor Brands, the food service division of Starpoint Brands, a family of companies affiliated with United Franchise Group.
At Graze Craze, charcuterie experts, known as grazologists, design arrangements that feature an array of ingredients that are ideal for grazing, like fresh fruits and vegetables, premium meats and cheeses, artisanal sweets, nuts and more, the release stated.
The Mount Pleasant Graze Craze is the only one of its kind in the Charleston area, and the franchise owners behind the new store Keith and Kendra Lovas are thrilled to share something completely new with the community they call home, the release stated.
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“The wonderful people of Mount Pleasant love to gather and celebrate,” said Keith Lovas in the release. “There is no better centerpiece for a special occasion than a Graze Craze charcuterie board — it’s unmatched in quality, beauty and functionality.”
The Lovas enjoy playing a role in their community with Kendra working at a local elementary school and Keith coaching youth sports teams through the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department, according to the release. In addition to serving exceptional grazing boards, the Lovas plan to use their Graze Craze to expand their local involvement and sponsor sports teams, further supporting kids in being active and chasing their dreams. The Lovas are also interested in bolstering regional business development through their involvement with the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce.
Graze Craze charcuterie arrangements incorporate an assortment of flavors, like the popular Gone Grazey board, balanced to provide a bit of everything – a mix of cured meats, premium cheeses, crackers, fresh produce, nuts and more. The Vegegrazian is designed with a medley of fresh fruits and vegetables for anyone embracing a plant-based lifestyle.
The artisan-inspired charcuterie offerings at Graze Craze are available in different size options, from Char-Cutie-Cups and Picnic Boxes for nibbling to sharing-size boards with enough fresh food to feed a large party, the release stated.
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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