Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued March 19 at 2:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston SC
Alert Description
Surface observations, satellite images and regional webcams show areas of smoke are impacting portions of the Charleston Metro Area this afternoon. The smoke is being generated by several large prescribed burns that are occurring over the Francis Marion National Forest as well as the Naval Weapons Station. Visibilities as low as 3 to 5 miles are impacting roadways including portions of I-526 and I-26 with the worst conditions occurring over parts of North Charleston. The risk for smoke will continue for a few more hours until the afternoon sea breeze moves through. Poor air quality in addition to lower visibilities will occur where smoke is encountered.
Safety Instructions
Active children and adults as well as those with respiratory ailments that can be triggered by smoke should severely limit outdoor activity and stay indoors. Everyone else should limit prolonged outdoor activities. Motorists should be alert for sudden changes in visibilities. Use low beam headlights whenever dense smoke is encountered.