Charleston city officials warned residents Tuesday to prepare for potentially dangerous ice storm conditions as forecasters predict the rare winter weather event could bring power outages and treacherous travel to the Lowcountry.

The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for portions of South Carolina, including areas north and west of Charleston, with ice accumulations of up to half an inch possible through Thursday morning.

“We’re telling people to prepare like they would for a hurricane,” said Mark Wilbert, Charleston’s emergency management coordinator. “Ice storms can be just as devastating to our infrastructure.”

The storm system is expected to bring freezing rain and sleet to much of the state, from Greenville through Columbia before potentially reaching Charleston County’s northern communities. Meteorologists said even minimal ice accumulation could snap tree limbs and power lines.

Charleston Electric & Gas crews began staging equipment Tuesday afternoon in anticipation of widespread outages. Company spokesman Dave Roberts said the utility activated its storm response plan and coordinated with mutual aid partners.

“Ice is one of the most challenging weather events we face,” Roberts said. “A quarter-inch of ice can bring down entire sections of our distribution system.”

Mayor John Tecklenburg signed an emergency declaration Tuesday giving the city authority to implement traffic restrictions and coordinate with county and state agencies. The declaration allows city crews to begin storm preparations and positions Charleston to request state assistance if needed.

City Council members were briefed on storm preparations during a closed session Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the Politics & Government meeting. The briefing covered potential shelter operations and emergency response protocols.

Charleston County Emergency Management Director Jason Patno urged residents to charge electronic devices, stock non-perishable food and ensure they have alternate heating sources that don’t require electricity.

“This is not a typical winter weather event for our area,” Patno said. “Our infrastructure isn’t designed for significant ice loads.”

The South Carolina Department of Transportation positioned salt trucks and snow plows along Interstate 26 and other major routes. DOT spokesman Pete Poore said crews would focus on primary roads and bridges, which freeze first.

State officials warned that even small amounts of ice could make travel extremely dangerous, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Gov. Henry McMaster urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel beginning Wednesday evening.

Charleston International Airport officials said they were monitoring conditions and coordinating with airlines about potential flight cancellations. Airport spokesman Spencer Pryor said passengers should check with carriers before heading to the airport.

The Charleston County School District announced it would monitor conditions overnight and make decisions about Thursday classes by 5 a.m. Superintendent Eric Gallien said the district’s primary concern was student and staff safety during transportation.

“We don’t take the decision to close schools lightly, but ice creates unique hazards,” Gallien said.

Area hospitals activated their emergency operations centers and ensured adequate staffing for potential storm impacts. Medical University of South Carolina spokesman Tony Chubbuck said the hospital system was prepared to house essential personnel on campus if needed.

Charleston Fire Chief Dan Curia said department crews conducted equipment checks Tuesday and positioned additional resources in areas most likely to experience outages. Fire stations activated backup generators and increased fuel reserves.

The unusual weather pattern developed as an Arctic air mass collided with moisture-laden air from the Gulf of Mexico. Meteorologist Brad Panovich said Charleston’s proximity to the ocean would likely limit ice accumulation in downtown areas, but northwestern parts of the county faced greater risk.

“The further inland you go, the better the chance for significant ice accumulation,” Panovich said. “Areas like Summerville and Goose Creek need to be particularly prepared.”

City officials opened warming centers at community centers and libraries for residents without adequate heating. The centers will operate 24 hours beginning Wednesday evening, according to Parks and Recreation Director Jason Kronsberg.

Charleston Water System crews secured equipment and prepared for potential pipe breaks caused by freezing temperatures. Utility officials reminded customers to protect exposed pipes and allow faucets to drip during the coldest periods.

The last significant ice storm to impact Charleston occurred in February 2014, when quarter-inch accumulations knocked out power to more than 30,000 customers. That storm downed hundreds of trees and caused millions in damage to the electrical grid.

Police Chief Luther Reynolds said officers would increase patrols on bridges and elevated roadways Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The department activated its emergency operations center and coordinated with county deputies on traffic management.

Retail stores across the area reported increased sales of batteries, flashlights and non-perishable food items Tuesday as residents stocked up on supplies. Several grocery chains extended hours to accommodate demand.

The National Weather Service planned to issue updated forecasts every six hours as the storm approached. Meteorologists said the track and intensity of the system remained critical factors in determining Charleston’s ultimate impact.

Forecast models showed the storm weakening as it moved east toward the coast, but officials warned residents not to rely on predictions given the volatile nature of winter weather systems.

Emergency management officials said residents should monitor local news and weather alerts for the latest information. The city activated its emergency notification system to send updates to registered users.

The storm is expected to move through the area by Friday morning, with temperatures rising above freezing and melting any ice accumulation. However, officials warned that refreezing Thursday night could create additional hazards for Friday morning commuters.