South Carolina Waffle Houses Close Amid Severe Ice Storm Warning
As a severe ice storm warning looms over South Carolina, many Waffle House locations are shutting down operations. This precautionary measure comes as forecasters predict significant ice accumulation across the Upstate and surrounding Southeast regions.
Waffle House Closes Amid Ice Storm Warnings
The impending storm is predicted to bring freezing rain and sleet starting Saturday night, January 24. As the conditions are expected to be “crippling,” multiple Waffle House establishments have decided to close their doors. One waitress reported that she was informed of the closure by 5 p.m. on the same day.
The Waffle House Index
The 24-hour diner chain has historically operated under what is known as the Waffle House Index. This informal assessment indicates the severity of weather events based on restaurant operations:
- Green: Full menu available; power is on and damage is limited.
- Yellow: Limited menu; indicates reliance on generators or low food supplies.
- Red: Restaurant is closed; often signals severe damage or unsafe conditions.
This storm marks the first ice storm warning in the area since the infamous incident in 2005, prompting Waffle House to take preemptive action. A waitress mentioned that in nearly a decade of service, she had never witnessed such a proactive closure.
Community Reaction and Preparations
Despite the early warning, one location was bustling with customers making the most of their last opportunity to dine in. Calls to other franchises in Greenville indicated that online orders would now be prioritized, as they ceased phone orders.
Social media reactions highlighted the widespread impact of the closures, stretching beyond the Upstate. Many expressed their surprise, with one Georgia employee noting it was the first time she witnessed the restaurant close in five years, stating, “That’s insane! Stay safe everyone!”
As South Carolina braces for the storm, Waffle House’s response underscores the seriousness of the weather threat facing the region.
