SC braces for ice, outages, and hazardous travel
January 23, 2026, Columbia, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster has asked President Donald Trump for a federal emergency disaster declaration as a major winter storm approaches South Carolina.
The request seeks Category B emergency protective measures, noncongregate sheltering, and Direct Federal Assistance for all 46 counties.
Ice storm warnings are in effect for the Upstate and parts of the Midlands, with forecasters expecting dangerous ice, sleet, treacherous roads, and power outages that could last for days.
Residents are urged to prepare a three‑day emergency kit, limit travel, check on neighbors, and watch for black ice, downed trees, and power lines. The S.C. Department of Environmental Services is prepared to open debris drop‑off sites if needed and advises well and septic users to conserve water during outages.
For additional safety information, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s Winter Weather Guide is available at scemd.org under the Hazards → Winter Weather section.
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