NANCY MACE URGES SOUTH CAROLINIANS TO PREPARE AHEAD OF WINTER STORM GIANNA

State of Emergency Remains in Effect as Entire State Prepares for Historic Snowfall

Governor Henry McMaster’s State of Emergency from last weekend’s winter storm remains in effect as Winter Storm Gianna prepares to bring a second round of significant winter weather to the entire state beginning Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. Winter Storm Warnings and Extreme Cold Warnings are now in effect statewide.

This historic winter weather event brings snow to areas that rarely see accumulation, with the entire state expected to experience measurable snowfall.

NOTE: Forecasts are subject to change; all forecast numbers come from the National Weather Service and statewide local media outlets.

“Just days after the last storm, South Carolina is bracing for another historic winter weather event,” said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. “To every first responder, lineman, road crew, and emergency worker sacrificing time with their families to keep us safe: THANK YOU. From my family to yours, stay safe, South Carolina.”

UPSTATE (Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson Counties)

Snowfall Forecast: 8-12 inches in highest elevations, minimum 3 inches across entire Upstate

Timeline:

• Friday afternoon: Snow begins in mountains

• Friday night-Saturday morning: Spreads east of mountains

• Saturday morning-early afternoon: Peak snowfall

• Saturday evening: Tapers off west to east

Cold Temperatures: Wind chills will drop to potentially single-digits in the Upstate through Monday morning.

Good News: This storm brings dry, powdery snow rather than ice, meaning power outages should remain isolated.

PEE DEE / I-95 CORRIDOR (Florence, Darlington, Marion Counties; York, Chester, Lancaster, Chesterfield Counties)

Snowfall Forecast: 4-6 inches for York, Chester, Lancaster, and Chesterfield Counties

Timeline: Snow begins Friday night, peaks Saturday morning through afternoon, continues into Sunday morning.

MIDLANDS (Columbia, Lexington, Richland Counties)

Snowfall Forecast: 3-6 inches in the northern Midlands, 1-3 inches southern areas toward Augusta

Timeline: Snow begins early Saturday morning, continues through Saturday night with heaviest bands setting up across northern counties.

Winter Storm Warning in effect for all Midlands counties Saturday.

MYRTLE BEACH / GRAND STRAND / HORRY COUNTY

Historic Event: Both Winter Storm Warning AND Extreme Cold Warning issued for the coast.

Timeline:

• Saturday midday-early afternoon: Snow begins

• Saturday afternoon-evening: Snow increases

• Saturday night: Travel becomes difficult

• Sunday morning: Snow continues

• Wind chills near zero through Monday

Travel Advisory: Plan to be where you need to be by Saturday midday. Roads will be slippery through Monday morning.

LOWCOUNTRY (Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester Counties)

Snowfall Forecast: 2-3 inches Charleston metro, 2-4 inches west of Charleston, 4-6 inches Georgetown to Kingstree areas

Timeline: Saturday lunch through early Sunday. Areas west of Highway 17A and I-95 may see snow start late Saturday morning.

Travel Impact: Roads will be most hazardous 5 PM Saturday to sunrise Sunday, or later. Winds of 20-30 mph will blow snow, reducing visibility.

Additional Note: Arctic air settles in Sunday, keeping roads frozen through Monday night. Wind chills as low as 10°F.

STATE RESPONSE EFFORTS

SCDOT (South Carolina Department of Transportation): Crews have been working around the clock to prepare roads statewide. Road treatment operations began Thursday with priority focus on major interstates and highways. SCDOT will address major roadways first, with secondary roads requiring extra caution for extended periods.

Utility Companies: Linemen are working extended shifts and positioning resources strategically. This storm brings snow rather than ice, significantly reducing the risk of widespread power outages compared to last weekend’s event.

Law Enforcement: State troopers and local law enforcement agencies are positioning resources and preparing for increased calls. Agencies encourage residents to avoid travel Saturday through Monday when possible, as response times will be slower due to road conditions.

First Responders: Emergency management offices across the state are prepared and stocking critical facilities to ensure emergency services remain operational throughout the storm.

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

This is a significant but manageable winter weather event. South Carolinians should take reasonable precautions:

Before the storm:

• Stock up on essentials if you haven’t already (stores reporting high demand for milk, water, bread)

• Insulate exposed pipes and let faucets drip overnight

• Charge devices and have flashlights ready

• Check on neighbors, especially elderly residents

• Bring pets indoors

• Have emergency supplies on hand

During the storm:

• Avoid unnecessary travel Saturday through Monday morning

• If you must travel, allow extra time and drive carefully

• Use heating sources safely

Emergency Resources:

• Download SC Emergency Manager App: http://onelink.to/dn92rx

• SCEMD: https://www.scemd.org/

• Winter Weather Guide: https://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/publications/winter-weather-guide/

• Emergency Hotline (PIPS): 1-866-246-0133

  ###