South Carolina moves to OPCON 1 Ahead of Winter Weather

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January 24, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The State Emergency Operations Center is fully activated at Operating Condition One (OPCON 1) as state agencies respond to winter weather impacts. The State Emergency Operations Center moved to OPCON 1 at 10am today to ensure that hazard-specific emergency plans are activated and that agencies are fully prepared to respond should conditions worsen or an emergency become imminent.  

“One thing we want to be sure is to tell everybody to look out for your neighbors, look out for your family,” said Gov. Henry McMaster

Residents are urged to prepare now, as winter weather impacts can make travel hazardous.

“It’s important for all of us to have emergency plans in place. The window to be ready for winter weather is closing fast,” said South Carolina Emergency Management Director Kim Stenson.

Current Situation:

The National Weather Service forecasts ice and sleet in parts of the state from Saturday night into Sunday night, creating dangerous road conditions and the risk of multi-day power outages.

State and Local Activities:

  • The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has received and processed over 180 requests for a range of capabilities, including shelter support and generators.
  • 13 general population shelters are currently in operation. View shelter information here.
  • The South Carolina National Guard has 350 service members on state active duty.
  • Road safety remains a top priority. South Carolina Department of Public Safety has activated 24-7 coverage until further notice. As of today, 537 Highway Patrol troopers, State Transport Police officers, SLED agents and DNR officers are mobilizing for traffic incident response.
  • The South Carolina Department of Transportation has shifted to 24-hour operations with approximately 3,000 personnel mobilized. SCDOT has already put down more than 1.5 million gallons of brine on roads and bridges ahead of the storm.
  • The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has opened its Triage Line for residents to call to determine their eligibility for Medical Equipment Power Shelters (MEPS). The number is 1-833-351-9990 and will be open for calls 24 hours a day until further notice. 10 Medical Equipment Power Shelters have been set up across South Carolina and are already accepting shelterees and their companions. To find out if you qualify for one and the location, call the number above.

Guidance for Residents:

  • Locate or build an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, water, blankets medications, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and essential documents. Make sure it can support your household for at least three days.
  • Make sure your mobile devices and backup batteries are fully charged and ready to use in case of power outages.
  • Look out for family, friends, neighbors and older adults during winter weather.
  • The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has contacted drinking water providers to implement emergency preparations for preventing impacts to providing drinking water. Private well owners should fill a bathtub or portable containers with water to put in their toilets for flushing in the case of a power outage. The Private Drinking Well Hotline is available to provide information 1-888-761-5989.
  • Bring pets inside and ensure they have access to food, water, and a safe, warm space. Make sure outdoor animals have appropriate shelter from harsh weather.
  • For livestock and poultry, follow your property or farm’s emergency response plan. Provide access to hay or an appropriate food source and clean water. Remember that automatic water systems may not work during power outages and make sure water sources are free of ice. Implement temporary feeding plans to reduce stress on your animals. 

 

Visit SCEMD.org for more information on winter weather safety and preparation.