By PSA Newsroom Staff
Clarendon County, S.C. — Residents across Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Williamsburg, and Orangeburg counties are being urged to prepare now as a winter storm expected this weekend brings the potential for snow, freezing temperatures, and prolonged disruptions across the Midlands.
Governor Henry McMaster has extended South Carolina’s State of Emergency through the weekend, keeping emergency resources in place as conditions are expected to worsen. State officials say the extension reflects growing concern about how long cold weather and dangerous travel conditions could persist — particularly in rural counties with limited infrastructure.
The National Weather Service forecasts several inches of snow across the central Midlands, including Clarendon County and neighboring areas. Snow is expected to begin late Friday and continue into Saturday, followed by sustained freezing temperatures that could keep roads icy well into Sunday.
For counties like Clarendon, Lee, Williamsburg, and Orangeburg, where snow removal equipment is limited and many residents rely on secondary and rural roads, even a few inches of snow can quickly become dangerous.
Emergency officials warn that power outages are possible, especially if snow accumulates on trees and power lines. In areas where residents rely on electric heat, extended outages could quickly become a serious safety concern as overnight temperatures drop well below freezing.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for temporary loss of electricity, heat, and possibly water service by stocking shelf-stable foods, drinking water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and backup heat sources.
Officials also caution that frozen pipes are a real risk during prolonged cold spells, particularly in older homes and mobile housing.
Travel across Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Williamsburg, and Orangeburg counties is expected to be especially hazardous, with icy bridges, untreated roads, and reduced visibility posing risks throughout the weekend.
Authorities strongly advise limiting travel to essential needs only, noting that emergency response times may be slowed if conditions deteriorate.
Local and state agencies are coordinating to pre-position equipment, monitor road conditions, and respond to outages and emergencies as needed. The extended State of Emergency allows resources to be deployed quickly if conditions worsen.
Emergency management officials stress that preparation now can make a critical difference later.
“This storm isn’t just about snow,” officials cautioned. “It’s about being ready for cold homes, dark nights, and limited movement for several days.”
Residents are encouraged to monitor official updates from local emergency services and the National Weather Service as the storm approaches:
Local Emergency Contacts
- Clarendon County Emergency Management: 803-435-9310 — operates county emergency coordination and 911 communications.
- Sumter County Emergency Services: For non-emergency county information, call 803-436-2302 or 803-436-2303.
- Williamsburg County Non-Emergency EMS: 843-355-5195 or 843-355-5196 (call 911 for emergencies).
- Orangeburg County Office of Emergency Services: 803-531-3020 (office) or 911 for emergencies.
Official Resources
- Clarendon County Emergency Services: https://www.clarendoncountysc.org/emergency-services (General preparedness info)
- National Weather Service – Columbia Forecast Office: https://www.weather.gov/cae (Latest forecasts, warnings, and alerts)
