South Carolina Braces for Severe Winter Storm and Potential Power Outages, State of Emergency Declared

South Carolina is bracing for significant winter weather this weekend as Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday in preparation for a storm system expected to begin Saturday and continue through the weekend, possibly into Monday. According to the Governor's office, the declaration activates the state's Emergency Operations Plan and allows the National Guard to mobilize resources. Forecasters report a mix of sleet, ice, and snow along with freezing temperatures that could create hazardous travel conditions and impact utilities across portions of the state. Dominion Energy and the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina are urging customers to prepare for potential power outages.

On the legislative front, the South Carolina General Assembly is moving forward with several significant proposals. The Senate Finance Committee advanced two major tax-related bills this week, including an income tax measure that would lower the top rate from six percent to five point three nine percent and a homestead exemption expansion for seniors. According to South Carolina Public Radio, these bills could cost the state more than three hundred seventy million dollars in annual revenue. The House Judiciary Committee also advanced a bill that would codify and expand restrictions on bathroom use in public schools based on biological sex assigned at birth.

The state's economy continues to show strength. The South Carolina Department of Commerce released 2025 industry recruitment results showing total capital investment of nine point one two billion dollars, marking the third highest year on record. This brought more than eighty one hundred new jobs to the state, with rural communities accounting for more than forty percent of these totals. Additionally, JGB Brothers LLC, a food fibers manufacturer, announced plans to establish operations in Bamberg County with a seven million dollar investment creating forty new jobs.

Education remains a priority in state budget discussions. The State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver presented the Department of Education's budget requests to the House Ways and Means Committee, requesting significant funding for student success initiatives, teacher support, and school safety. The proposals include one hundred twenty million dollars for an Education Infrastructure Bank to fund school safety and facility improvements and seventy million dollars for high quality instructional materials.

Looking ahead, listeners should monitor the developing winter weather situation and ensure they have adequate supplies and preparations in place. The state legislature continues its 2026 session with additional bills expected to move through committee hearings and floor debates in the coming weeks.

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