WHEREAS, severe winter weather has impacted the State of South Carolina over the past five days, disrupting the lives of thousands of South Carolinians by causing power outages, extensive storm related debris, damage to public facilities, and disruptions to transportation systems; and

WHEREAS, many communities and individuals continue to struggle with ongoing recovery efforts following the impact of a severe storm that occurred on January 24 and January 25; and

WHEREAS, the National Weather Service now predicts that another winter storm will impact the State beginning early on January 29, resulting in significant accumulations of snow and ice for many areas of the State; and

WHEREAS, local governments continue to require supplementary recovery resources from the State, that will likely be expanded as a result of the continued severe winter weather; and

WHEREAS, electric utility companies providing critical service to our citizens anticipate additional power outages as a result of the predicted significant icing and may require government assistance in clearing access to utility rights-of-way; and

WHEREAS, the State's critical transportation routes must remain open and the safety of the potentially impacted motorists is of paramount concern.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor, pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of the State of South Carolina, I hereby declare that a state of emergency exists in South Carolina. I order that the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan be placed into effect in order to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens and transients of the State. I further order that:

The South Carolina National Guard be placed on standby status and at the discretion of the Adjutant General and as determined necessary by the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Division, specified units of the National Guard be placed on state active duty to assist civil authorities and to take all reasonable and necessary actions to prepare for and respond to the hazards posed by this severe winter weather, specifically to protect life and property.

All state and local government agencies perform all emergency functions assigned in the Emergency Operations Plan or as directed by the Director of the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Division during this state of emergency.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY OF JANUARY 2000.

JIM HODGES
GOVERNOR

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 10:21 A.M.