WHEREAS, the National Weather Service issued Winter Storm Warnings for the State with the potential to receive more than one-half inch of ice in some areas creating extremely hazardous conditions; and

WHEREAS, temperatures were forecasted to remain below freezing throughout the day and night keeping road conditions extremely hazardous; and

WHEREAS, these conditions posed a threat to the safety of the state's citizens, and therefore, on January 26, 2004, state offices in the counties of Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Edgefield, Fairfield, Florence, Greenville, Greenwood, Horry, Kershaw, Laurens, Lancaster, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Sumter, Union and York were closed, either in whole or in part as directed; and

WHEREAS, the effects of the storm have required assistance for stranded motorists and medical emergencies, resulted in downed trees, road debris, created power outages, isolated many citizens and surpassed the capability of local governments to respond to and recover from its effects, thus requiring logistical support for local governments.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor, pursuant to the Constitution and Statutes of the State of South Carolina, I hereby declare that a State of Emergency exists as of January 26, 2004, and direct the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan be placed in effect to support the responsibilities and tasks as warranted by these conditions.

I further direct the South Carolina National Guard and their appropriate equipment be placed on standby status and, at the discretion of the Adjutant General and in coordination with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, that such necessary and prudent actions be taken to respond to the hazards posed by this severe winter weather to protect life and property.

Furthermore, pursuant to Section 8-11-57 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as added by Act 356 of 2002, Part IX.D, all State employees absent from work, in whole or in part as directed, on January 26, 2004, and January 27, 2004, due to this hazardous weather emergency are hereby granted leave with pay.

The provisions of this Executive Order shall remain in full force and effect until further order of this office.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 27th DAY OF JANUARY 2004.

MARK SANFORD
Governor

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:15 A.M.