Cold Weather Safety Advisory

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Freeze Warning for portions of northeast Georgia, Piedmont and western North Carolina, and Upstate South Carolina—including Seneca—effective from 8:00 PM EST Monday, November 10, 2025, until 9:00 AM EST Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Sub-freezing temperatures are expected to drop into the lower to mid 20s, causing frost and freeze conditions that could kill crops and sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. Residents should execute pre-planned protective actions immediately: bring tender plants indoors or cover them, drain in-ground sprinkler systems, remove hoses from faucets, and insulate or cover above-ground pipes to prevent freezing and bursting.

As freezing temperatures arrive tonight in Seneca, the Fire Chief Richie Caudill urges residents to take immediate precautions…

Some other reminders are to bring pets indoors or provide them with a warm, insulated shelter—never leave them outside in the cold. Disconnect all garden hoses, drain faucets, and cover spigots to prevent bursting pipes. When turning on heaters for the first time this season, expect possible brief smoke from burning dust—open windows if needed, but call 911 immediately if you suspect a real fire. Ensure fireplace flues are fully open before lighting. Dress in layers if outdoors and drive cautiously as wet spots from recent rain may freeze into black ice even without new precipitation. Stay warm and stay safe!

With this sharp chill amplifying fire danger, Scott Krien, Director of Oconee Emergency Services, urges residents to avoid open burns, monitor SC Forestry Commission restrictions, and secure debris piles to prevent rapid spread…