Gov. McMaster Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm Fern

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency ahead of Winter Storm Fern expected to bring sleet, ice, snow, and freezing temps starting Saturday and possibly lingering into Monday. The order activates state emergency plans, mobilizes agencies and the National Guard, coordinates local responses, and waives some commercial vehicle rules to rush in supplies. State teams, the National Weather Service, Duke Energy, and Blue Ridge Electric Co-op are tracking the storm and prepping for potential outages from heavy ice. In Oconee County—under a winter storm watch—Sheriff Mike Crenshaw warns of possible major ice buildup on trees and lines, power outages, downed lines blocking roads, and refreezing overnight, urging travel only for emergencies and treating dark signals as four-way stops.

OES Director Scott Krein has more…

Officials urge residents to stay tuned to local forecasts, stock kits with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and meds, use heating safely, check on vulnerable neighbors and pets, skip unnecessary trips, and drive cautiously if you must head out.

Seneca Police Chief Casey Bowling tells up about the City’s preparations for the incoming storm…