WHEREAS, by Executive Order 2002-01, the Governor declared a state of emergency for the State of South Carolina because of hazardous weather conditions caused by a winter storm; and

WHEREAS, the severe winter storm which began January 2, 2002 and resulted in accumulations of snow and ice throughout the State has concluded and conditions are no longer hazardous; and

WHEREAS, because of the hazardous weather conditions, State offices were closed from 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 2, 2002, until 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2002.

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I declare that a state of emergency no longer exists and hereby declare that Executive Order 2002-01 is cancelled, rescinded, and from this date declared null and void.

Furthermore, pursuant to Act 66 of 2001, Section 63C.21, any and all State employees absent from work due to the hazardous weather emergency between 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 2, 2002, and 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2002, are hereby granted leave with pay.