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: