Governor Declares State Of Emergency; 160,000 Without Power

GREENVILLE -- More than 160,000 South Carolinians are still without electric service in South Carolina this morning.

South Carolina Electric and Gas Company said late Tuesday 110,000 customers were without service. The utility said the biggest problem is in the Midlands. SCEG spokeswoman Christy Farrell said part of the problem is some areas are having to be repaired more than once, as trees continue to fall or drop branches.

Progress Energy reported 49,000 customers without service in the Pee Dee this morning.

Both utilities say it will be some time before all service is restored.

Gov. Mark Sanford declared a state of emergency Tuesday.

The ice storm is the worst the state has seen since December 2002, when about 300,000 customers in the Upstate were left without power.

The Upstate suffered comparatively few power outages during the storm. Greenwood and Anderson counties suffered most of the outages that occured.

Many school districts kept children home a third day as many side roads and driveways that didn't dry out Tuesday refroze overnight. Greenville County schools have now used all their built-in snow days.

Temperatures are expected to get into the mid-40s across the Upstate with clear skies and plenty of sun.

Previous Stories:

• January 27, 2004: Ice Begins To Melt Away, Overnight Freezing Possible
• January 26, 2004: Here We Go Again; Second Round Of Icy Weather Approaches

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