January 26, 2026

Severe Winter Storm Impacts South Carolina

South Carolina, January 26, 2026

South Carolina is facing significant challenges due to a major winter storm bringing freezing rain, sleet, and snow, resulting in widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions. Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency, with over 800,000 customers affected. Several regions, including the Upstate and Midlands, are experiencing significant ice accumulation, while the Lowcountry is under dense fog advisories. Closures and delays in schools, government offices, and airports have compounded the situation, stressing the importance of public safety during this extreme weather event.

Charleston, South Carolina

South Carolina is currently grappling with the severe impacts of a major winter storm, which has brought freezing rain, sleet, and snow across much of the state, leading to widespread power outages, hazardous travel conditions, and numerous closures and delays. The storm, which began affecting the state over the weekend, has prompted Governor Henry McMaster to declare a State of Emergency and activate the State Emergency Operations Center to Operating Condition One (OPCON 1). As of Monday, January 26, over 800,000 customers Nationwide, including thousands in South Carolina, were without power. This winter event is considered the most significant ice storm in the Upstate since 2005.

State-Level Emergency Response and Impacts

Governor McMaster’s request for a federal emergency disaster declaration to provide federal aid for state and local response efforts was approved on January 24, 2026. A toll-free Winter Weather Hotline was activated on January 25, 2026, allowing South Carolina residents with questions about the winter weather response to call for information on sheltering and road conditions. State government offices in Richland and Lexington counties were scheduled for a delayed opening at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 26, due to the inclement weather in South Carolina. Many schools and public facilities in these areas announced closures or e-learning days. The University of South Carolina also delayed its opening until 11 a.m. on Monday. Flights out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport have faced numerous cancellations.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings for significant ice accumulations across the state. One-quarter to one-half inch of ice is expected in the Upstate, with one-tenth to one-quarter inch forecast across the Midlands and Pee Dee north of Interstate 20. Lighter freezing rain may affect coastal plain areas before conditions intensify late Sunday afternoon and early Sunday evening north of Interstate 20. Very cold temperatures are anticipated for Monday night, with lows ranging from 10 to 20 degrees across most of the state, and single digits possible in parts of the Upstate. Drivers across South Carolina have been warned about the dangers of black ice and hazardous conditions. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) urged drivers to stay cautious as icy weather loomed.

Lowcountry Weather Conditions

For the Lowcountry, the weather impacts have included dense fog advisories and windy conditions. An updated weather alert for dense fog was issued for the Lowcountry on Monday, January 26, until 7 a.m.. This alert affected Inland Colleton, Inland Berkeley, Inland Jasper, Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Tidal Berkeley, Allendale, Hampton, Dorchester, Beaufort, and Charleston counties. Drivers were advised to slow down and maintain extra distance due to reduced visibilities on area roadways. Earlier, on Saturday, January 24, a special weather statement was in effect for coastal areas until Sunday at midnight, warning of windy conditions with gusts up to 35 mph, particularly along beaches and elevated bridges. The coastal Lowcountry was primarily expected to experience rain, with some areas facing the potential for isolated damaging winds and tornadoes late Sunday and Sunday night as warm air moved into the region. Cold weather advisories for the Lowcountry have been extended until Tuesday morning, warning of very cold wind chills in the low to mid-teens.

Local Developments in Charleston and North Charleston

Weekend Protests Against ICE Enforcement

Hundreds of individuals gathered in Charleston over the weekend to protest what they described as brutal immigration enforcement by the federal government in Minnesota. Approximately 300 people protested at Brittlebank Park on Saturday, January 24, followed by hundreds more at Marion Square on Sunday, January 25. The protests were sparked by an incident in Minnesota where a 37-year-old nurse, a U.S. citizen named Alex Pretti, was reportedly shot to death by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday. Two people were arrested on minor charges during the weekend rallies. Similar protests also occurred in Columbia.

North Charleston Shooting Incident

In North Charleston, police are investigating a shooting that occurred on Monday morning, January 26. Four men were involved in an argument at a residence on Hutchinson Street when one of them allegedly pulled a gun and shot another. Police reported that the victim was not cooperating with law enforcement. An investigation is currently underway.

State Legislature Debates

On the legislative front, South Carolina lawmakers are set to debate significant bills. A State-level bill that would mandate transgender students use restrooms, locker rooms, and dormitories matching their sex assigned at birth is advancing, with potential penalties of a 25 percent funding cut for non-compliant schools. A similar bill, S. 199, is scheduled for debate in the Senate Education Subcommittee on Wednesday, January 28.

Sports Updates

In local sports, the College of Charleston women’s basketball team secured a 71-62 victory against N.C. A&T at TD Arena on Sunday, January 25. Junior Taylor Barbot led the team with 18 points, while junior Taryn Barbot contributed 16 points. Meanwhile, the South Carolina Stingrays hockey team had a busy week, securing two overtime victories against the Atlanta Gladiators on Friday, January 23, and the Florida Everblades on Saturday, January 24. They later fell to the Florida Everblades 6-3 on Sunday, January 25. The Stingrays currently hold second place in the South Division.

Broader Context and Previous Incidents

Sentencing in ATM ‘Jackpotting’ Scheme

Recently, Venezuelan nationals involved in an ATM ‘jackpotting’ scheme were sentenced. One individual received time served and is awaiting deportation, and was ordered to pay restitution. This sentencing occurred approximately four days ago, placing it around January 22, 2026.

South Carolina’s Hands-Free Driving Law

As a reminder for drivers, a new law came into effect on September 1, 2025, making it illegal to drive with a phone in hand in South Carolina. Exceptions are allowed for emergency calls, reporting accidents or hazards, or when legally parked or stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the winter storm in South Carolina?

Has a State of Emergency been declared in South Carolina?

Yes, Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency and activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Operating Condition One (OPCON 1) due to the winter storm.

What are the travel conditions in the Lowcountry?

For the Lowcountry, weather impacts have included dense fog advisories and windy conditions. An updated weather alert for dense fog was issued on Monday, January 26, until 7 a.m., affecting various counties including Charleston. Drivers were advised to slow down and maintain extra distance due to reduced visibilities. Cold weather advisories for the Lowcountry have been extended until Tuesday morning, warning of very cold wind chills in the low to mid-teens.

What prompted the recent protests in Charleston?

Hundreds of individuals gathered in Charleston over the weekend to protest what they described as brutal immigration enforcement by the federal government in Minnesota. The protests were sparked by an incident in Minnesota where a 37-year-old nurse, a U.S. citizen named Alex Pretti, was reportedly shot to death by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday.

What is the new law regarding phone use while driving in South Carolina?

A new law came into effect on September 1, 2025, making it illegal to drive with a phone in hand in South Carolina. Exceptions are allowed for emergency calls, reporting accidents or hazards, or when legally parked or stopped.

Key Features of South Carolina Winter Storm Impacts

Feature	Details	Scope
Power Outages	Over 800,000 customers Nationwide, including thousands in South Carolina, without power.	Nationwide, State-level
Ice Accumulation	Upstate: 0.25 to 0.5 inches; Midlands and Pee Dee (north of I-20): 0.1 to 0.25 inches.	State-level
Temperatures	Monday night lows: 10 to 20 degrees across most of the state, single digits possible in Upstate.	State-level
Travel Warnings	Hazardous conditions, black ice, caution urged for drivers across South Carolina.	State-level
Government Response	State of Emergency declared, OPCON 1 activated, federal aid approved, Winter Weather Hotline available.	State-level
Lowcountry Weather	Dense fog advisories, windy conditions, cold weather advisories with low to mid-teen wind chills.	State-level