Clinton was socked in by ice Sunday night, due to Winter Storm Fern; but by late morning Monday, temps in the 40s caused much of the ice to turn to slush.
Concern then turned to Tuesday morning, as temps near 20 posed the threat of refreezing water already on the roads.
School districts 56 and 55 extended their eLearning Days to Jan. 27, while all three colleges in Clinton closed their campuses on Jan. 26.
Clinton’s Municipal Center and Utility Billing Office were closed on Monday. Laurens County Council conducted a virtual emergency meeting on Feb. 23, and the Laurens County Water & Sewer Commission board moved its Tuesday meeting back to 11 a.m. for the roads to clear. Here are dispatches from several public agencies related to the winter weather:
Gray Court man froze
to death.
Per Laurens County Coroner Patti Canupp, on 01/21/2026, around 11:15 am, Senior Deputy Coroner Bill Williams and Coroner Patti Canupp responded to the area of Goose Way in Gray Court, SC where an 85-year-old male was found deceased by a family member.
The call came in early Wednesday morning at 07:02 AM to dispatch when a family member leaving for work noticed his front door was open and he was not inside.
Laurens County First Responders that included Law Enforcement, Gray Court Fire Department, were quickly on scene. SLED with their bloodhounds arrived later to help canvass the neighborhood and a large, wooded area to locate Mr. James Thomas.
The cause of death by Prisma-Greenville Pathology was hypothermia due to extended exposure to freezing elements outdoors. The outdoor temperature lowest for the day was 27 Fahrenheit. Alzheimer’s was also noted in his medical history.
Our heartfelt prayers go out to the family during their time of loss,
District 56:
Due to the low temperatures and water freezing on the roads, Laurens County School District 56 will have an E-learning Day on Tuesday, January 27th. (Superintendent Dr. David O’Shields got a mention in Charleston’s Post & Courier newspaper for his Vanilla Ice-inspired statement about Monday’s closing; you can hear it in a post on The Chronicle’e Facebook page. The D56 Board of Trustees meeting set for Jan. 26 has been re-scheduled for Feb. 2.)
District 55: Dear Media Contacts:
Please be informed that Laurens County School District 55 will be on eLearning on January 26 & 27, 2026, due to the possible impacts of the forecasted wintry mix weather in Laurens County.
Stay safe!
Laurens County Emergency Management:
Winter Storm Update as of the morning of January 26, 2026:
Laurens County has shifted to Operating Condition (‘OpCon’) 2.
What does this mean?
The Emergency Operating Center remains active. Laurens County will continue to work with local and state agencies as we begin adjusting resources and staff to reflect the shift to OpCon 2. Crews are diligently working to ensure a smooth transition as we move out of immediate threat.
As some of our residents may have to commute to work this Monday, please be cautious of hazardous road conditions! While Laurens County crew worked in tandem with SCDOT to treat the roads, there will likely be black ice and/or sleet on the roadways. Please allow yourself extra time to arrive to your destination and drive slowly!
We have been informed of power outages and fallen tree limbs in areas of the County. Crews are actively resolving these issues. We thank our utility companies and County staff for standing ready to fix power outages quickly and efficiently throughout the duration of this storm!
Decisions on any closures of County operations and facilities for Tuesday, January 27, will be made later today once we are able to properly assess roadway conditions. The safety of County employees and our citizens will always be top priority!
We are not done yet! While precipitation has ceased, frigid temperatures still persist and the likelihood of refreezing remains! We will continue to provide updates as we gather additional information. Stay safe, Laurens County.
CNN has reported at least 12 deaths related to the storm and cold, and extensive power outages especially in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. More than 200 Million people are under cold alerts into this week.
THE GOVERNOR
Gov. McMaster Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm
COLUMBIA – Governor Henry McMaster last Wednesday issued Executive Order 2026-02 declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for a winter storm system expected to impact the state beginning Saturday and continuing through the weekend, possibly into Monday. The governor’s order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan, allowing state agencies to quickly mobilize resources, allows the state National Guard to activate personnel and prepare equipment for deployment, and allows state and local emergency management officials to begin coordinating response efforts. In addition, the order suspends certain rules and regulations for commercial vehicles and operators of commercial vehicles in order to expedite the transportation of emergency response resources.
“South Carolinians should remain aware of local forecasts and take appropriate precautions ahead of this weekend’s storm, as winter weather can change quickly and create hazardous conditions with little notice,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Preparations are already underway by state agencies, and this State of Emergency ensures Team South Carolina is ready to respond and support communities as conditions develop.”
Forecasters report a mix of sleet, ice, and snow, along with freezing temperatures, which is expected to create hazardous travel conditions and impact utilities across portions of the state.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is working closely with state and local partners, including the National Weather Service, to monitor conditions. Officials urge residents to follow trusted sources for accurate, up-to-date weather information.
Residents are encouraged to:
Monitor forecasts from your local National Weather Service office.
Keep an emergency supply kit for your home and vehicle stocked with essentials, including water, food, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
Follow safety tips when using alternative heating appliances.
Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those who may need assistance.
Bring pets indoors, ensure they have warm shelter, and keep them safe from freezing temperatures.
Stay off the roads during periods of freezing temperatures and precipitation. Be aware that bridges and overpasses ice before other roads.
If you must travel, use extreme caution, slow down, and avoid sudden braking or turns. Additionally, ensure your cell phone is charged and let someone know where you are going, what your travel route is, and when you expect to arrive.
For more winter weather preparedness tips and safety information, visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s Winter Weather Guide.
Gov. McMaster’s Federal Emergency Disaster Declaration Request Approved
COLUMBIA – Governor Henry McMaster announced that his request to President Donald Trump for a federal emergency disaster declaration to provide federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts to the winter storm has been approved.
The declaration provides Direct Federal Assistance to South Carolina, meaning access to federal personnel and equipment for all 46 South Carolina counties and the Catawba Indian Nation under the federal Public Assistance (PA) program. More information about the PA program can be found here.
A federal emergency declaration request is available when a hazard event is imminent and federal assistance may be needed to support preparations and initial response. The State Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor reports of damage and response costs to determine if further requests for federal assistance are needed.
The City of Clinton issued this warning:
WINTER WEATHER PREPARATIONS
Confidence continues to increase regarding the potential for significant wintry precipitation Saturday through Sunday night and frigid temperatures next week. Here are a few tips to get ready.
Make sure your windows and doors are secured from drafts.
Do you have smoke alarms and CO detectors?
Check your generator for leaks and that it is working properly. Place away from doors, windows and out of the garage.
If you use a kerosene or electric heater, check cords to make sure they are safe and have a three foot clearance from any flammable object.
Insulate water lines to keep from freezing.
Don’t wait, the time to prepare is now!
The Laurens County Water & Sewer Commission issued this advisory:
LCWSC Monitoring Winter Storm Watch, Reminds Customers to Prepare Homes and Pipes for Extended Freezing Temperatures
Laurens — With a Winter Storm Watch currently in effect for the area and forecasts calling for extended periods of below-freezing temperatures, LCWSC is closely monitoring weather conditions and taking proactive steps to support continued safe and reliable water and wastewater service for the community.
LCWSC’s team works year-round with a focus on maintaining, inspecting, and improving the water and wastewater system. Through routine daily system maintenance and seasonal readiness efforts, crews regularly prepare infrastructure and equipment to operate through changing weather conditions, including winter cold.
“Our team is focused on our system every day of the year, not just when winter weather is in the forecast,” said Jeff Field, Executive Director of LCWSC. “By monitoring conditions closely and completing routine maintenance year-round, we’re able to stay prepared. We also encourage our customers to take a few simple steps at home to prepare for extended freezing temperatures.”
Wintry weather can impact both household plumbing and water systems, particularly during prolonged periods of freezing temperatures. Customer preparation plays a significant role in helping prevent frozen pipes and potential waterline breaks.
LCWSC encourages customers to take the following steps to help protect their homes and plumbing:
• Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, basements, garages, and exterior walls• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior water supplies
• Seal air leaks near plumbing around doors, windows, and foundations
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off
• Allow faucets to drip slightly during extended freezing temperatures
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
Additional winter weather preparation tips, including how to locate and shut off your water, are available on the LCWSC website: https://tinyurl.com/5x8p4s6h. Customers can also find helpful information and weather-related updates by following LCWSC on social media.
While LCWSC takes steps to prepare its system and continues routine maintenance throughout the year, extended freezing temperatures and other winter weather conditions can affect homes and underground utilities alike. In some cases, temporary service interruptions may be unavoidable.
“When winter weather does impact service, our customers can be confident that our team is ready,” Field said. “We are prepared 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to respond safely and work efficiently to keep water flowing safely to and from your home.”
LCWSC appreciates the community’s partnership in preparing for winter weather and encourages customers to take action now as colder temperatures approach.
Laurens Electric Cooperative issued this advisory:
Many of you are prepping your portable generators in advance of the winter storm. Portable electric generators can offer many benefits when a long-term electrical outage occurs due to a storm. However, if generators are not used properly, things could turn deadly.
• Never connect generators directly to your home’s wiring or plug it into a regular household outlet. The reverse flow of electricity (backfeeding) can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker or anyone who comes in contact with them—even if the line seems de-energized.
• Please turn off your main power breaker so that it does not produce back feed that could be deadly to our linemen.
• To prevent electric shock, make sure your generator is properly grounded. The operation manual should provide correct grounding procedures.
• Operate electric generators or other fuel-powered machines outside where deadly carbon monoxide fumes cannot enter the home.
• Use the generator only in a well-ventilated and dry area located away from air intakes to the house. Do not use a generator in an attached garage.
• Do not overload the generator by operating more appliances and equipment than the generator can handle. The operating instructions should have an output rating for the generator.
• Individual appliances should be plugged directly into the receptacle outlet of the generator using appropriately sized extension cords to carry the electric load. Make sure the cords are rated for outdoor use, have a grounded, three-pronged plug, and are in good condition.
• Do not run extension cords under rugs.
• Never plug a generator into a household outlet.
• Do not refuel a generator while it is running.
• Only store fuel outside of living areas and away from heat sources like water heater pilot lights.
• Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.
Visit https://energysmartsc.org/generator-safety/ for more tips.
SCDOT Activates Statewide Response Ahead of Winter Storm Fern, Crews Working to Keep Roads Safe
Columbia - The South Carolina Department of Transportation is working in preparation for the severe winter weather coming to South Carolina. Our teams are actively monitoring conditions, preparing equipment, and taking steps to keep our roads and our citizens safe across the state.
Nearly 4,000 dedicated SCDOT employees are positioned around the state.
Our top priority during any winter weather event is the safety of our roadways. That means keeping roads and bridges open and accessible, especially for first responders and other essential travel needs.
To help protect our roadways from ice and snow, we’ve stockpiled critical materials, including brine and calcium chloride for pretreating surfaces. In addition, we currently have 60,000 tons of salt and 1,200 pieces of equipment staged strategically across the state, ready to be deployed where it’s needed most.
As Winter Storm Fern approaches, we encourage everyone to slow down, give our crews plenty of space as they work, and stay informed through local news and SCDOT’s updates. Your caution helps keep our employees safe and ensures we can continue doing our job, keeping South Carolina moving safely.
The Laurens Commission of Public Works issued this advisory:
The Laurens CPW is on high alert in advance of the predicted winter storms. We have activated our pre-storm procedures and are currently stocking our trucks and other equipment to be as prepared as possible. In addition, we have requested additional out of state crews to be staged nearby in the event that roads are impassable. Now is the time to prepare your home and family in case conditions worsen – and familiarize yourself with what to expect in a winter storm emergency. #laurenscpw #lcpw #winterstorm #wintersafety
Prisma Health, which manages the Laurens County Hospital, advised:
Prisma Health is closely monitoring the weather and wants to keep its patients safe and informed.
Any delays or closures of Prisma offices will be posted on the Prisma Health practice closures website and shared with patients through text message alerts and other outreach. Patients are encouraged to continue checking that website for updated information.
Patients with scheduled procedures (surgeries, imaging, etc.) will be notified directly by Prisma Health in the event of any change to their scheduled procedure.
Prisma is also creating additional virtual-visit bandwidth to help patients receive needed care without travel in hazardous conditions. Virtual visit options, unless affected by local power outages, can be accessed through MyChart or Prisma’s network of urgent care practices at www.prismahealthurgentcare.org.
Key Reminders
Safety First - If travel is unsafe, patients should contact their provider to reschedule appointments.
Mobile Units - Mobile units may be affected by weather-related delays or changes.
Social Channels - Prisma Health will also post updates on its social media platforms.
STORM REMINDERS
Since this might not be our last brush with winter - we have February to go and we have seen it snow even in March - The Chronicle is advising everyone to be mindful of side streets that might not get de-icing treatment as readily as major thoroughfares. You might think there’s no ice, but by the time you start skidding backward, it’s too late. Also, black ice forms on roads under shady spots and on bridges, so be especially cautious there -- other closings announced for Tuesday were the Laurens County Museum, Laurens Academy, and City of Laurens Court, Lander University said classes would re-start on Wednesday. This was the SC Department of Transportation report Monday afternoon: “SCDOT crews are continuing to work diligently and are making steady progress clearing interstates and primary routes impacted by #WinterStormFern. Crews remain active treating roadways and addressing lingering hazards to help improve road conditions. Drivers are urged to remain cautious, slow down, and give our crews plenty of space as this work continues. Stay informed on road conditions through 511SC, SCDOT’s website, and our social media channels.” In the vein of preparedness, many of the public agencies’ statements on Page 8 contain tips for surviving during a winter storm, so we can be mindful and prepared for the next one -- be advised, the LOW temperature for Saturday is projected at 15 degrees.
