Havoc from winter storm in SC Upstate may last well past weekend, officials say. Here’s how long

You can almost feel the anticipation. Ice storm brewing.

As Rick Canavan, Duke Energy storm director, said, “While the forecast is still uncertain, it’s very possible that we could experience the Carolinas’ most extreme winter storm in over 20 years.”

Twenty years ago was the Dec. 15, 2005 storm that brought 0.25 to 0.75 inches of ice — up to 1 inch in some areas — and left 358,000 Upstate South Carolinians without power, some for a week or more.

From the city of Greenville to Furman University to the Greenville Humane Society, people were making plans for what’s being called Winter Storm Fern, expected to hit Saturday with thick ice and cold temperatures that could cripple the region through Wednesday of next week.

Greenville County Schools athletic events and field trips scheduled for Saturday and Sunday were cancelled.

The school district’s Inclement Conditions Evaluation Team will continue to monitor weather conditions regarding classes next week.

Gov. Henry McMaster has already declared a State of Emergency, based on the National Weather Service Winter Storm Watch, which is in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday until 1 p.m., Monday.

The South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan is now activated, allowing state agencies to mobilize resources and the state National Guard to activate personnel and prepare equipment for deployment.

SC preparations for winter storm

The S.C. Military Department has mobilized Active Duty service members including the S.C. State Guard.

Up to 14 Vehicle Recovery Teams and personnel are mobilizing to assist civilian authorities.

The City of Greenville’s Public Works Emergency Operations Center will open at 7 a.m. Saturday, with crews working 12-hour shifts for continuous coverage. Crews began loading brine Thursday morning.

Employees have staged equipment, added spreaders and plows to dump trucks and UTVs and gassed up all vehicles. They have taken ice melt to various locations, checked and fueled generators and chainsaws.

Bridges, steep grades and major corridors will be addressed first.

City of Greenville Municipal Court jury trials were cancelled for the week.

Greenville County Emergency Management has pre-treated roads, checked generators and fueled cars and trucks.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has positioned nearly 4,000 employees around the state to be ready for any contingency.

The agency has 60,000 tons of salt and 1,200 pieces of equipment.

The Greenville Humane Society is asking people to foster animals to get them out of the shelter.

“We were preparing for the very real possibility of losing power, unsafe travel conditions, and staff being unable to reach the shelter,” the agency said on Facebook. “And you answered in the most incredible way. Every single puppy was scooped up into emergency foster homes.”

The humane society, though, still needs places for sick puppies and dogs, some healthy puppies, a few adult dogs and cats, and other pets with mild illness.

“We provide everything — food, supplies, toys, and medications,” the said. “If you’re willing to open your home to a sick puppy or dog, you could quite literally be their lifeline through this storm.”

Fosters can go to the Adoption Center for healthy animals or the Healing Place for sick animals from 10:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Furman officials announced a normal schedule Friday and promised updates through the weekend and Monday.

“Students, faculty and staff should prepare for the possibility of hazardous travel conditions and extended power outages, and use caution if travel is necessary,” the university said.

Winter storm safety

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division offers these tips:

• 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.