SC’s McMaster declares state of emergency for weekend’s forecasted winter storm

Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency Wednesday for a forecasted winter storm this weekend. The declaration activates state and local response plans, including the use of the state National Guard.

The winter storm could bring sleet, ice, snow, freezing rain and freezing temperatures to South Carolina and surrounding states, according to the National Weather Service. The hazardous weather is expected to begin Saturday and could last through Monday.

McMaster’s declaration gives state and local agencies the ability to coordinate resources and allows the state National Guard to activate personnel, according to a news release.

The governor’s office encouraged South Carolina residents to monitor forecasts, keep emergency supplies on hand, stay off the roads when possible and check on neighbors.

South Carolina’s law against price gouging is also now in effect, triggered by the state of emergency declaration., according to a news release from the attorney general’s office. South Carolina residents can report incidents of pricing gouging to the attorney general, and they should provide the time and address of the purchase. They should also have the price of the product and nearby prices, in addition to a photo of the business and price.

This story was originally published January 21, 2026 at 4:49 PM.