South-Carolina

Is Greenville ready for weekend winter storm? How county is preparing

Published

1 month ago

January 22, 2026

Press Room

Is Greenville ready for weekend winter storm? How county is preparing

A major winter storm is expected to impact the Upstate, northeast Georgia, and western North Carolina over the weekend.
Heavy mixed precipitation could lead to dangerous travel, widespread power outages, and treacherous road conditions.
Emergency operations centers are preparing for activation, and the SCDOT is pre-treating major roads with salt and brine.
Officials advise residents to prepare by gathering essential supplies, filling gas tanks, and having a plan in case of power loss.

Confidence is increasing that the Upstate will experience a major winter storm over the weekend.

A winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport remains in effect. According to the latest watch, travel on the roads during the storm will be dangerous due to the possibility of heavy mixed precipitation.

Power outages caused by significant ice accumulation on power lines and trees limbs are also likely, according to the weather service. In some areas, outages could last for days.

Meteorologists with the Weather Channel said the weather event could affect over 180 million people in the U.S. ― over half of the nation’s estimated population. Residents who experienced Tropical Storm Helene in 2024 may be wondering if the Palmetto State is winter ready.

Here’s what the Greenville County Emergency Management team shared, and why residents should prepare.

How much snow will impact the Upstate?

The National Weather Service’s urgent winter weather message, posted Jan. 22 at 1:30 a.m., stated a winter storm watch remains in effect from Jan. 24 through Jan. 26. In the message, the service said heavy mixed precipitation was possible, with total snow and sleet accumulations between one and three inches and ice accumulations between one half and one inch.

In addition to the Upstate, portions of Piedmont, northeast Georgia, and western North Carolina are anticipated to experience the effects.

“Significant ice accumulations on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Ice and snow covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable,” the National Weather Service predicted.

Weight from ice and snow on tree limbs and power lines may cause widespread power outages, which may last for several days depending on the area. Residents who commute on Jan. 26 should know that travel may be impacted by hazardous conditions. Highest snow and sleet accumulations are possible north of Interstate 40. Highest ice accumulations are possible across the mountains of South Carolina, northeast Georgia and southern mountains of North Carolina.

Those traveling are advised to consider delaying all trips. If traveling, the National Weather Service recommends carrying a winter storm kit that includes items such as tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, and extra clothing.

“Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded,” the National Weather Service advised.

Emergency Operations Center preparing for ‘potential activation’ over the weekend

Pierce Womack, director at Greenville County Emergency Management, said that he and his staff are preparing the Emergency Operations Center for potential activation over the weekend. The facility serves as the coordination hub for Greenville County and includes all of the county department’s municipalities, or partner agencies (nonprofits like United Way and Red Cross, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health).

“All the different agencies would coordinate here in the Emergency Operations Center, similar to what we’ve done in the past for Hurricane Helene, the Table Rock Fire. It just serves as a hub for folks to work face to face.” said Womack.

If roads are impassable, overnight facilities will be available at the center for community members who need a place to shower, eat, and sleep. The center will be powered by a generator, and backup internet will also be available for use.

The Greenville County Emergency Management team will also be working with the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Prisma Health, and St. Francis to ensure that there are facilities in place across the county that can house general evacuees and individuals with special needs, like those who are on oxygen.

Roads to be pre-treated by South Carolina Department of Transportation

The majority of Greenville County’s main roads will be pre-treated and maintained by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), said Womack. Greenville County will be treating county roads, which mainly include secondary and subdivision roads. Most of the main roads will be handled by the state.

“The county will have salt and sand and different types of equipment to try to treat those roads,” Womack said. “The county really kind of comes in after the storm and starts scraping roads and putting sand and salt down as well.”

From past experience, Womack said main roads like Interstate 85 will receive clearance first. Treatment of secondary roads will follow.

Elizabeth Childs with SCDOT confirmed the state agency has 60,000 tons of salt staged at storage facilities across South Carolina. Brine and calcium chloride will also be used to treat roadways. Treatment will be prioritized on interstates, primary routes, bridges overpasses, and ramps, which tend to freeze first. Coverage will be adjusted according to weather conditions and severity.

“More than 4,000 SCDOT employees statewide are ready to respond during a winter weather emergency with 34-hour operations, deploying crews as conditions warrant to treat and maintain roadways.” said Childs.

Does the Greenville County Emergency Management team coordinate with utility companies for weather events?

During past disasters, Womack said he and his fire department were able to partner with a representative from a power company to clear troubled areas with many fallen trees and downed power lines. The team was able to get these types of areas opened first, and power restored.

“The power companies are very good about knowing which critical infrastructure, such as hospitals or merged operation center, things like that ― they know what are on each circuit. So they have some internal processes put together along with avenues that we have to kind of help speed up some of that in, in the trouble areas.” said Womack.

Essential supplies, tips residents should know about before winter storm hits

Womack provided the following weather preparedness tips in the event of a snowstorm:

Make sure you have a full tank of gas and warm weather gear when traveling in case you get stranded or stuck in traffic (jacket, gloves, blanket, car charger).
Prepare the home for a winter storm by leaving one of your water faucets dripping to keep the flow of water going. Be mindful of any busted water pipes.
Purchase at least 72 hours of water and non-perishable food on hand like canned goods.
Keep a cell phone charger nearby.
Pick up any prescription medications your family may need in advance of the storm. The same goes for pet necessities and pet food.
You will need batteries, a flashlight, and weather radios in case the power goes out.
Residents who own generators are urged to use them in a safe manner under the guidance of the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generators should run outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Portable heaters that use kerosene should be kept far away to prevent materials nearby from combusting, which may result in a home fire. Make sure the heater is cleared out. Do not tip the heater over.
Be on the safe side by spending a few nights with a friend or family member who does have power.

How to stay updated on alerts from Greenville County Emergency Management, SCDOT?

Once the Emergency Operations Center is activated, information from sheltering to warming center locations will be posted on the Greenville County Emergency Management team’s website and social media pages.

For real-time road and travel updates, the public should follow SCDOT’s website and social media channels. Information on shelters and power outages will be provided by local governments, emergency management agencies, and utility companies.

“SCDOT coordinates with utility providers to ensure road access for repair crews during and after winter weather, and any road closures are evaluated based on safety and communicated through official channels in coordination with law enforcement and emergency partners.” said Childs.

Nina Tran is the public safety and education reporter for The Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. She has also covered trending topics for the newsroom. Reach her via email at ntran@usatodayco.com.

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South-Carolina

South Carolina Room at CCPL Main Library closes May 1 for 8-10 weeks

Published

2 days ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

South Carolina Room at CCPL Main Library closes May 1 for 8-10 weeks

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Researchers and history buffs will soon have to plan around a temporary closure at the Charleston County Public Library’s Main Library as renovations approach.

The library’s South Carolina Room, located at the Main Library at 68 Calhoun St., will temporarily close to the public beginning May 1, as the building prepares for renovation later this year.

The South Carolina Room is expected to be unavailable for about eight to 10 weeks during the transition. During that time, services, collections and in-person research assistance will not be accessible.

READ MORE | “Charleston County Public Library introduces new Youth Library Card options.”

The department will reopen to the public in a temporary location at 1248 Camp Road, though an official reopening date has not yet been announced.

The South Carolina Room is CCPL’s primary local history and genealogy research department. It preserves and provides access to materials documenting the history and people of Charleston County and South Carolina, including historical documents, maps, photographs, manuscripts, newspapers and other archival resources used for scholarly research, family history and community exploration.

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CCPL said the temporary relocation will allow continued preservation of materials while renovations at the Main Library are underway. Updates on reopening timelines and services will be shared at ccpl.org and through the library’s official communication channels.

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South-Carolina

South Carolina Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Feb. 25, 2026

Published

2 days ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

South Carolina Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Feb. 25, 2026

The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Feb. 25, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Feb. 25 drawing

50-52-54-56-64, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Feb. 25 drawing

Midday: 1-3-3, FB: 3

Evening: 1-6-4, FB: 6

Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Feb. 25 drawing

Midday: 4-6-9-8, FB: 3

Evening: 2-6-1-8, FB: 6

Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Feb. 25 drawing

Midday: 10

Evening: 08

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Feb. 25 drawing

26-30-36-38-39

Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Feb. 25 drawing

11-24-47-59-63, Powerball: 05

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:

For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.

Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.

SC Education Lottery

P.O. Box 11039

Columbia, SC 29211-1039

For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.

Columbia Claims Center

1303 Assembly Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.

For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.

When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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South-Carolina

Why South Carolina is having a Darius Rucker concert instead of spring football game

Published

3 days ago

February 25, 2026

Press Room

Why South Carolina is having a Darius Rucker concert instead of spring football game

COLUMBIA — South Carolina is hosting a Darius Rucker concert and block party in lieu of the 2026 spring football game.

The university announced on Feb. 25 that “Gamecock Athletics, in partnership with Rock Block, has announced that country music superstar and longtime Gamecock supporter Darius Rucker, along with country singer, songwriter and actress, Lauren Alaina, will headline the Garnet & Black Spring Fest.”

Williams-Brice Stadium has been under construction since the end of the 2025 football season and will not be operational in April, when coach Shane Beamer typically hosts the Garnet and Black spring game.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 11, at Colonial Life Arena with a free pre-conference block party at the corner of Lincoln and Greene Streets, outside of CLA.

Rucker is a Charleston native and a South Carolina graduate. His band Hootie and the Blowfish was formed at the university.

Tickets will first go to Gamecock Club members, Letterman Association members, University of South Carolina students and Colonial Life Arena Cyber Club members. It’s open to all ages.

The block party will begin at 1 p.m. ET and will feature a meet and greet with Gamecock football players, food and drinks, inflatables, live music and more. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.

“Due to the ongoing stadium construction, our ability to host a spring game this year was going to be challenging as our top priority is ensuring Williams-Brice Stadium is ready for Sept. 5 home opener,” athletics director Jeremiah Donati said in the release. “As a result, the Garnet & Black Spring Fest was created to not only provide fans with the opportunity to meet and greet our football student-athletes but to come together as Gamecocks.”

Rucker is often involved in things on campus, ranging from attending games to supporting Beamer and women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, or things more formal like events like these.

At a concert in Columbia in December 2024, Beamer joined Rucker on stage to sing “Wagon Wheel.”

Alaina is from Rossville, Georgia.

South Carolina has not announced dates for spring football practice.

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky‪@bylulukesin.bsky.social‬

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