COLUMBIA, S.C. —Β The White House has approved Governor Nikki Haleyβs request for anΒ Emergency Declaration for South Carolina. This Declaration authorizes limited logistical support throughΒ FEMA should additional resources be needed.Β
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division continues to urge everyone in South Carolina to keepΒ safety in mind throughout this dangerous winter weather. Only those with an absolute need shouldΒ travel on South Carolinaβs dangerous roadways.Β
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has 1364 maintenance workers actively involved in roadΒ operations and has utilized more than 7,763 tons of salt on roadways.Β The South Carolina Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol has responded to 2,044 weather-relatedΒ calls for service in the last 24 hours, including 731 collisions, 446 trees in roadways, 117 abandonedΒ vehicles, and Troopers assisted 553 motorists.Β
The South Carolina National Guard has deployed 128 soldiers statewide.Β The Office of Regulatory Staff is reporting more than 218,823 power outages statewide as of 5:30 p.m.Β More than 4,600 personnel are working on restoration.Β
The South Carolina Department of Social Services and the American Red Cross established 17 generalΒ population shelters. Twenty seven people have arrived at these shelters.Β
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control are staffing seven special needsΒ shelters. As of 5:30 p.m. there are five occupants.Β
Β
