Welcome to Laurens

🚨 Winter Weather Update 🚨

 

Monday, January 26 at 2 PM 

Schedule Update – Tuesday, January 27, 2026

City Hall, Municipal Building & The Ridge  - will operate on a two-hour delay.

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Municipal Court - all court sessions scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026 have been rescheduled due to possible icy conditions. Notification of the new court date will be mailed to the address on file with the court.

 

Garbage Collection

Monday and Tuesday routes will be collected on Tuesday.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday routes will operate on their normal scheduled days.

Please continue to use caution while traveling, as road conditions may remain hazardous in some areas.

 

Additional updates will be shared if conditions change.

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Monday, January 26 at 10 AM

City of Laurens Updates

Municipal Court
All court sessions scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, have been rescheduled due to possible icy conditions. Notification of the new court date will be mailed to the address on file with the court.

City Hall Operations
A decision regarding City Hall operations for Tuesday, January 27, will be made later today once roadway conditions can be fully assessed.

Garbage Collection
A determination regarding garbage pickup for Tuesday and the remainder of the week will also be announced later today, pending weather and road conditions.

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Laurens County Emergency Management Update

The following information is provided by Laurens County Emergency Management as of the morning of January 26, 2026:

Laurens County has shifted to Operating Condition (OpCon) 2.

The County Emergency Operations Center remains active, and County officials continue coordinating with local and state agencies as resources and staffing are adjusted while moving out of the immediate threat phase.

While road treatment efforts have been conducted in coordination with SCDOT, hazardous road conditions may still exist, including black ice and sleet. Residents who must travel are urged to use caution, allow extra travel time, and drive slowly.

Decisions regarding County operations and facility closures for Tuesday, January 27, will be made later today after roadway conditions are further evaluated. Public safety remains the top priority.

Although precipitation has ended, frigid temperatures persist, and the potential for refreezing remains. Additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

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Sunday, January 25 at 3:45 PM

Laurens CPW is reporting no power outages in our area at this time, and their storm team remains on station and ready to respond. While conditions remain similar to our earlier update, weather conditions are expected to worsen as temperatures continue to drop this evening.

There is a potential for additional ice accumulation between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and with temperatures remaining below freezing, roadways are expected to re-ice, creating increasingly dangerous driving conditions overnight and into tomorrow.

RESIDENTS ARE STRONGLY URGED TO AVOID ALL TRAVEL UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.

Laurens Police Department reminds everyone that all traffic laws remain in effect during inclement weather, including for golf carts, four-wheelers, and side-by-side vehicles. Officers have observed an increase in traffic on city roadways this afternoon. Please use extreme caution, wear required safety gear, and drive responsibly—icy and slick roads make unsafe driving especially dangerous.

Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 with weather-related questions.

To avoid tying up emergency lines, use the non-emergency dispatch number: 864-984-3531.

 

Sunday, January 25 at 9:00 AM​

At this time, Laurens CPW is reporting no power outages within the City of Laurens, and their storm response teams are on station and prepared to respond as needed. City, County, and State officials will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as they become available. 

​The National Weather Service reports that sleet is expected to change over to mostly freezing rain by late morning, with a round of heavier freezing rain possible this afternoon. These conditions will result in hazardous roadways, and residents are strongly encouraged to avoid all travel unless absolutely necessary.

 

Saturday, January 24 at 7:00 PM

Laurens County Emergency Management has moved to Operating Condition 1 (OPCON 1), indicating that a disaster or emergency is imminent or occurring. The County Emergency Operations Center is fully activated and the Emergency Operations Plan is in effect. City, County, and State agencies continue coordinating response efforts and will share updates as conditions develop. Residents are encouraged to limit travel and monitor trusted weather and emergency sources.

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Saturday, January 24 at 3:00 PM
Laurens County Emergency Management has shared the following information regarding ongoing winter storm preparations and response efforts. This information is provided to help keep residents informed as conditions develop.

Emergency Operations Center
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is active and coordinating with multiple agencies to fulfill requests for necessities. The EOC is serving as a central hub of support for Laurens County residents.

Road Preparations
Laurens County crews are working with the South Carolina Department of Transportation to pre-treat roads, particularly routes leading to the Laurens County Agriculture Center, to allow access to the warming shelter. These efforts will continue throughout the duration of the storm. Residents are asked to stay off the roads once the event begins to allow crews and emergency services to work safely and efficiently.

Warming Shelter Support
Volunteers are assisting at the warming shelter located at the Laurens County Agriculture Center. Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs), and water are available. Please note that this resource has limited capacity.

Emergency Services
Laurens County Emergency Services are appropriately staffed and equipped to continue serving the public. Residents are reminded to use 911 for true emergencies only. For non-emergency needs, please reference the call list available on the Laurens County website. Preparations have also been made in the event of power outages.

Power and Generators
County generators have been tested and are operational. Backup systems are in place where needed, and fuel supplies are accessible to keep essential facilities functioning.

Weather Outlook
The forecast calls for a wintery mix to arrive in Laurens County mid-day to early evening Saturday, with continued freezing rain and wintery mix through late Sunday evening into early Monday morning. While freezing precipitation is expected to end, freezing temperatures may persist through at least Wednesday.

 

Saturday, January 24 at 2:00 PM

Governor Henry McMaster and state emergency management officials provided an update on South Carolina’s response to the ongoing winter weather event. Officials emphasized continued concerns related to hazardous travel conditions, freezing temperatures, and potential power outages, and urged residents to limit travel and remain weather aware.  Watch the full video here. 

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Saturday, January 24 at 9:00 AM

​According to the National Weather Service, a major ice storm remains on track, with precipitation rates expected to increase later today and into tonight. While conditions may remain relatively quiet early, residents are encouraged to finish preparations today ahead of worsening conditions. See Map for current ice totals. 

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Medical Equipment Power Shelter Information

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has opened its Medical Equipment Power Shelter (MEPS) Triage Line for residents who may need backup power for medical equipment during extended power outages.

• MEPS Triage Line: 1-833-351-9990

• Available 24 hours a day beginning Saturday, January 23, until further notice

• This service helps determine eligibility for medical power shelters for individuals who rely on medical devices, refrigerated medications, or specialized medical equipment at home

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Friday, January 23 at 7:00 PM

As Laurens County remains under a declared state of emergency, the City of Laurens continues to prepare for the incoming winter storm and potential ice impacts. City staff are coordinating closely with Laurens County Emergency Management and monitoring conditions as they develop. See emergency shelter, warming center information, closures, etc. below. 

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Ongoing Updates

Emergency resources and official updates are available on both the City of Laurens website and the Laurens County website. Moving forward, residents should expect City updates in the AM & PM daily, with additional information shared as it becomes available based on changing conditions.

Residents are encouraged to prepare now, remain weather aware, and limit travel when possible, especially during periods of freezing rain or ice accumulation.