Welcome to Laurens

🚨 Winter Weather Update 🚨

Sunday, February 1, 2026 4 PM: 

Due to extremely cold temperatures expected overnight and into Monday morning, along with lingering ice in multiple areas around City Hall and The Ridge, City officials have made the decision to close both locations on Monday, February 2.

With morning temperatures expected to be near 13°F, ice is not expected to melt within the next 24 hours, creating unsafe conditions for employees and the public. This decision is being made out of an abundance of caution, with safety as the top priority.

Garbage pickup will continue as scheduled on Monday. Collection will begin later in the morning, around 9:00 AM, to allow crews safer working conditions. Residents are asked to leave carts out and use caution around sanitation trucks.

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Saturday, January 31, 2026 8 AM: 

Laurens County is currently experiencing impacts from Winter Storm Gianna, with snow occurring across parts of the region today. Laurens County remains in Operating Condition (OpCon) 2, indicating heightened readiness as the storm moves through the area.

Laurens County Emergency Management continues to monitor conditions, with the Emergency Operations Center in standby status.

County Preparedness Updates:

• Laurens County Public Libraries are closed today, Saturday, January 31. Any additional closures will be shared as they are received.

• The Laurens Police Department lobby is available as a warming center for short-term relief, with limited charging capabilities.

• Laurens County Emergency Services remain operational, staffed, and responsive to calls for service. Residents are reminded to use 911 for true emergencies only. For non-emergencies, please call (864) 984-2523.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation reports that Winter Storm Gianna is impacting South Carolina, with snow falling and road conditions deteriorating in multiple areas. Residents are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel. If travel is unavoidable, drivers should slow down and give road crews plenty of room as they treat and clear roadways.

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Updates will continue to be shared as additional information becomes available.

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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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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.