TEGA CAY, S.C. — The Tega Cay City Council convened for an emergency meeting on Friday afternoon, January 23, 2026, to pass a resolution declaring a local state of emergency in preparation for severe winter weather.
By passing Resolution 2026-01, the Council formally aligned the city with Governor Henry D. McMaster’s Executive Order 2026-02, which declared a statewide emergency earlier in the week. The decision was driven by forecasts predicting hazardous conditions, including sleet, ice, snow, and freezing temperatures expected to impact the region from January 24 through January 26, 2026.
Mobilizing Resources and Emergency Powers
The resolution authorizes the City Manager to implement the City’s Winter Weather Operation Procedure Plan to safeguard residents and businesses. Key measures authorized by the Council include:
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Activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC): City officials are now authorized to stand up the EOC to coordinate response efforts.
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Deployment of Resources: The city may direct personnel and equipment specifically to support emergency preparedness and recovery operations.
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Emergency Procurement: To expedite safety measures, the City Manager is authorized to bypass standard procurement procedures to acquire essential supplies such as road treatment materials, fuel, generators, and debris removal services.
Potential Closures and Public Safety
City officials warned that the winter weather could disrupt utility services and create dangerous travel conditions. As part of the emergency declaration, the city has the authority to implement temporary closures of city facilities, parks, and public spaces, as well as enforce traffic or roadway restrictions if necessary to protect life and property.
To maintain essential services, city personnel may be reassigned or required to work extended hours during the crisis.
Duration of the Order
The local state of emergency went into effect immediately upon the resolution’s passage and is scheduled to expire on January 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., unless the City Council votes to extend it.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official city channels as the storm approaches.
