Georgetown County makes preparations for Winter Storm Gianna
January 30, 2026
Anywhere from 2 to 11 inches of snow is forecast to fall in Georgetown County this weekend, with the most likely forecast calling for 4 to 6 inches. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 1 am Saturday to 4 pm Sunday. An Extreme Cold Watch and a Gale Watch are also in place for the weekend.
Residents should expect wind-blown snow, hazardous driving conditions and wind chills in the single digits. Sporadic snow is likely to begin late in the morning on Saturday, becoming heavier and more widespread throughout the day.
Georgetown County Emergency Management transitioned to OPCON 2 at noon today, which indicates an increased awareness when an emergency or disaster is likely to impact our area. GCEMD has put key staff on standby for rapid activation should it become necessary on Saturday. Any activation of the Emergency Operations Center will be virtual for the safety of staff. Additionally, the Public Services Department has equipment ready to go for road clearing and other operations once snow stops and conditions allow.
All Georgetown County Recycling Centers will close at noon on Saturday and remain closed at least through Sunday. A decision on county government operations for Monday will be made on Sunday.
Extreme cold and hazardous driving conditions are the primary concern with this weather system. Georgetown County Emergency Management wishes to emphasize the importance of avoiding travel once conditions become hazardous.
Widespread electrical outages are not expected, but for residents with concerns about being able to stay warm at home, Community groups have opened two warming shelters in Georgetown County – at Mt. Olive Baptist Church (1043 Duke Street) and the Low Country Veterans Group headquarters (2104 Lincoln St.), both located in the City of Georgetown.
Georgetown County Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation closely and encourages residents to remain weather aware. For more information and tips on staying safe during a winter storm, monitor our website at gtcounty.org and follow GCEMD on social media.
Residents can also download the State Emergency Management Division’s Winter Weather Guide at SCEMD.org.
