Bamberg County Officials Urge Preparations Ahead of Possible Icy Weekend

Bamberg County officials continued to monitor forecasts and urged residents to prepare for possible freezing rain and ice accumulation expected this weekend. County emergency and operations leaders said the principal risks are power outages and downed trees, and they described coordinated steps already underway to reduce impacts.

Tiffany Kemmerlin, Bamberg County Emergency Preparedness Director, said county emergency teams are in regular coordination with the State of South Carolina and reiterated that there are currently no active watches or warnings for Bamberg County. “The estimated 10–20% threshold for moderate impact reported yesterday remains unchanged, and Bamberg County is currently at a 0% probability for major damage,” Kemmerlin said. Officials noted that while daytime temperatures should rise over the weekend, forecasts call for temperatures to fall below freezing Monday and Tuesday nights, increasing the risk that remaining moisture will refreeze and create hazardous conditions for morning commutes.

County Public Works crews, under the direction of Bill Johnson, have begun pretreating essential areas and are working in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Transportation to prioritize routes and high-traffic corridors. County leaders confirmed contingency plans for shelter operations are in place should extended power outages require them, and the Bamberg County Office on Aging is ready to assist with transportation for residents who may need access to shelter services.

Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston asked residents to be proactive in their preparations. “We ask residents to stay informed, plan ahead, and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families,” Preston said. “Preparation remains one of the most effective tools we have in minimizing the impact of inclement weather.” Officials emphasized practical steps households can take now: fully charge cell phones and other devices, have blankets and backup light sources such as flashlights and extra batteries, bring pets indoors, and check on neighbors—especially seniors and people with disabilities.

For non-emergency reports such as downed trees or other infrastructure concerns, residents are asked to call the Bamberg County non-emergency number at (803) 245-3000 so the 911 system remains available for true emergencies. County government offices will continue to operate under regular business hours until further notice, and officials will update the public through the Bamberg County Government Facebook page and the county website. For additional information, residents may email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.

The coming days will test winter readiness across Bamberg County, but officials say coordinated pretreatment, shelter planning, and community preparedness can limit disruption. Residents who take the recommended precautions and monitor county communications will be best positioned to weather any brief icy conditions that develop.