WHEREAS, on Wednesday, December 4, and Thursday, December 5, 2002, the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for all counties north and west of and including Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, Richland, Kershaw, and Chesterfield where South Carolina had the potential to receive a mix of snow, sleet and rain, as well as an accumulation of ice on bridges, overpasses, tree-limbs, and power lines, throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, the effects of the storm require assistance for stranded motorists, medical emergencies, and logistical support to local government; and

WHEREAS, this severe weather has downed trees, blocked roads, created power outages, and isolated many citizens, and surpassed the capability of local governments to adequately respond to and recover from its effects; and

WHEREAS, because of the hazardous weather conditions, State offices in the counties of Oconee, Cherokee, Pickens, Laurens, Greenville, Newberry, Anderson, Richland, Spartanburg, Lexington, Union, Kershaw, Abbeville, Edgefield, Chester, York, Lancaster, Chesterfield, Greenwood, McCormick, Saluda, and Fairfield, were ordered closed from 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 4, 2002, until 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 5, 2002.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor, pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of the State of South Carolina, I hereby declare that a state of emergency exists as of December 4, 2002, and direct the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan be placed in effect and require State agencies to support the responsibilities and tasks therein. I further authorize that emergency expenditures required to ensure the safety of the citizens of South Carolina as authorized by the Director, Emergency Management Division, shall be covered under the State Contingency Fund.

I further direct the South Carolina National Guard and their appropriate equipment be placed on standby status and, at the discretion of the Adjutant General, and in coordination with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, that such necessary and prudent actions be taken to respond to the hazards posed by this severe winter weather to protect life and property.

Furthermore, pursuant to S.C. Code § 8-11-57, as amended by Act 356 of 2002, Part IX, Section D, all State employees absent from work due to the hazardous weather emergency between 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 4, 2002, until 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 5, 2002, are hereby granted leave with pay.

The provisions of this Executive Order shall remain in full force and effect until further order of this office.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 5th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2002.

JIM HODGES
Governor

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:12 A.M.