News and Announcements

January 28, 2014 

Update: 4:00 p.m.

Conway, South Carolina –Horry County has moved to Operating Condition Level 1(OPCON 1) in preparation of wintry weather over the next couple of days. OPCON 1 level means an emergency situation is in effect.

Also, all Horry County offices and facilities will open Wednesday, January 29, at 12 p.m.(noon).  Other county government office information is as follows:

• All family, circuit, magistrate, probate, and magistrate jury courts will be cancelled for Wednesday, January 29, 2014.

• Circuit court jurors from Monday, January 27, 2014,’s cases should report to court at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2014.
• Those that had Family Court cases scheduled for Tuesday, January 28 and Wednesday, January 29, will be notified of the rescheduled date.

Horry County will begin to experience deteriorating conditions throughout the evening and into the morning to include a mix of freezing rain and sleet. Western parts of Horry County could see 2-4 inches of sleet/snow and ice levels on local roads could reach 1/3 to ½ inch throughout the winter storm event, which could create dangerous driving conditions and potential power outages from knocked down tree limbs. 

Horry County Public Works will begin treating heavily travelled, county-maintained roads and bridges with sand as needed and will be prepared to remove any debris that may fall in the roadways. 

Horry County Emergency Management urges everyone to continue proper precautions such as: 

• Citizens unaccustomed to dealing with life-threatening aspects of severe cold should remember to keep exposure to cold weather to a minimum. Frostbite is harmful and painful. Hypothermia, or low body temperature, can be lethal, and it is particularly hard on infants and the elderly. When the weather turns cold, don't go outdoors unless you have to. If you must go out, dress in layers and cover your ears, head and hands. Remember, high wind speeds dramatically increase the effects of cold temperatures by increasing the "wind chill factor."
• Stock up on heating fuel and prepare emergency heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters. (WARNING: Never burn charcoal briquettes indoors.) 
• Remember the usual emergency supplies: a flashlight and batteries, a battery-powered radio, extra non-perishable food and water, extra medicines and baby items, and first-aid supplies.
• Freezing temperatures can burst water pipes in homes that lack heat or proper insulation. Wrap exposed pipes or take other measure to insulate them from the cold.
• Prepare a place indoors for pets. Move farm animals to shelters and have extra feed and water available.
• Be aware of possible carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire if using alternative sources for electricity, heating or cooking. 
• Residents are encouraged to check on elderly and at-risk neighbors and relatives due to the increased potential for power outages and cold temperatures. 
• Use caution when traveling on roads.  

For more information on winter weather safety tips for your family and pets, please log onto the American Red Cross website. 

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