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Storm Gianna Could Bring Up to a Foot of Snow to Parts of South Carolina
State of emergency remains in effect as winter storm watch issued for most of the state
Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:07pm
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Winter Storm Gianna is expected to bring significant snowfall to South Carolina this weekend, with the Bennettsville area potentially seeing up to a foot of snow. The state has declared a state of emergency and the Department of Transportation has been preparing by restocking supplies of salt and brine. Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads and prepare for extreme cold temperatures.
Why it matters
South Carolina doesn't often see heavy snowfall, so this winter storm could pose challenges for the state's infrastructure and residents who are not as accustomed to dealing with such winter weather conditions. The state's emergency management and transportation departments are taking proactive measures, but the storm still has the potential to cause disruptions.
The details
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for most of the state, in effect from late Friday night through Sunday afternoon. The Bennettsville area could see up to a foot of snow, while Lancaster could get up to 11 inches. Other parts of the state, including the Grand Strand, Pee Dee, Midlands, and Upstate, are expected to see 4-8 inches of snow. The state Department of Transportation has been preparing by restocking its supplies of salt and brine and has 1,200 pieces of equipment ready to use. The department will start treating roads on Friday and will prioritize plowing interstates, major roadways, and smaller streets.
- The state of emergency declared on January 21 ahead of Winter Storm Fern will remain in effect this weekend.
- The National Weather Service issued an 'extreme cold watch' statewide for Saturday night into Sunday morning, with temperatures dropping to as low as 10 degrees and wind chills below 0 degrees.
- The winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service is in effect from late Friday night through Sunday afternoon.
The players
Henry McMaster
The governor of South Carolina, who encouraged residents to take pictures and make snowmen but not to drive during the storm.
Justin Powell
The secretary of the South Carolina Department of Transportation, who said the department is ready and has spent the last few days restocking its supplies of salt and brine.
Kelly Moore
A spokesperson for the South Carolina Department of Transportation, who said the department has 1,200 pieces of equipment ready to use and will start treating roads again on Friday.
What they’re saying
“Unlike last weekend, there's no threat of deadly ice damage and extended power outages — just slushy snow on roads and bridges that could freeze overnight into Sunday morning.”
— Henry McMaster, Governor
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
