Watch: Icy Roads Cause Concern in SC

Richland Co., S.C. (WOLO) — Winter weather moving through the Palmetto state could make travel challenging for motorists.

“Conditions could develop and it could be very hazardous for people to be out on the road ways,” says Derrec Becker with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.

According to Becker, the Department of Transportation has been out in full force making sure motorists are safe.

“They’ve pre-deployed resources they’re been treating roads continuously and we’re working with them to make sure they have the resources DOT needs to do their job,” he says.

The DOT will have scouts out monitoring and treating roads until conditions improve, but they are asking motorists to drive defensively.

Becker explains, “Dangerous conditions are going to be prevalent throughout the upstate and northern midlands of South Carolina and people just need to take precautions.”

The icy conditions aren’t just effecting the roads, SCEMD has received reports of at least 18,000 power outages.

“When you have ice accumulations on the power lines you have ice accumulation on trees that could cause even more power outages. It’s never too early to prepare but it can be too late.”