Warming centers in TC, elsewhere planned as winter storm approaches
Town workers clear snow in Tabor City during a 2025 storm. Accumulation this weekend could exceed that storm significantly, the National Weather Service reports. (Deuce Niven, TLT)
By DEUCE NIVEN
tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com
With a significant winter storm apparently certain for this weekend, precise impacts a little less clear, local governments, schools, and others are marking preparations and cancelling some scheduled events into early next week.
Warming centers are opening Saturday in multiple locations across Columbus County, including one at the Tabor City Courthouse, 110 West 4th Street. It is scheduled to open at noon Saturday and remain open through 10 a.m. Monday, with those times “subject to change based on updated weather forecasts and local conditions,” a town government news release said.
Both the Columbus County and Horry County public schools will go to remote learning Monday, announcements from those districts said. Decisions on classes Tuesday will be made Monday.
Southeastern Community College has cancelled all classes and activities for this week, and will make a decision on remote learning for Monday and beyond later, an SCC news release said. SCC students are encouraged to make sure they have the necessary materials and devices for remote classes.
Columbus County government offices will be closed Monday with most other services closed for the weekend. Weekend services in both Columbus and Horry will be closed, including landfill and recycling centers.
Tabor City town offices will operate on the same schedule as county government, Town Manager Josh Ward said. In Loris City Clerk said the current plan is to open offices as usual Monday, but that city staff is monitoring the weather.
Warming center guidelines
A list of warming centers across the county can be found below.
County government is supporting each of the centers, county Emergency Services Director Kay Worley told county commissioners during an emergency meeting Friday morning.
Guidelines announced for the Tabor City warming station will be similar to those elsewhere, and include:
“To ensure the comfort of those seeking shelter, the facility will provide cots and blankets. Please be advised that space and supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents who have their own small pillows or additional personal blankets are encouraged to bring them.
“To maintain a safe and orderly environment for all visitors, the following rules will be strictly enforced:
“Check-ins required. All visitors of the warming station must check-in.
“Prohibited Items: No alcohol, tobacco, vaping, illicit drugs/substances, or weapons of any kind are permitted on the premises.
“Independence: All occupants must be independently mobile.
“Pet accommodation is NOT available at this location. Residents with service animals are advised to bring necessary documentation and supplies.
“Conduct: Respectful behavior toward staff and fellow occupants is always required.”
Warming centers across Columbus include:
- Facts of Life Church
Open 24 hours when daytime temperatures remain below 40 degrees
508 North Lee Street, Whiteville
Contact: Daisy Brooks — 910-918-4531
- Bolton Senior Center
Opens Saturday at 10 a.m. until further notice
15354 Sam Potts Highway, Bolton
If power is lost, operations will move to Bolton Town Hall, 221 North 9th Street, Bolton
Contact: Mayor Shawn Maynor — 910-233-1779 - Town of Brunswick Warming Center
Opens Saturday at 8:00 a.m. through Monday at 10:30 a.m.
Hours subject to change
40 Popular Street, Brunswick
Contact: Mayor Jason Elleby — 910-918-4203 - Fair Bluff Fire Department
Opens Saturday at 8 a.m.
152 Main Street, Fair Bluff
Contact: Travis Causey — 843-333-8446 - Tabor City Courthouse
Opens Saturday at 12:00 p.m. through Monday at 10 a.m.
Hours subject to change
110 West 4th Street, Tabor City
Contact: Josh Ward — 910-740-3403 - Columbus County Sheriff’s Satellite Office (Delco)
Opens Saturday at 8 a.m.
352 Delco School Road, Delco
Contact: Lt. Darius Floyd — 910-317-6149 - Cherry Grove Missionary Church
Opens Saturday at 8 a.m. through Monday at 10:30 a.m.
Hours subject to change
409 Bitmore Road, Whiteville
Contact: Curtis Hill — 919-332-9157
Residents are strongly encouraged to shelter in place and avoid travel once conditions deteriorate. While the North Carolina Department of Transportation has been treating major routes, rural and secondary roads are expected to remain hazardous, particularly during periods of snowfall and prolonged freezing temperatures.
County officials also remind residents to prioritize winter safety by protecting people, pets, plants, and pipes, and to remain vigilant about carbon monoxide safety. Carbon monoxide poisoning risks increase during winter storms when heating devices are in use and homes are sealed.
Residents should ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly, avoid using generators or grills indoors, never warm vehicles inside garages, and keep vehicle tailpipes clear of snow.
Columbus County Emergency Services will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official county communications, local media outlets, and trusted weather sources.
Warning
An earlier winter storm watch was upgrade to a warning by the National Weather Service Friday morning. County commissioners and staff listened to a NWS briefing during Friday morning’s emergency meeting, heard from section chiefs, and were told by Worley that the county’s Emergency Operations Center will open on a limited basis Saturday, and respond as events warrant.
Horry County government moved to OPCON 2, (Level 2 operating condition) on Friday, also in anticipation of the winter storm.
A news release from Columbus County Emergency Operations outlined the current situation and noted that while “confidence is high that Columbus County will experience significant snowfall, extreme cold, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions, with impacts likely extending into Monday. Officials emphasize that this type of winter weather is uncommon for our area, and residents should take the threat seriously.”
The rest of that Columbus County news release says:
“Snow is now expected to begin earlier than previously forecast, with a rain, snow, and sleet mix possible early Saturday morning before sunrise, transitioning to all snow later Saturday morning. The heaviest snowfall is expected from late Saturday through early Sunday morning, tapering off shortly thereafter. Confidence continues to increase in significant snowfall totals across the county.
“Forecast models also indicate the potential for heavy snow banding, which could result in locally higher accumulations and sharply reduced visibility. Whiteout conditions cannot be ruled out in isolated areas, particularly during periods of intense snowfall.
“A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect tonight through early Saturday evening, followed by an Extreme Cold Watch from Saturday evening through Monday morning. Dangerous Arctic air will continue to seep into the region, with single-digit wind chills expected Saturday night and Sunday night, and wind chills potentially dropping below zero. These conditions pose a serious risk of frostbite and hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
“Strong winds will further exacerbate impacts. Dry, powdery snow combined with frequent wind gusts of 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts possibly reaching 40 to 45 miles per hour late Saturday through Saturday night, will lead to blowing snow, severely reduced visibility, and particularly dangerous driving conditions. These winds may also contribute to scattered power outages across the county.
“Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly. Dangerous driving conditions are likely, and widespread closures and infrastructure disruptions may occur. Hazardous road conditions may persist into Monday due to prolonged cold and refreezing. The National Weather Service Winter Storm Severity Index indicates a 60 to 80 percent chance of major winter weather impacts across most of the area, with a 30 to 40 percent chance of extreme impacts in parts of southeast North Carolina.
“County officials strongly urge residents to stay off the roads once conditions begin to deteriorate. Travel during this event may become life-threatening, especially during periods of heavy snow and strong winds. Rural and secondary roads are expected to be especially dangerous.
“Residents are strongly encouraged to purchase supplies now, including food, water, medications, and essential household items, and to ensure prescriptions are filled ahead of the storm. Business closures and service disruptions are possible, and residents should plan accordingly.
“As temperatures drop, residents are reminded to protect people, pets, plants, and pipes. Limit time outdoors, ensure pets have warm shelter or are brought indoors, protect sensitive plants, and take steps to prevent frozen or burst pipes.
“Carbon monoxide safety is critical during winter storms. Residents should ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. Never use grills, generators, or propane heaters indoors. Vehicles should never be left running inside garages, even with doors open, and tailpipes must be kept clear of snow to prevent deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
“Columbus County Emergency Services will continue to monitor conditions closely and share updates as new information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official county communications, local media outlets, and trusted weather sources.”
This story will be updated as events warrant. See the next Tabor-Loris Tribune for a wrap-up on this week’s weather event.
