City of Walhalla Winter Storm Updates
Sunday, February 1, 2026 7:30 PM Update
City crews worked throughout the day scraping roads. Primary routes are currently navigable; however, secondary roads remain slick in spots and require extra caution. Overnight lows are expected to cause refreezing, especially in areas where slush remains. Drivers should reduce speed, avoid sudden stops or sharp turns, and remain alert for icy patches during the Monday morning commute.
Power companies are requesting that residents conserve energy to help prevent overloading the power grid. Residents should also use caution when thawing frozen water lines to avoid damage. Water department crews remain on call to respond to any line breaks.
Sanitation collection will operate on the normal Monday schedule, beginning at 8:30 AM. Residents should place roll carts at the curb for pickup and use care when walking on icy surfaces.
Due to anticipated icy conditions in the morning, all city facilities will open at 11:00 AM on Monday.
Sunday, February 1, 2026 11:00 AM Update
Sheets of ice continue to cover many roads and sidewalks, creating hazardous travel conditions. Even with sunny skies, temperatures will struggle to rise above freezing today, meaning snow and ice will remain in place. Crews are actively scraping roads and sidewalks to remove as much snow as possible and will remain on call to respond as needed.
Surfaces are extremely slick, increasing the risk of slip-and-fall injuries. If possible, please stay home and avoid walking or driving on icy areas. One misstep can cause serious harm. If you must travel:
- Drive slowly and allow extra stopping distance.
- Avoid quick turns.
- Do not slam on brakes.
The extreme cold warning has expired, but temperatures remain very cold this morning. Snow melt will be minimal, and travel impacts are expected to continue into tomorrow morning. The slick road conditions we warned about yesterday have not greatly improved.
We will continue to monitor conditions and make a decision this afternoon regarding City operations for Monday.
Public Works crews remain out treating roads and sidewalks, with additional crews on call to assist as needed. Emergency Services personnel remain on 24/7 coverage.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 Update
Crews worked throughout the day clearing roads and sidewalks and will resume operations tomorrow morning. They will remain on call overnight to respond to any hazardous conditions. Public cooperation has been instrumental in keeping roads clear for first responders and emergency vehicles.
Thanks to most residents staying home and enjoying the snowfall safely, Walhalla experienced far fewer traffic accidents than many other areas in the Upstate. Light traffic allowed crews to work efficiently and maintain safer travel routes.
At this time, there are no reported power outages within the city. Utility teams remain on standby should conditions change.
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly overnight, creating the potential for icy roads. Dangerous wind chills could result in hypothermia or frostbite if proper precautions are not taken.
- Heat your home safely and follow fire prevention guidelines.
- Bring pets indoors to protect them from the cold.
- Dress in layers if you plan to be outside.
- Use extra caution when driving or walking on potentially icy surfaces
Friday, January 30, 2026 Update
Road Treatment Plans
Beginning Saturday morning, crews will apply salt and sand on bridges and parking areas in the Main Street business district. Roads still have a coating of brine and sand from last weekend. After the snow ends, crews will begin clearing roads. If ice or sleet develops, we will adjust our response accordingly.
• Barricades will again be placed at steep, high-risk areas: the hill on S. Catherine (next to the park) and W. North Broad (in front of WPAC). Residents will still have driveway access, and the park will remain open for safe enjoyment.
• Stumphouse Mountain Park is expected to close if roads become icy.
Power & Utilities
The forecast does not indicate widespread power outages, though high wind gusts remain a concern. Extended freezing temperatures may cause water line breaks, as lines thaw. Residents are encouraged to insulate exposed pipes, know where their main shut-off valve is located, and report any leaks promptly. Crews will be on call throughout the weekend to address any water issues.
Ongoing Monitoring
• Sunday: Road inspections will determine if additional crews are needed.
• Monday: Further assessments will guide decisions on office operations and sanitation routes.
Safety Reminder
We urge everyone to stay off icy roads unless absolutely necessary. Your safety — and the safety of our crews — is our top priority.
Monday, January 26, 202 Update
Roads remain icy from overnight temperatures; and some have downed trees blocking access. Walhalla crews are hard at work clearing downed trees and spreading salt/sand to keep our roads safe! The business district of Main Street will soon be treated, including parking spots and sidewalks. If you must travel, give way to crews working.
City offices are closed on today. Emergency crews remain active. Rec basketball practices scheduled for today are cancelled and games will be rescheduled. Sanitation routes for today will be delayed until road conditions improve. Sanitation collection will resume tomorrow at 8am – Monday and Tuesday routes should place roll carts prior. Crews will treat roads again tomorrow to ensure roads are clear.
Sunday, January 25, 2026 Update
We continue to closely monitor the winter weather conditions and work in coordination with other agencies to ensure the safety of our community.
Road clearing operations are scheduled to commence tomorrow, followed by additional road treatment. The City obtained additional salt from SCDOT and have on hand for application.
The public is advised to refrain from driving to keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles. Being out on the roads not only puts the public at risk of accident and injury; it also puts our officers and firefighters out in hazardous conditions unnecessarily. Please avoid unnecessary travel, give first responders and utility crews room to work and check on neighbors if it’s safe.
Warming Shelter
The warming shelter at WHS continues to provide assistance and remains open for those in need.
Outages
Don’t call 911 for power outages. Report Power Outages: Blue Ridge Electric: Text OUT to 800-240-3400 or Duke Energy: Text OUT to 57801
When using generators, make sure they are used outside and away from structures.
Only refuel heaters and generators after they have cooled off and only when they are outside.
Stay away from downed powerlines.
Saturday, January 24, 2026 Update
Road Treatment
Walhalla crews are salting and sanding roads and sidewalks in anticipation of the winter weather starting this afternoon. Please prioritize safety by avoiding icy roads unless absolutely essential.
Recreation Updates
Update for the In-Season Tournament Basketball: The 14u boys championship and the 17u boys championship have been rescheduled to next Saturday, while all other games in Walhalla, Westminster and Salem are still on as scheduled. Make sure to check with your local rec league for more updates.
Warming Shelters
Warming shelters will open at Seneca Middle School and Walhalla High School. Both locations will accept men, women and children (no pets) who are seeking refuge from the cold. No drugs, alcohol or weapons will be permitted.
The Warming Shelter at Walhalla High School will also serve as a medical needs shelter. Anyone requiring medication and medical supplies should utilize the Walhalla location.
Warming Shelters will be opening at 4:00 p.m. on the following days:
o Seneca Middle School (15440 Wells Highway, Seneca, SC 29678) on Sunday, January 25th
o Walhalla High School (4701 North Highway, Walhalla, SC 29691) on Saturday, January 24th
Friday, January 23, 2026 Update
Thursday, January 22 Update
Road Treatment Plans
Beginning Saturday morning, crews will work alongside the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to salt and sand primary and high-traffic secondary roads. SCDOT is currently pretreating Highways 28, 11, and 183, as well as salting bridges.
• We are delaying our own application until Saturday morning to avoid rain washing away the treatment.
• Sidewalk salting will focus on the Main Street business district and emergency services locations.
• Barricades will be placed at steep, high-risk areas: the hill on S. Catherine (next to the park) and W. North Broad (in front of WPAC). Residents will still have driveway access, and the park will remain open for safe enjoyment.
• Stumphouse Mountain Park is expected to close once freezing weather arrives.
Ongoing Monitoring
• Sunday: Road inspections will determine if additional crews are needed.
• Monday: Further assessments will guide decisions on office operations and sanitation routes.
Water System Advisory
Freezing temperatures may cause water line issues. Residents are encouraged to insulate exposed pipes, know where their main shut-off valve is located, and report any leaks promptly.
Safety Reminder
We urge everyone to stay off icy roads unless absolutely necessary. Your safety — and the safety of our crews — is our top priority.
- Ensure you have prepared yourself and family; food, water, medications, warm clothing & blankets.
- Charge all of your personal devices and portable chargers and have a way to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts.
- Don’t call 911 for power outages. Report Power Outages: Blue Ridge Electric: Text OUT to 800-240-3400. Duke Energy: Text OUT to 57801
-
Protect Your Home from Frozen Pipes:Recommended Actions:Allow faucets to drip slightly to keep water moving.Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.Maintain a steady indoor temperature—even when away.If a pipe freezes:Turn off the main water supply immediately.Avoid using open flames to thaw pipes – this is a fire hazard.
- Report Water Outages: Walhalla Water: Call 864-499-4162
- When using generators, make sure they are used outside and away from structures.
- Only refuel heaters and generators after they have cooled off and only when they are outside.
- REMINDER: If a traffic signal is out, treat the intersection like a stop sign and STOP before proceeding through the intersection.
