Winter Storm Fern updates: Schools, state and local government closures for Lee County

UPDATE: According to a release from Lee County School District, LCSD will operate on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, Jan. 27.  "Due to below-freezing temperatures and the potential for hazardous road conditions caused by black ice and lingering freezing rain, Lee County School District will operate on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, for all students and staff members. School buses will run two hours later than their regular schedules, and classes will begin two hours later than normal. Staff members should report according to the delayed schedule established by their school or department. The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. In making decisions related to inclement weather, Lee County School District works collaboratively with the County Emergency Management Team and the Lee County Sheriff’s Department to carefully assess road conditions and local forecasts. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of our school community. Please continue to monitor our district’s website and Facebook page for updates."

After Winter Storm Fern, Lee County Government offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26, and it will be an e-learning day at Lee County School District with all in-person activities canceled. State government offices in the county will be closed as well. 

Lee County Government’s Facebook page said the closure is “due to concerns related to the impacts of the winter weather we are currently experiencing.” This was after Lee County Fire and Rescue stated, “due to icy road conditions across portions of the county, travel is strongly discouraged. Please avoid unnecessary travel and use extreme caution if travel is unavoidable.”

Lee County School District announced the e-learning day for Jan. 26 “due to the potential for freezing rain, sleet, and below freezing temperatures.” All after-school programs, field trips and extracurricular activities are canceled for that day as well.

Meanwhile, state government offices in Lee County will be closed, as they are across the state, especially where ice accumulation was predicted to be the most severe, as the South Carolina Emergency Management Division's State Government Office Closings webpage shows. While no post office closures have yet been announced, the United States Postal Service website says Winter Storm Fern "may impact the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages" for South Carolinians.

Further Lee County School District updates will be announced on its Facebook page and website, https://www.leeschooldistrictsc.org/apps/news/

Find further Lee County Government announcements on its Facebook.

Reach Lee County Fire/Emergency Management’s Fire Chief/Fire Marshal/Assistant Emergency Management Director Brandon Holloman at (803) 484-5274 or bholloman@leecountysc.org.

Follow The Sumter Item online before, during and after the storm for information that can help keep you safe and informed. All inclement weather coverage is accessible to read without a subscription, as a public safety service.