Oconee County Emergency Services

06/01/2026

⚠️ SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE – OCONEE COUNTY

This afternoon, a strong storm system moved through Oconee County from north to south, producing hail ranging from nickel to quarter size from the Tamassee area through Seneca, along with multiple reports of downed trees countywide.

Regarding rumors of tornadic activity: the National Weather Service – Greenville/Spartanburg (NWS-GSP) has reported there is NO indication of tornado activity at this time. Damage observed is likely consistent with straight-line winds, which can mimic the appearance of a weak tornado.

Oconee County Emergency Services has been in coordination with:
🔹 US National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
🔹 City of Seneca Fire Department
🔹 South Carolina Emergency Management Division

If you have experienced property damage or have a non-emergency concern, please contact the appropriate agency and insurance, as applicable.

For life-threatening emergencies, always call 9-1-1.

We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as they become available.

05/29/2026

From our partners at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources:

The Hurricane Season Begins On Monday

The start of the season is the time to look at the seasonal hurricane activity forecast for the Atlantic, and you’ve probably already heard about these in the news. Colorado State University, which has been issuing seasonal hurricane activity forecasts for over 40 years, released its outlook on April 9, and NOAA, the parent federal agency of the National Weather Service, issued its forecast on May 21. Numerous other private and public-sector entities have also issued forecasts. The consensus is that this hurricane season will be less active than recent years. This lessens the Palmetto State’s odds of being impacted by a storm this season.

In the meantime, while I’m sure you’re somewhat less tense knowing that we expect a less active hurricane season, the seasonal forecasts should not affect how you prepare. The “it only takes one” cliche applies here. So, you should get your emergency kits stocked and take care of other preseason storm prep work now so that you’re ready for “the one” should South Carolina be the place under assault. As always, you can find hurricane prep tips and advice at

In coordination with state, federal, local and volunteer agencies, including the S.C. Department of Public Safety, S.C. Commission for Minority Affairs, Clemson University Extension Service, the S.C. Department of Insurance, National Weather Service, S.C. Broadcasters Association, S.C. Department of...

05/26/2026

SENECA — The Friends of Lake Keowee Society hosted three presentations at Duke Energy World of Energy on Thursday from various local volunteers and emergency response teams about the importance

05/18/2026

During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect. When your body heats too rapidly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, you may experience a heat-related illness. Stay Weather-Ready by learning the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.

Link: weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

05/13/2026

APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN FOR HURRICANE HELENE DISASTER RELIEF BLOCK GRANT

Hurricane Helene dealt a heavy blow to forest landowners across the western part of South Carolina in September 2024. Recognizing these losses, the South Carolina Forestry Commission and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture applied for and received funds from the US Department of Agriculture to help offset a portion of these losses.

SCDA began taking applications for the SC Disaster Relief Block Grant for Helene today. The block grant is designed to help offset some of the financial losses suffered by farmers and forest landowners due to Hurricane Helene. Losses eligible for assistance include infrastructure damage, market losses, future economic losses and timber losses. The SC Forestry Commission is overseeing the timber loss aspect of this grant.

Here are the basics regarding timber loss:

Property must be located in an eligible county (see green counties in attached map).

Property must have been owned by a private landowner on September 27, 2024.

Property must contain at least 10 contiguous acres of forestland with at least 15% of the trees with significant damage (broken main stem, blown over or major crown damage).

No restoration work is required — these funds are designed to help offset financial losses. Participation in other federal programs does not impact eligibility for this grant.

Loss valuations will be carried out by consulting/registered foresters and by SCFC foresters.

Forest landowners who meet the following criteria can apply online by visiting the SCDA website at https://agriculture.sc.gov/divisions/agency-operations/grants/helene/.
For more information about the block grant, eligibility, application process and more, please visit our website at scfc.gov/management/landowner-services/hurricane-helene-timber-block-grant.

05/09/2026

Are you ready for hurricane season? Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes, and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm. Even if you feel ready, there may be additional things you could do or learn.
noaa.gov/take-action-today

(Image credit: NOAA's National Weather Service)Download Image Are you ready for hurricane season? Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes, and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts and

05/08/2026

A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm. This is NOT the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.
noaa.gov/use-caution-after-storms

(Image credit: NOAA's National Weather Service) Download Image Dangers remain even after the skies turn blue. This is NOT the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm. If you evacuated, only return home only when told to do so Return home ONLY when o

05/07/2026

Be prepared for hurricane season by knowing what to do during a storm. Whether you’ve evacuated or are sheltering in place, know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts and alerts, and continue to listen to local officials.
noaa.gov/stay-protected-during-storms

(Image credit: NOAA's National Weather Service)Download Image During a storm, whether you’ve evacuated or are sheltering in place, know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts and alerts, and continue to listen to local officials.

05/07/2026

THE National Weather Service HAS CANCELLED THE TORNADO WATCH FOR
THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

IN GEORGIA THIS CANCELS 6 COUNTIES:

ELBERT, FRANKLIN, HABERSHAM,
HART, RABUN, STEPHENS

IN SOUTH CAROLINA THIS CANCELS 4 COUNTIES:

ABBEVILLE, ANDERSON, OCONEE,
PICKENS

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF: ABBEVILLE, ANDERSON, BALDWIN,
BOYDVILLE, CALHOUN FALLS, CANON, CLARKESVILLE, CLAYTON, CLEMSON,
CORNELIA, DACUSVILLE, DEMOREST, EASLEY, ELBERTON, FORTSONIA,
FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GUMLOG, HARTWELL, HOLLYWOOD, LAVONIA,
MIDDLETON, MOUNTAIN CITY, MOUNTAIN REST, NUBERG, OAKWAY,
PINE MOUNTAIN, REED CREEK, ROYSTON, RUCKERSVILLE, SENECA, TOCCOA,
WALHALLA, AND WESTMINSTER.

05/07/2026

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR OCONEE COUNTY IS CANCELLED...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

However, small hail, gusty winds and heavy rain are still possible in areas near the Pickens County line.

Additional storms may move into the area later tonight. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 200 AM EDT.