News Summary
The Florence After 5 event, featuring The Chocolate Chip & Company Band, has been canceled due to severe weather conditions. The safety of everyone involved is the priority, and the band has been rescheduled for November 7. As winter storm warnings are in effect, residents are advised to stay safe and prepare for cold temperatures and possible freezing rain. The event is expected to resume on June 27, with the Main Event Band set to perform, though further cancellations may be necessary.
Florence – Severe weather has prompted the cancellation of the popular Florence After 5 event, originally scheduled for this Friday night. The decision was made with the safety of setup crews, vendors, performers, volunteers, and attendees in mind as forecasts indicate dangerous conditions in the Pee Dee region.
The Chocolate Chip & Company Band, which was slated to perform as the highlight of the event, has now been rescheduled for November 7. This change aims to ensure that fans do not miss out on the entertainment while allowing time for conditions to improve.
Florence After 5 is expected to return on June 27, showcasing the Main Event Band. However, residents and event-goers are being warned to stay alert for possible cancellations and adjustments as weather conditions evolve over the coming weeks.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Florence and the surrounding areas. Starting after 4 p.m. on January 21, Florence is expected to receive up to three inches of snow, with accumulation anticipated to occur overnight, mainly before 2 a.m. Temperatures are expected to drop to 21 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday and may descend to as low as 15 degrees the following night.
As the winter storm approaches, Florence County Emergency Management is advising residents to stay off the roads whenever possible to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure safety during the inclement weather. In addition, citizens are being encouraged to prepare their homes for the cold. This includes keeping faucets dripping to prevent pipes from freezing and ensuring that heating systems are functioning properly.
Furthermore, the area will experience potential freezing rain as the week progresses, with expectations for lighter precipitation compared to the heavy snow forecast for Friday night. The likelihood of freezing rain is projected to decrease as temperatures start to stabilize later in the week.
Residents have been advised that the House of Hope will be operating a warming shelter whenever temperatures drop below 40 degrees. This initiative aims to provide refuge for those in need during the particularly frigid conditions expected in the coming days.
School districts in the Pee Dee have also taken measures in response to the weather forecast, canceling after-school activities and transitioning to e-learning days. This precaution is aimed at ensuring students remain safe during the adverse conditions predicted by meteorologists.
The Florence After 5 event organizers continue to emphasize their commitment to public safety, maintaining that in light of the winter storm warnings, prioritizing the health and wellbeing of attendees, vendors, and performers is their top concern. The ongoing monitoring of weather updates ensures that event logistics adapt as necessary to promote safety.
Historically, Florence experiences less snowfall due to its proximity to the coast, which generally keeps air temperatures higher compared to regions further inland. However, the current weather conditions pose a significant risk for residents and visitors alike, making it crucial to stay informed and prepared.
As the storm system approaches, all community members are urged to take proactive steps to stay safe and informed throughout the duration of the weather event.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Florence After 5 Canceled Ahead of Friday Storms
- SC Now: Florence News Article
- Post and Courier: Florence SC Snow Forecast
- WLTX: School Closings Winter Weather January 2025
- WPDE: School Closures and Delays Ahead of Winter Weather
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Google Search: Florence Weather News
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impacts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Google News: Florence SC Events

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.


