Haley asks Obama to declare SC as disaster area

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — Gov. Nikki Haley says the winter weather blanketing South Carolina is expected to be worse than a 2004 storm that knocked out power to many residents for a week.

Haley told reporters Wednesday that icy conditions were expected to worsen throughout the day. She implored residents to stay home and warned people to prepare for power outages.

By late morning, power was out for more than 60,000 customers statewide as snow and ice snapped tree limbs and power lines.

Haley has asked President Barack Obama to declare South Carolina a federal disaster area. She's also declared a state of emergency in South Carolina, bringing the National Guard to active duty to support state agencies.

In January 2004, three-quarters of an inch of ice left 250,000 customers without electricity.

Check live traffic cams in South Carolina here.

LIVE: *Get minute-by-minute updates and winter storm resources here.*

WSOC