Death Investigation and Winter Storm Engage Florence Community

News Summary

A death investigation is underway in Florence, S.C., near the railroad tracks as police seek information from the public. Concurrently, a winter storm warning has prompted early dismissals in local schools. Residents are urged to stay informed as officials work diligently on both fronts amidst hazardous weather conditions.

Death Investigation Underway in Florence as Winter Storm Hits the Carolinas

Florence, S.C. finds itself in the spotlight today as a death investigation unfolds near the railroad tracks at the intersection of Church Street and National Cemetery Road. Right now, the local community is buzzing with curiosity and concern while the Florence Police are hard at work trying to piece together all the details surrounding this urgent matter.

Captain Stephen Starling from the Florence Police Department has shared that the investigation is still in its early stages. A thorough examination is going on to determine the exact cause and manner of death, and the police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. While not much is known yet, folks in the neighborhood have noticed a significant presence of officers meticulously combing through the area, close to both the tracks and in the adjoining wooded regions.

Meanwhile, while residents are keeping an eye on this unfolding situation, a winter storm has decided to roll in and shake things up across the Carolinas. From Friday night through Saturday morning, our trusted Weather Authority Team has designated these days as Weather Aware Days. It looks like Mother Nature is throwing icy temperatures along with snow and icy road conditions our way, so everyone should be vigilant.

If you’ve been on Interstate 95 near Dunbarton Drive, you might have noticed traffic slowing down quite a bit. There’s been a collision involving an 18-wheeler, but thankfully, no injuries have been reported, and emergency crews are on-site making sure everything is safely managed.

As the weather takes a turn, school districts across the Carolinas are reacting accordingly. Early dismissals have been announced to ensure students are safely off the roads before conditions worsen. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the districts that have set specific dismissal times:

Florence School District 3:
- Lake City Early Childhood, J.C. Lynch Elementary, Olanta Magnet, and Scranton Elementary will dismiss at 11 a.m.
- Main Street Elementary will let out at 11:10 a.m.
- Dr. Ronald E. McNair Junior High School and J. Paul Truluck Magnet will dismiss at 11:50 a.m.
- Lake City High School will finish at noon.
Dillon School District 4: All elementary schools will dismiss at 12:15 p.m. while middle and high schools will let out at 1 p.m.
Dillon School District 3: Latta Elementary dismisses at 1 p.m., with Latta Middle and High School at 2 p.m.
Marion County School District: Primary and elementary schools will dismiss at noon and middle/high schools at 1 p.m.
Public Schools of Robeson County: All classes will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m., with afternoon activities canceled.
Robeson Community College: This institution will be moving to remote learning, meaning the physical campus will remain closed from Friday evening through Monday morning.
Scotland County Schools: They’ll follow a similar early release schedule.

As the biting cold takes hold, warming shelters are popping up in the Pee Dee area. Local officials are urging everyone to prioritize safety and exercise caution while on the roads — driving conditions can become exceedingly treacherous during a winter storm, so it’s best to stay informed and prepared.

With the death investigation continuing in Florence and a winter storm affecting travel and school schedules, the community is facing a challenging weekend ahead. Residents are encouraged to stay updated as more information is expected to emerge soon on both fronts.