News Summary
South Carolina is gearing up for a significant winter storm set to impact the Upstate and western North Carolina with hazardous travel conditions. A winter weather storm warning has been issued, predicting accumulations of snow and ice, with snow flurries already observed in the region. Officials warn of 1 to 3 inches of snow, and up to a quarter of an inch of ice in southern areas. Temperatures are expected to drop, complicating travel conditions further. Residents should stay informed and exercise caution as conditions worsen.
South Carolina is bracing for a significant winter storm that is expected to impact Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina starting Friday. A winter weather storm warning has been issued, predicting hazardous travel conditions due to snow and ice accumulations.
Snow flurries were already observed in the Upstate area on Wednesday morning, with Greenville experiencing its first snowfall just before 11 a.m. Meanwhile, Landrum, South Carolina reported snow beginning at 10:15 a.m. As the storm approaches, officials warn that accumulations of 1 to 3 inches of snow are likely for much of the region, with mountain areas possibly receiving around 4 inches of snow.
In addition to snowfall, southern Upstate regions, including Anderson, Greenwood, and Woodruff, might see up to a quarter of an inch of ice. The snow is expected to primarily fall during the day on Friday, with a mixture of sleet and transitioning to freezing rain later in the evening. A hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service highlights that travel conditions may become dangerous, prompting commuters to exercise caution, especially on Friday morning and evening.
Forecasts indicate that temperatures on Friday will drop to the mid and upper 20s, reaching a daytime high of around 33 degrees. As precipitation begins around 4 p.m. on Friday, there is a 90% chance of snow and sleet. According to predictions, the wintry weather will taper off overnight, with the potential for clearing around 2 a.m. Saturday.
Looking ahead, Saturday’s forecast suggests temperatures will climb back to approximately 40 degrees, but nighttime lows will dip into the teens and upper 20s. The majority of Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny, though residents are advised to remain cautious of any lingering moisture that may refreeze, leading to black ice conditions.
A winter storm watch has been issued for parts of the Upstate, and transportation officials warn that sleet, snow, and icy roads could lead to hazardous driving situations. Roads may remain snowy and icy for several hours on Saturday until temperatures sufficiently rise. Northern and central areas are likely to see snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches while southern regions could experience traces of snow along with potential ice accumulation.
In western North Carolina, forecasts predict even higher snow totals, with estimates suggesting 3 to 6 inches of snow in some areas. Snowfall will commence on Friday and is anticipated to continue periodically throughout the day before mixing with other forms of precipitation. Areas in the mountains are expected to experience the most significant snowfall and ice, as noted by forecasters.
Power outages may occur in some locations due to the weight of snow and ice affecting tree limbs and power lines. Residents are advised to prepare for potential outages and adjust travel plans accordingly. The National Weather Service has expressed low confidence in snow or ice accumulations for separate areas, specifically across the Piedmont regions of Georgia and South Carolina.
As Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina gear up for this incoming winter storm, residents are encouraged to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions. Caution is advised for travel on Friday and Saturday, particularly due to anticipated hazardous conditions and icy roads.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Greenville Online: Snowfall Forecast
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- WYFF4: SC Snow Predictions
- Google Search: Winter Storm Predictions
- Fox Carolina: Mainly Snow on Friday
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact
- Greenville Online: Latest Snow Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
