News Summary
Upstate South Carolina experienced snow flurries this Wednesday, prompting a winter weather advisory from the National Weather Service. Residents were greeted with light snow in various areas, particularly around downtown Greenville and Landrum. The potential for snow accumulation, especially in northern regions, remains low as locals prepare for a mix of wintry weather. E-learning days have been implemented in local schools, and community services are temporarily paused in response to the winter conditions. Stay safe and limit outdoor activities as the weather impacts the region.
Snow Flurries Blanket Upstate South Carolina as Winter Weather Advisory Issued
Cold Winter Surprise for the Upstate
Greenville, South Carolina, woke up to a crisp wintry scene this Wednesday morning as snow flurries made their appearance across the Upstate region and parts of western North Carolina. If you were in downtown Greenville around 11 a.m., you might have noticed the delicate snowflakes starting to fall, while Landrum residents were greeted with the same icy surprise just a bit earlier at 10:15 a.m.
Weather Advisory in Effect
The National Weather Service (NWS) didn’t waste any time issuing a Hazardous Weather Outlook, cautioning locals about potential winter weather hazards in the area. A sneaky area of low pressure is set to pull in some wintry weather, affecting folks north of a line that stretches from Clayton, Georgia, to Greenville, Spartanburg, and Rock Hill in South Carolina and even down to Monroe, North Carolina. While the excitement of snow can get hearts racing, meteorologists are keeping expectations in check, stating that confidence in accumulating snow or ice remains low.
What to Expect from the Snow
According to forecasts, the northern areas of Upstate South Carolina might see a light dusting of a few tenths of an inch of snow. The counties of York, Chester, and Cherokee are all in for the potential thrill of seeing the white stuff, along with a slight chance of ice or freezing rain, particularly near the North Carolina border. With an 80% chance of precipitation likely resulting in snow showers before the sun begins to set, residents should prepare for a wintry mix continuing into Wednesday night.
Forecast Changes on the Horizon
Later into the evening, the chance for rain and snow showers will decrease, moving to about 30%. However, as the skies stretch into Thursday, rain-coated clouds are expected to move aside, giving way to mostly sunny weather. The NWS situation in western North Carolina will kick off with an advisory starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday and wrap up by noon Thursday.
Snow Accumulation in Western NC
For our neighbors in western North Carolina and parts of northeast Georgia, the snow may play a more prominent role with predictions of accumulations under an inch in the valleys and an enticing 1-3 inches on the ridgetops. But that’s not all; there’s also a risk of ice accumulation adding to the winter drama. Hold onto your hats, as winds may gust upwards of 40 mph, whipping around those snowy drifts.
School and Work Impact
In light of this winter wonderland, local schools have opted for e-learning days on Friday. Students in the Upstate should be ready for some digital homework as snow and sleet may start to collect on the ground. Predictions remain sketchy, but areas north of Interstate 85 are speculated to see around 1-3 inches of snow and sleet, and possibly even up to 4 inches in more northern parts.
Stay Safe During the Winter Weather
For those living just south of Greenville, brace for a quarter inch of sleet, which might lead to downed trees and power outages. The weather is expected to ramp up by the morning, hitting its stride by early afternoon, followed by freezing rain after dark. Local authorities, particularly the Oconee County Sheriff’s office, have kindly advised residents to limit outdoor activity to stay safe.
Community Services Paused
In response to the snowy forecast, many community services in Greenville County will be closed on Friday, including government offices, libraries, courts, parks, and recycling centers. Public transport services provided by Greenlink are also scheduled to wrap up early. The City of Greenville will join in, closing municipal court sessions along with county office operations, waving the white flag to the winter conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Greenville Online: Snow Forecast
- WYFF4: South Carolina Snow
- The State: Local News
- Greenville Journal: Friday Snowfall
- Fox Carolina: Mainly Snow
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Google Search: Snow in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impacts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- Google News: South Carolina Weather
