Winter Storm in Upstate South Carolina
A winter storm is poised to deliver significant snow and ice to Upstate South Carolina this weekend, with temperatures plunging into the 27-degree range. The storm will begin impacting the region Friday morning, bringing hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages. Preparations by local utilities and road maintenance teams are underway to ensure safety. With significant accumulations expected, residents are advised to stay indoors and take precautions through Monday as the winter weather unfolds.
As the chill of winter settles in, Upstate South Carolina is bracing for a developing winter storm that promises to bring significant snow and ice to the region this weekend. Starting Thursday, this weather system is expected to move rapidly from the coast of Texas, making its way into our neighborhoods.
With cold air already in place, residents can expect daytime temperatures to barely break into the 40s. Make sure you’re bundled up, as a hard freeze is anticipated overnight, with lows dipping to around 27 degrees Fahrenheit Friday night. It’s the perfect time to get cozy indoors with a hot cup of cocoa!
The winter storm impacts are set to kick in between 10 a.m. and noon on Friday and won’t let up until late Friday evening. Heavy snow and icy conditions are expected, especially from the North Carolina mountains stretching into almost every Upstate county. For those living along the I-85 corridor, including bustling cities like Greenville and Spartanburg, the forecast leans heavily toward snow, though a bit of ice could mix in here and there.
If you’re located south of the I-85 line, brace yourself for a wintry mix, including snow transitioning into ice. This combination could create some slippery and hazardous travel conditions starting midday Friday and lasting all the way into Monday due to continued freezing temperatures.
According to forecasts, snow accumulations are anticipated to range from half an inch to 2 inches north of I-85. Meanwhile, areas south of the interstate could see significant freezing rain. As icing progresses, the likelihood of power outages and downed tree limbs increases, creating a good reason to stock up on candles and flashlights!
The storm will begin to shift late Saturday morning, with freezing rain transitioning into light rain by the afternoon as temperatures rise to about 42 degrees. However, it will be a wise move to finish any pre-storm errands by Friday morning, as the mix is sure to impact your travel plans.
Local utilities like Duke Energy are taking the situation seriously, ramping up their storm response plan to ensure safety during the storm. The recent upgrades to their lines and substations will help in managing outages better. They even have innovative self-healing technology, implemented back in 2024, which has successfully prevented around 130,000 power outages so far.
In the City of Greenville, preparations are underway for snow removal, with workers busy attaching plows and filling up trucks with brine. It’s all hands on deck to ensure that the roads remain passable.
Those needing extra shelter during the frigid temperatures should be aware that organizations like Miracle Hill Ministries have opened Severe Weather Shelters. These shelters offer meals, warm mats, and, of course, a cozy place to rest. Out of the Ashes in Western North Carolina is also gearing up to provide additional support and resources as demand increases.
On the roadways, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is being proactive by pre-treating roads with salt and brine. They have 10,000 tons of salt ready and will focus on major highways first to minimize accidents.
Driven to keep everyone safe, a winter storm watch has already been issued, warning residents of the impending conditions from Friday morning through Saturday morning. Areas in northeast Georgia and southwest North Carolina might see even more snow, reaching accumulations of **3 to 6 inches**. So if you’re traveling this weekend, it’s best to stay off the roads during the worst of it and drive with caution if absolutely necessary.
So, gather your loved ones, stay warm, and prepare for a winter wonderland…with a bit of caution thrown in for good measure!
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