Icy Roads Lead to E-Learning Days in Upstate South Carolina

News Summary

Icy conditions in Upstate South Carolina have forced schools to implement e-learning days and led to delayed openings for businesses. Greenville officials worked diligently to improve road safety, treating slick areas while advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel. The situation resulted in numerous traffic collisions, but services like trash collection proceeded as scheduled. As warmer temperatures approach, the community looks forward to a return to normalcy.

Icy Roads Lead to E-Learning Days and Delayed Openings in Upstate South Carolina

On a chilly Wednesday morning, the residents of Greenville woke up to what can only be described as winter wonderland—or perhaps a winter nightmare, depending on how you look at it! Roads across the Upstate were slick, icy, and downright perilous, causing officials to spring into action and keep everyone safe.

Travel Woes and School Switches

As the icy conditions took hold, most schools and universities in the Upstate swiftly implemented e-learning days. With the South Carolina Emergency Management department sounding the alarm about hazardous driving, parents and students alike were left to navigate their classes from the warmth of their homes.

Many businesses felt the pinch too, as several either closed their doors or delayed openings. This meant fewer people on the roads, which is always a good thing when conditions are treacherous!

Conditions on the Road

By 11 a.m. on Wednesday, there was some good news: road conditions in Greenville started to improve, though caution was still advised due to lingering slick spots. City crews were hard at work overnight, treating primary roads, steep slopes, and bridges to make travel safer. A whopping ninety tons of salt were spread across the icy surfaces, working tirelessly to combat the frost.

Despite these efforts, officers reported responding to a total of 24 traffic collisions resulting from the dangerous conditions. The public works department prioritized treating the most slippery areas, coordinating with the Greenville Police Department and Greenlink to get the job done.

City Services in Full Swing

City workers in Greenville hit the streets bright and early—at 3:30 a.m. to be exact—focused on clearing sidewalks and addressing icy road conditions. Thankfully, essential services like trash, recycling, and bulk waste collection maintained their schedules, proving that even winter can’t freeze the usual services!

However, Greenlink bus service wasn’t as fortunate; it faced a four-hour delay, with service starting back up at 9:30 a.m. City offices officially opened their doors at 11 a.m. to ensure employee safety amid the frigid conditions.

Warnings and Local Actions

South Carolina Department of Public Safety emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary travel until the hazardous conditions passed. Warnings indicated that icy patches were particularly troublesome in regions from the Midlands all the way to the coast.

Over in Anderson, city officials closed all government offices and convenience centers, including the Starr Landfill, while Clemson’s offices delayed opening until 10 a.m. due to the slick conditions that made getting around an adventure in itself.

Transit and Road Challenges

Specific roads across the area weren’t spared from complaints—trouble spots included Old Central Road, Issaqueena Road, parts of Highway 93, and around the SWU area. There were even concerns about buses sliding around on these perilous streets, prompting anxious parents and officials alike.

Transit buses in Anderson County planned to resume their routes by 11 a.m., lending a sense of normalcy amid the wintry weather chaos. Meanwhile, officials in Greenville were gearing up to treat icy roads again from 6 p.m. Wednesday night until 6 a.m. Thursday, ensuring they remained vigilant about road safety.

Status Update

As the icy grip of winter loosens its hold, the forecast looks hopeful, with temperatures set to gradually warm up on Thursday and carry into the weekend. A return to normal transit and sanitation schedules is also on the horizon, which is news that everyone eager for warmer weather will surely appreciate!

Stay warm, Upstate South Carolina! With a little caution and care, we’ll navigate through this winter wonderland together.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Upstate Schools Adjust Schedules Due to Extreme Cold
New Orleans Sees Rare Winter Wonderland Following Snowstorm
Upstate Schools Transition to E-Learning Amid Winter Weather
Winter Weather Advisory Leads to School Closures in Upstate SC
Winter Weather Leads to eLearning Day in Greenville County
Winter Weather Causes School Closures in Greenville
Winter Storm Warning Issued for South Carolina
Historic Winter Storm Hits the Southern U.S., Affecting Millions
Winter Weather Alert: Houston Faces Major Snowstorm

Additional Resources

• Greenville Online
• WITN
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  Author: HERE Greenville