News Summary
A rare snowfall has blanketed Upstate South Carolina, causing numerous school closures and making roads hazardous. With temperatures dropping into the teens, this unexpected winter weather has affected daily routines, prompting a shift to eLearning for many schools and delayed openings for local businesses. Residents are advised to exercise caution while traveling as icy conditions persist, and the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory until Wednesday morning.
Upstate South Carolina Hit by Rare Snowfall: School Closures and Icy Roads
Greenville, South Carolina, is feeling the chill after a rare snowfall blanketed the Upstate, creating quite the stir in the community. It may have only been less than an inch of snow, but the impact was significant, leading to numerous closures for schools and businesses alike. With temperatures dipping into the teens, residents are reminded that even a little bit of snow can cause big problems.
Chilly Conditions Persist
On Wednesday morning, the thermometer read a frosty 17 degrees at around 8 a.m., and temperatures for the day were only expected to reach the low 30s. To top it off, cold weather is sticking around, with freezing temperatures lingering until Thursday. The winter weather has really put a damper on daily routines, especially for commuters in the area.
Snow Accumulation and Hazardous Roads
Most of the snow accumulation was located south of Interstate 85, creating hazardous road conditions. This icy situation was no joke as the Greenville Police reported 24 accidents overnight due to slick roads. Residents were strongly advised to “slow down and use caution” if they had to travel. Icy patches and black ice are lurking around every corner, making for a tricky drive.
Widespread Closures and E-Learning
The response to this unexpected weather has been significant. More than 800 closures and delays were reported in the Upstate region, with many schools quickly transitioning to eLearning formats. Greenville County Schools, as well as districts in Spartanburg and Anderson, opted for virtual classes, ensuring students could still keep up with their education without risking their safety on the roads. Additionally, all activities, including athletic events and field trips, were canceled for both Tuesday evening and Wednesday.
Businesses Affected
Hundreds of local businesses also found themselves adjusting to the weather, with many delaying their openings until 10 a.m.. This included medical facilities and daycare centers, reminding everyone how intertwined our daily lives are when it comes to weather conditions.
Winter Weather Advisory
The National Weather Service didn’t take this lightly and issued a winter weather advisory for the Upstate. The advisory, which lasted until 9 a.m. Wednesday, kept residents informed about the ongoing risks as lingering snowpack and black ice contributed to dangerous driving conditions.
Frozen Fountains and Lower Temperatures
Even the fountain outside the Westin Poinsett Hotel in downtown Greenville fell victim to the cold, freezing over as temperatures continued to plummet. Snow accumulation figures were reported, with Greenville County seeing about 0.4 inches, Anderson County with 0.5 inches, and Spartanburg County at 0.3 inches. There is even a warning about the potential for another half-inch of snowfall, which could further complicate travel across the region.
School District Decisions
Greenville County Schools made their closure decision after careful evaluation of the road conditions, assessed by the district’s ICE (Inclement Conditions Evaluation) Team. School districts across the area, including Cherokee County, Pickens, Laurens 55 and 56, Oconee, and several Spartanburg districts, all felt the impact as they announced their closures as well.
Final Thoughts
As the cold continues to grip Upstate South Carolina, residents are encouraged to stay safe and warm. The upcoming days seem to promise more of the same, as temperatures are forecasted to hover below freezing, with an overnight low expected around 16 degrees. The winter weather serves as a reminder of how unpredictable and impactful Mother Nature can truly be.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Upstate Schools Adjust Schedules Due to Extreme Cold
Winter Weather Forces School Closures and E-Learning in SC
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
Greenville County Schools Implements eLearning Day
Winter Storm Warning Issued for South Carolina
Historic Winter Storm Hits the Southern U.S., Affecting Millions
Greenville County High Schools Upgrade to Artificial Turf
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Greenville South Carolina weather news
- Greenville Online
- Google Scholar: South Carolina winter weather impact
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- Greenville Online – Snow and Freezing Rain
- Google News: Greenville snow report
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