Spartanburg Breaks Three-Year Snow Drought

Children enjoy a day of fun amidst the snow in Spartanburg.

News Summary

On January 10, 2025, Spartanburg welcomed snow for the first time in three years, breaking a drought that left residents longing for winter weather. With 0.1 inches of measurable snow recorded, the city experienced a brief winter wonderland. While weather warnings prompted safety precautions, including road monitoring and business closures, excitement built as children eagerly anticipated snow play. Community efforts, such as warming centers for those in need, were also implemented to ensure everyone’s safety amidst the beautiful but challenging weather conditions.

Spartanburg’s Long Snow Wait is Finally Over!

Spartanburg has been holding on tight, eagerly waiting for snowflakes to dance through the Upstate sky, and the big day has arrived! On January 10, 2025, the city finally broke its three-year snow drought, with just enough of the white stuff to create a winter wonderland, at least for a little while. Residents woke up on that chilly morning to discover that measurable snow had been recorded by 1 PM, with a total of 0.1 inches reported. That’s a significant treat, especially since they hadn’t seen any snow accumulation since January 16, 2022!

Winter Weather Warnings and Precautions

As the flakes began to fall, the National Weather Service stepped in with winter storm warnings across regions in northeast Georgia, Piedmont and Western North Carolina, and Upstate South Carolina. Initial expectations had hinted at greater accumulations, but those thoughts were dialed back, forecasting 1-2 inches along the I-85 corridor and 3-5 inches in the scenic Greenville mountains. Not wanting anyone to get stranded on slick roads, officials suggested avoiding any unnecessary travel until conditions improved.

As always during winter weather, there were a few bumps in the road—literally! Reports of power outages rolled in, with Duke Energy noting around 26 outages in the Spartanburg area, making it clear that Mother Nature wasn’t pulling any punches. In an effort to keep everyone safe, the City of Clemson decided to close all city offices and adjust CAT bus services. Additionally, the Greenville Humane Society made the responsible choice to close all its departments on January 10 and 11.

Downtown Buzz and Pre-Storm Shopping Spree

In downtown Spartanburg, a number of businesses opted to close their doors for safety. However, local favorites like Little River Coffee Bar and Spill the Beans remained open, providing warm refuge for those in need of a cozy spot to ride out the storm. Over in Simpsonville, Publix opened its doors at 8 AM, albeit with reduced hours on the day prior, as shoppers descended in droves to stock up on essentials like bread, milk, and all those must-have items for a snow day.

Given the major weather forecast, Spartanburg’s Roads and Bridges crews had been working tirelessly since January 8 to prep the roads with brine to help prevent ice formation. Plus, city officials were closely monitoring road conditions to provide guidance on streets to avoid due to heavy ice accumulation.

Community Care: Preparing for the Cold

Despite the underlying challenges posed by the winter weather, the excitement amongst local residents was palpable. Kids in particular couldn’t wait to throw themselves into sledding or build snowmen in the fresh powder. Folks took to social media, sharing the exquisite beauty of the snow blanketing local parks and landmarks, a stunning scene that inevitably brought smiles to faces all over.

Final Thoughts in a Snowy Landscape

As the storm continued throughout the day, Spartanburg and its neighboring areas came together to navigate the chilly circumstances. Emergency services were alert and prepared, ensuring the community was supported during this rare weather event. Governor Henry McMaster even declared a state of emergency in South Carolina to help streamline resources and keep all residents safe. After a bit of a panic at the grocery stores, reports indicated that shopping crowds began to thin as the storm settled in.

In the end, Spartanburg appeared ready to embrace the beauty of snowflakes once again, making sure this unforgettable winter storm was both a challenge and a joy. With the three-year snow drought behind them, who knows what the upcoming winter months hold?