Winter Storm Set to Blanket Upstate South Carolina

News Summary

A significant winter storm is forecasted to impact Upstate South Carolina starting Friday, January 10, bringing ice and snow that will create hazardous travel conditions. Residents should prepare for accumulating snow, with expectations of 1 to 5 inches in various areas along with potential power outages. The National Weather Service advises avoiding travel during this period. Greenville County Schools will conduct an eLearning day due to the storm’s impact. Conditions are expected to improve on Saturday, with sunny weather anticipated.

Winter Storm Set to Blanket Upstate South Carolina with Ice and Snow

As winter weather moves into the Upstate of South Carolina, residents should brace themselves for a significant winter storm that is sure to bring some chilly surprises. Starting Friday, January 10, it looks like things are about to get a bit frosty, and, unfortunately, quite slippery!

Ice and Snow Ahead

According to AccuWeather meteorologists, a storm is forecasted to stretch from central Texas all the way to the western Carolinas, affecting a lot of folks along the way. One of the biggest concerns for areas in Upstate is the likelihood of hazardous travel conditions thanks to ice and snow accumulations. If you’re living anywhere from northeastern Georgia up into parts of northern South Carolina and western North Carolina, you better keep an eye out for potentially dangerous road conditions.

What to Expect This Weekend

Residents can expect to see snow starting around noon on Friday. As temperatures take a dive, it’s anticipated that snow will start to mix with sleet and freezing rain as night falls. Those living along the I-85 corridor can expect anywhere from 1 to 2 inches of snow, but it doesn’t stop there! In northern Greenville County, Pickens, and Oconee, snow could pile up to be 3 to 5 inches or even more. Definitely not the kind of weather you’d want to drive in!

Safety First: Avoid Travel if Possible

The National Weather Service is strongly advising everyone to stay off the roads if you can. The combination of sleet, snow, and freezing rain will reportedly create real hazards on the roadways. In a region where resources for keeping roads clear are often limited, the South may see delays in plowing and salting efforts that could last several days. Because of all this chaos, over 5,000 flight cancellations are also anticipated!

Stock Up on Supplies

As this weather system rolls in, it’s a great time to hunker down and prepare. Residents are encouraged to stock up on non-perishable food, water, medications, and of course, warm clothing and blankets to keep cozy. Don’t forget about flashlight batteries too! Being ready for power outages is crucial in times like these.

A Day Off for Schools

In line with the storm’s impact, Greenville County Schools will be having an eLearning day on Friday with all schools and offices closed. Students will be able to continue their education at home through Google Classroom. For those who may lose power during the storm, they can complete assignments later once things settle down.

What’s Next? A Brighter Saturday

The snow might be heavy on Friday night, with forecasts showing a 100% chance of precipitation and possible ice accumulation between 0.1 to 0.2 inches, plus a little extra snow on top. But don’t worry too much! Once Saturday rolls around, things will clear up with mostly sunny conditions and temperatures reaching near 41 degrees.

Getting Ready on the Roads

Local authorities are already gearing up for the storm. Roads across the Upstate are being pre-treated with saltwater brine to help fend off ice accumulation. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is busy making preparations and pre-treating important roadways to keep folks as safe as possible during this weather event.

Keep an Eye on Travel Plans

For those with travel plans, it’s smart to stay updated with your airlines. Airport officials are monitoring the weather and hope to continue operations, but with such unpredictable conditions, double-checking your flight status is always a good idea.

So, as the Upstate braces for this winter wonderland—or winter madness, rather—make sure you stay safe, warm, and prepared. With a little luck, we’ll all see the bright side once this chilly wave passes!