News Summary
An early winter storm struck South Carolina, blanketing the Upstate and western North Carolina with snow, prompting a state of emergency. Officials warn of hazardous road conditions and potential power outages due to ice accumulation. Governor Henry McMaster has mobilized emergency teams, and residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel. Snow flurries began falling in downtown Greenville, with accumulating snowfall expected across the region. Authorities are concerned about black ice formation as temperatures drop, after the Upstate’s long streak without measurable snowfall.
South Carolina experienced an early winter storm on Friday, January 10, as snow flurries blanketed the Upstate and western North Carolina, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency. The storm’s impact is expected to create hazardous road conditions and possible power outages due to ice accumulation.
Snow flurries started falling in downtown Greenville just before 11 a.m., following an earlier snowfall in Landrum, South Carolina, that began around 10:15 a.m. The National Weather Service reported that snow was still falling across the area as of noon. Conditions worsened with heavier snow observed in Asheville.
As residents braced for a combination of rain and flurry mix throughout the afternoon, the National Weather Service warned of slick roads due to the precipitation, which could freeze as temperatures drop overnight. The combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain projected for the Upstate and western North Carolina led officials to designate Thursday as a Live Super Doppler 4 impact day, indicating expected cold weather and wind challenges.
A state of emergency was officially declared by Governor Henry McMaster, citing preparedness by state emergency teams to respond to the winter storm. The declaration aims to streamline resource coordination across the state in anticipation of anticipated accumulated snowfall and ice. Forecasts suggest South Carolina could experience ice accumulation of up to a quarter-inch, raising concerns for potential power outages from downed trees and damaged power lines.
Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during the storm, as freezing temperatures may create dangerous driving conditions. Snow began to cover the Upstate and was projected to reach the Charlotte area by early afternoon, with expectations for accumulating snowfall in western North Carolina and northwestern South Carolina by mid-afternoon. By midnight, the storm was expected to transition from snow to sleet and freezing rain in some areas.
Current projections estimate snowfall totals between 1 to 3 inches for affected regions, with higher accumulation expected in the mountains. However, concerns surrounding untreated roads and bridges were raised, anticipating the formation of black ice as temperatures are set to plummet into the mid and upper 20s on Friday night.
The Upstate region faced a significant weather milestone, having previously ended a streak of over 1,085 days without measurable snowfall. Historically, areas such as Pickens and Greenville counties average 5 to 7 inches of snow annually, but the forecast brings an unusual weather phenomenon, prompting both excitement and preparedness among residents.
As the storm continues to develop, communities are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and take precautions against potential hazards caused by winter weather.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WYFF 4: South Carolina/North Carolina Snow
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- WBTV: South Carolina Issues State Emergency
- Google Search: South Carolina Winter Weather
- Greenville Online: Snowfall Forecast in Upstate SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Snow
- Post and Courier: Upstate Greenville Snow and Ice
- Google News: Snow in South Carolina
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