News Summary
On January 10, Upstate South Carolina witnessed its first snowfall since 2022, as snow flurries began to cover the ground in areas like Greenville and Landrum. A winter storm watch was declared, with the National Weather Service warning of up to three inches of snow and potential black ice. Conditions have resulted in road accidents and prompted local schools to suspend activities for safety. As the weekend approaches, residents are advised to stay indoors and remain cautious of hazardous weather and road conditions.
Snow Flurries Hit Upstate South Carolina Amid Winter Storm Warnings
Greenville, SC – The winter wonderland experience finally arrived in Upstate South Carolina on January 10, as snow flurries began to fall in various locations, giving residents a taste of winter fun. With the soft flurries dancing in the chilly air, people took to their windows to witness the first snowfall since 2022. The excitement was palpable, with many preparing for a cozy day indoors, knowing that up to three inches of snow could be coming their way.
The snow kicked off in downtown Greenville just before 11 a.m., while folks in Landrum, South Carolina, saw the lovely white stuff starting to grace their sidewalks around 10:15 a.m. As the flakes began to blanket the ground, the atmosphere felt festive, with children bundled up in their winter gear, ready to build snowmen and throw snowballs.
Forecasts and Expectations
According to the National Weather Service at GSP Airport, residents were warned to brace for between one to three inches of precipitation throughout the day, with the added concern of ice accumulation reaching up to two-tenths of an inch by Thursday afternoon. By Saturday morning, the snow totals hoisted toward one to two inches, with icy conditions presenting challenges in the form of slippery roads.
As the temperatures dipped, locals were cautioned about the potential risks of black ice. Frigid temperatures and dangerous road conditions had already contributed to over 100 accidents reported across the Upstate, indicating that travel was anything but a smooth ride.
Weekend Weather Warnings
With the weekend around the corner, it was predicted that Saturday’s high in Greenville County would hover near 40 degrees, followed by a steep drop in temperatures overnight. As the sun sets, the thermometer was expected to fall to the high-teens and low-20s, ensuring a chilly atmosphere for anyone wandering outside.
Meteorologists warned drivers to exercise extra caution, especially with the risk of black ice persisting through Sunday morning. Fortunately, Sunday, January 12, promised clearer skies with sunny conditions and warmer highs around 40 degrees. Thankfully, the chance of further precipitation seemed slim, offering a welcome respite after the recent snowfall.
Local Impacts
While some residents may have reveled in the wintery scene, the cold temperatures made it essential for safety measures to be taken. A winter storm watch was declared, prompting South Carolina’s Governor to declare a state of emergency in response to the severe weather. Public schools and certain public services suspended activities for safety concerns, as the icy roads posed a threat to students and staff alike.
In particular areas like western Anderson County and northern Greenville County, snowfall totals exceeded expectations, prompting a greater focus on safety measures. Residents were advised to remain indoors and keep off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Looking Ahead
As the snow began to move into the western mountains and northeast Georgia, its progression was spreading quickly, causing excitement as well as apprehension throughout the community. By midday, the conditions became widespread, and reports indicated a reasonable expectation that the snow would clear out by around 2 AM on Saturday.
As people in Upstate South Carolina prepare for the remainder of the winter season, they will need to ensure they stay informed about weather updates, allowing everyone to safely navigate the enchanting – albeit treacherous – beauty that snow brings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Greenville Online
- Fox Carolina
- WYFF
- Greenville Journal
- Fox Carolina – Winter Storm Watch
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Google Search: South Carolina weather forecast
- Google Scholar: Winter Storms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Google News: snow in South Carolina
