Winter Storm Watch Issued for Upstate South Carolina and Surrounding Areas

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Upstate South Carolina and Surrounding Areas

On Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg South Carolina sent out a winter storm watch that has everyone in Pickens Mountains, Greenville Mountains, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Southern Spartanburg, and Greenwood County bracing for what could be a significant weather event. This watch starts Friday at 7 a.m. and will be in effect until Saturday at 7 a.m.

What to Expect

So, what does this all mean? Well, buckle up because heavy mixed precipitation is possible. Outside the mountainous regions, it looks like we could see anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow and sleet along with about one tenth of an inch of ice accumulating in portions of northeast Georgia, Piedmont, western North Carolina, and, of course, our beloved Upstate South Carolina. This wintry mix is expected to start Friday morning and stick around through Saturday morning.

The NWS has a clear warning: “Snow and ice accumulations will make many roads treacherous and impassable.” Not only could our roadways become hazardous, but the added weight on tree limbs and power lines may lead to scattered power outages. Keep an eye out for potential issues affecting your Friday morning and evening commutes; you might want to prepare for a few delays or even consider staying off the roads if you can.

Safety First!

We all know that winter weather can be tricky, especially when it comes to travel. Did you know that, on average, weather-related vehicle crashes claim the lives of more than 6,000 people annually across the nation? That’s a staggering number. So if you absolutely have to venture out during the snow or freezing rain, please slow down and be cautious. The NWS emphasizes that if temperatures are hovering around freezing, assume that ice could be present on the roads.

If you do spot any ice on power lines or tree branches, that could spell trouble. The weight from ice can cause branches to snap or power lines to fall, creating hazardous situations. A helpful tip to remember is to steer clear of driving in these conditions whenever possible. If you’re in a situation where you must go out, opt for routes that have the least amount of trees and power lines.

What to Do in Case of Emergencies

If you come across a downed power line, don’t even think about touching it. You should always treat it as live and dangerous. Your best course of action is to call 911 to report it. Staying safe should always be your top priority.

Driving Tips for Winter Weather

Here’s a quick refresher on some winter weather driving tips:

• Keep your distance – maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to allow for longer stopping times on slippery roads.
• Use your headlights – lessen your visibility by ensuring your car’s lights are on during sleet or snowfall.
• Don’t use cruise control – it’s best to have full control of your vehicle in slick conditions.
• Be mindful of black ice – when temperatures are near freezing at night, watch out for spots that may be coated with ice.

As we prepare for whatever the weekend brings, let’s all stay informed and stay safe out there! Keep checking your favorite weather updates, and help spread the word to keep everyone in our community safe during this winter storm watch.