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Are you ready for South Carolina's winter weather hazards?

Let's be honest, most of us probably don’t put much thought into prepping for winter weather like we do for hurricane season. But Old Man Winter can bring a variety of weather between now and next Spring.

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.

Snow and ice storms, coupled with cold temperatures, periodically threaten South Carolina. Winter storms can damage property, create safety risks, destroy crops and valuable timber, damage infrastructure like power lines and have enormous economic impacts.

South Carolina can experience a variety of winter hazards, including:

Winter storms These can cause closed roads, downed power lines, and black ice. They can also lead to flooding, hypothermia, and frostbite.

Freezing rain Rain that freezes on contact with the ground, creating a layer of ice on roads, trees, and power lines.

Sleet Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground, making roads slippery.

Frost/freeze warnings Alerts that below freezing temperatures are expected.

Blizzard warnings Alerts that heavy snow and strong winds will create blinding snow, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you are familiar with key Winter Weather terms as we head into the cold weather season.

Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to your NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for more information.

Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

To stay prepared this season, add winter supplies like rock salt to melt ice and shovels to your disaster supply kit. Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel as regular fuel sources may be cut off. Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.

Have your car serviced to ensure it is prepared for the winter season.South Carolina gets several big cold weather events a season, so make sure you include these tips in case you find yourself in the middle of a major winter storm:

  • Stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress in layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wear a hat that covers your ears. Wear mittens and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

  • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite such as the loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, earlobes and the tip of your nose.
  • Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel during the day, don’t travel alone and keep others informed of your schedule. Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop the vehicle on icy roads.

  • If trapped in your car during a blizzard, pull off of the highway and turn on your hazard lights. Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.

If a winter weather event is in your forecast, don't wait to take action. Grocery store shelves quickly become depleted because overly concerned citizens stock up on all the items they can (for themselves and others they know) in case the storm lasts longer than anticipated. The same applies to gas stations and their fuel pumps. Staying indoors and off the roads is a safe way to endure a storm, and adequate preparation for becoming stranded may save your life.

Winter weather events can be enjoyable and perhaps beautiful, but they also can catch you off guard if you do not know what to anticipate. So plan ahead and be prepared this season!

To learn more, click here for everything you need to know about South Carolina winters:
South Carolina winter weather guide