Major winter storm brings a State of Emergency, first major snow in years, and ongoing wintry mix Statewide

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency due to winter weather impacting areas of the state. The Governor urges all South Carolinians to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, take appropriate safety measures, and stay informed of developing winter weather.

The first major winter storm of the season is continuing to bring a wintry mix to South Carolina. For Upstate and the Midlands, this is the first big snow event in almost 3 years.

A large swath of ice can’t be ruled out for parts of the Upstate and Midlands as we head into the afternoon but especially evening hours. Spotty power outages could become an issue as we head into tonight and ice accumulates onto vulnerable trees.

Winter storm warnings have been expanded farther east today for the central and northern parts of the state. There has already been a lot of sleet and freezing rain. And the snow started early in the Upstate and central and northern Midlands and is really ramping up this afternoon.

Freezing rain will turn into ice accumulations later today and tonight. The wintry precipitation started earlier and heavier than originally forecast.

And that could mean bigger implications this evening as the atmosphere briefly warms and the ice event begins.

Here’s the latest on what you can expect where you live:

Greenville/Spartanburg and surrounding areas:This afternoon, snow is rapidly spreading across the mountains and Upstate.This is the first significant snow event in almost three years. Temperatures have been steady in the upper 20s to right 32° degrees in the region. The snow will transition into a snow/sleet mix later tonight as warmer air nudges into the region. The Blue Ridge Escarpment – in North Carolina counties bordering South Carolina and along the I-85 corridor will see most of this mix. It will do two things: drop a layer of ice on top of snow-covered roads and other surfaces and it will reduce snow totals where it occurs.

Black ice continues to be a concern Saturday night into Sunday morning, especially on untreated roads. Some lingering black ice can’t be ruled out Sunday night, especially for areas that remain below freezing and for any areas confined to shade during the day.

Columbia and surrounding areas:

A Winter Storm Warning Remains in Place for ice accumulations exceeding a quarter inch, but expanded into the I-20 corridor for ongoing snow/sleet accumulations. Forecasters say their confidence has increased that there could be more significant ice accumulations with the greatest impacts expected late Friday afternoon/Friday evening into the overnight hours.

Depending on how the storm evolves, the Midlands should expect up to 0.25" of freezing rain and up to 0.5" of snow/sleet. These accumulations could create challenges with travel on Friday night, and may put a strain on the area trees. Hazardous driving conditions, power outages and tree damage likely in the warning area. Additional concerns for the portions of the CSRA and western Midlands which sustained heavy tree damage during Helene.

The Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 7 AM Saturday. The threat for freezing rain is highest after 5 PM today, especially across the northern Midlands. Areas closer to I-95 are under a Winter Weather Advisory for lighter ice accumulations.

Charleston and surrounding areas:The primary sleet and freezing rain band has shifted into northern parts of the Lowcountry but there is still quite a bit of ongoing precipitation that needs to move through the region. Temperatures are still at or below freezing in many areas. As surface temperatures slowly rise and the warm slot deepens, the risk for winter weather should end.

Later tonight additional rainfall of ⅓” - ⅔” inches is expected. There is still some uncertainty for precipitation other than a rain. That will largely depend where the warm front is located, and before the cold front moves through. Right now, it looks too warm for anything other than rain. Actual lows will range from the mid 30s far inland to the lower and middle 40s at the beaches. But temperatures will likely rise overnight, especially south and east.

Florence and surrounding areas:There was heavy snow and sleet along I-20 and sleet and snow around Charleston this morning. This band of winter weather will cause slippery travel over the I-20 Corridor this afternoon and evening and for much of the Pee Dee. This band will mix with sleet and freezing rain later today and tonight. The messy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain along I-20 should turn to mainly freezing rain later today and eventually to plain rain tonight as it warms above 32°.

According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, they expect more than 0.25” of ice across the Pee Dee. With below-freezing air hanging on the longest, north of a line from Lumberton to Dillon to Florence to Sumter, this glaze of ice is possible. Elsewhere inland, very little to no accumulation of ice is expected.

Winter storm safety tips:

During winter storm weather, it is best to stay off the roads for unnecessary travel. If you must travel, ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Check the fluids, battery, and tires. Ensure that you have extra blankets and snacks in case of delays. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies only.

• Remember to keep a full charge on your cell phone and mobile devices so they can be used during an emergency.
• If you lose power, know how to report the outage to your utility company and have alternate, safe means of staying warm. 
• Monitor local media for information about warming shelters opened by local organizations.
• Freezing temperatures can burst water pipes in homes that lack heat or proper insulation. Wrap exposed pipes or take other measures to insulate them from the cold and consider letting your faucets drip or slightly stream overnight to help prevent frozen pipes.
• Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
• Properly vent kerosene heaters and keep electric generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, do not burn charcoal indoors. Charcoal fumes can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never operate a portable generator indoors.
• Keep anything that can burn (e.g., paper, clothing, furniture) at least three feet away from portable space heaters to prevent fire hazards.
• Check on your animals and ensure that their access to food and water is not blocked by ice or other obstacles. Shelter them indoors, if possible.
• Check on anyone who may need extra help during winter weather.
• The official South Carolina Severe Winter Weather Guide is available for download at www.scemd.org.

As for the rest of the weekend, high pressure at the surface will build into the region from the west on Saturday. The center of high pressure will shift eastward through the weekend, becoming centered over the southeastern states on Sunday and shifting offshore on Monday. On Monday a cold front will approach the region. Aloft generally SW flow will prevail through the weekend and into early next week.