During the colder months of the year, National Weather Service meteorologists have an arsenal of alerts that can be issued ahead of impactful weather.
While many of these products are commonly issued across the northern tier of the country, they are far less common across South Carolina and much of the Southeast.
When the products are issued, it often signals the potential for a high-impact weather event that can be not only historic but deadly.
A notable instance when these alerts were issued was back in February 2014, when a devastating winter storm struck the state.
Freezing rain accumulated along the Interstate 95 corridor, with ice accretions reaching as much as 1.5 inches in Kingstree, between Florence and Charleston.
According to NOAA, damage to the lumber industry alone was estimated at roughly $360 million - comparable to losses caused by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, with at least five fatalities locally.
Here are the weather alerts you could find yourself under and the criteria for when they are issued.
Winter Storm Watch
A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is the potential for significant winter weather, but confidence in the exact timing or intensity is still developing.
Typically, a watch is issued 12 to 48 hours before the start of an event and is often upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning as the event draws closer in time.
For locations in South Carolina, a Winter Storm Watch generally means there is at least a 50% chance that ice accretions of one-quarter inch or more are possible.
At this level, widespread impacts can occur, including occasional tree damage, scattered power outages and travel disruptions.
Residents are advised to stock up on supplies similar to hurricane preparations, as it may be days before conditions improve.
Suggested preparations include buying food that does not require heating or refrigeration, refilling prescription medications, stocking up on heating fuel and ensuring fireplaces, stoves and non-electric space heaters are in working order.
The threat of heavy snow can also trigger the issuance of a Winter Storm Watch.
Criteria vary across the state, but most communities are placed under the alert when at least 2 to 3 inches of snowfall is expected.
Those under or nearby a Winter Storm Watch should closely monitor weather forecasts and review preparedness plans in the event the watch is upgraded to a warning.
Winter Storm Warning
A Winter Storm Warning indicates that significant wintry weather is expected or is already occurring in the alerted region, with significant impacts.
Significant amounts of snow or the combination of snow and ice trigger the issuance of a Winter Storm Warning.
Generally, the alert is issued when there is a likelihood of at least 2 inches of snow or accretion levels of at least a quarter of an inch.
Frozen precipitation can snap tree limbs, down power lines and make travel extremely difficult.
During a Winter Storm Warning, it is advised that you hunker down and limit travel, as some roads may become impassable.
Staying off roadways helps to prevent congestion and allows for snow removal equipment and first responders to do their jobs without any additional safety concerns.
Ice Storm Warning
This warning is typically issued when there is at least an 80% confidence that ice accretions of one-quarter inch or more will occur from freezing rain.
Depending on how much ice accumulates, impacts can range from disruptive to catastrophic, with effects potentially lasting a week or longer.
Ice thickness of 0.25 to 0.5 inches is generally considered disruptive, while amounts above one-half inch are considered crippling.
Ice accumulations exceeding 1 inch are considered historic and can lead to weeks-long power outages in areas with a significant tree canopy.
Preparations should mirror those taken during a Winter Storm Watch, but individuals should be prepared for a longer-duration event.
Winter Weather Advisory
This alert is issued for lower-end winter weather events that can still cause travel difficulties but are not expected to meet warning-level criteria.
Among winter weather alerts tied to precipitation, Winter Weather Advisories are the most commonly issued across the state.
For freezing rain, advisories are typically issued when ice accretions are forecast to remain below one-quarter inch, or when snowfall amounts are expected to be less than an inch or two.
While impacts are generally considered minor, roads can still become slick, and caution is advised when traveling.