A winter storm promises to create problems across much of the eastern half of the nation, including South Carolina, during the next 48 hours.
National Weather Service offices across the state have issued a variety of alerts, including an Ice Storm Warning and a Winter Weather Advisory, which will run through Monday morning.
The heaviest precipitation is expected to fall on Sunday, with the greatest accumulations north of Interstate 20.
Ice thickness of 0.25 to 0.5 inches is generally considered to be disruptive, while amounts above one-half inch can be crippling.
Ice accumulations exceeding 1 inch are considered historic and can lead to weeks-long power outages in areas with a significant tree canopy.
Forecast models show ice thickness between 0.5 and 1.0 inches occurring around Greenville and Rock Hill by the time the winter storm’s precipitation ends on Monday.
Once the precipitation moves out the cold air will move in, with low temperatures on Tuesday morning reaching the single digits across parts of the Upstate with most others in the teens and 20s.
Happening now:
South Carolina Emergency Information Network Senior Meteorologist Megan Borowski has your latest video forecast for the winter storm.
Previous updates:
Saturday, 8:00 a.m.:
Radar across the state is clear and will remain so for the next several hours. Most of the precipitation that falls on Saturday will be in liquid form - just rain.
This is because temperatures are still well above freezing, and occasional breezy conditions will ensure that many communities stay above 32 degrees for most of the day.
Futurecast shows some precipitation transitioning into a frozen variety after sunset, but it will remain light through most of the day.
Expect the precipitation to become heavier overnight, with most of it falling on Sunday.
Saturday, 5:00 a.m.:
South Carolina is one of nearly two dozen states where a state of emergency has been issued ahead of the winter storm.
The declaration allows state agencies to mobilize resources and suspends certain regulations to ensure emergency response equipment and supplies do not face delays.
“South Carolinians should remain aware of local forecasts and take appropriate precautions ahead of this weekend’s storm, as winter weather can change quickly and create hazardous conditions with little notice,” McMaster said in a statement.
“Preparations are already underway by state agencies, and this State of Emergency ensures Team South Carolina is ready to respond and support communities as conditions develop.”
The South Carolina National Guard says it has at least 220 service members ready to support winter storm operations.
Crews have already been dispatched to Aiken, Anderson, Oconee, Laurens, Greenville, Greenwood, Pickens, York and Cherokee counties.
