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:
With the latest influx of freezing rain, power outages are beginning to climb.
Outages had been fairly steady through the day, but as ice continues to accumulate, numbers are increasing this evening.
At least 40,000 outages are reported statewide, with the majority concentrated in Pickens, Oconee and Greenville counties.
As winds pick up overnight, expect more branches to fall and power outage numbers to rise further.
Authorities remind residents that if you are not an essential emergency worker, it is advised to remain at home until conditions improve Monday afternoon.
Previous updates:
Sunday, 3:00 p.m.:
NOAA meteorologists are concerned about an area stretching from eastern Georgia through South Carolina and into the Tar Heel State due to the potential for significant freezing rain.
Communities that could see heavy ice accumulation include Greenville, Anderson, Rock Hill and the outer areas of the Columbia metro.
With temperatures remaining in the upper 20s to lower 30s and sufficient moisture in place, additional ice accretion of roughly a quarter to a half inch is anticipated, which could make travel hazardous.
Additionally, trees that are already in a weakened state could fall and bring down power lines.
As of last report, around 5,000 power outages were reported across the state, with concentrations in Oconee and Pickens counties.
Previous updates:
Sunday, 12:00 p.m.:
Even though precipitation has tapered off across much of the state, another round is expected later this afternoon and evening.
The type of precipitation that occurs will depend on air temperatures. Along the I-85 corridor, sleet and freezing rain are expected. Farther south, where temperatures are slightly warmer along the I-20 corridor, significant freezing rain is likely.
East of I-95 along the coast, the next round of precipitation is expected to fall entirely as rain.
Most of the precipitation should exit the region by midnight, though scattered showers may linger between midnight and 6 a.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m.:
South Carolina Emergency Information Network Senior Meteorologist Megan Borowski has your latest video forecast for the winter storm.
Sunday, 9:00 a.m.:
Crashes have started to be reported across several highways around the state.
The latest incident is reported to have occurred along I-77 outside of Columbia.
Troopers are encouraging everyone to stay home today and allow time for the ice to clear.
🚨 Traffic Alert 🚨
— Trooper William Bennett (@SCHP_Troop1) January 25, 2026
There is collision on I-77 south at the 24 mile marker (Wilson Blvd) in Richland County.
We do have some icy roads this morning .
If you don’t need to be on the road please stay home.
If you need to be on the road slow down and expect to encounter ice. pic.twitter.com/qMs71Gnl7j
Sunday, 5:30 a.m.:
A wintry mix has spread across much of the Upstate. The frozen precipitation is expected to continue until mid-morning then a break will form before another round of precipitation moves in later today.
Counties such as Lexington and Saluda have reported slick roadways but so far ice thickness levels have not risen to the level of breaking tree limbs or causing widespread power outages.
Saturday, 8:30 p.m.:
Freezing drizzle is now being reported across several counties in South Carolina.
The off-and-on nature of the precipitation will continue until a more solid shield of moisture arrives on Sunday.
Widespread ice concerns along the I-85 corridor won't arrive until at least 3 a.m. Sunday.
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.:
Warnings associated with the winter weather stretch for more than 2,000 miles across the country.
South Carolina’s worst weather will occur once moisture over the Gulf Coast lifts northward.
Do not expect accumulations before midnight, as it will take time for the atmosphere to gather enough moisture to produce sleet or freezing rain.
The worst of the weather in the Palmetto State will be north of the Interstate 20 corridor, along and around I-85.
Saturday, 3:30 p.m.:
Temperatures along the South Carolina-North Carolina border, outside of Charlotte, are just now beginning to drop to freezing. This will allow any precipitation to fall in the form of sleet or freezing rain.
Most of the moisture that will impact South Carolina is still over Alabama and points west, so it will be several hours before significant precipitation reaches the region.
South Carolina officials just held a news conference and warned residents that if forecasts pan out, they should be prepared for several days without power.
Saturday, 2:30 p.m.:
New model runs show when frozen precipitation will arrive. Along the I-85 corridor, Futurecast shows the arrival of sleet between sunset and 9 p.m.
Communities around Greenville and the South Carolina–North Carolina border will be the first in the state to see frozen precipitation before the shield of moisture works east and southeastward.
For communities along Interstate 20, the arrival of the first significant precipitation is expected between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Previous updates:
Saturday, 11:30 a.m.:
Precipitation is inching closer towards South Carolina but temperatures are still too warm to support any type of ice accumulations. Most communities have an air temperature of around 37-45 degrees. The above freezing temperatures will allow us several hours to complete any needed preparations to hunker down on Sunday when the weather will be at its worst.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.:
South Carolina Emergency Information Network Senior Meteorologist Megan Borowski has your latest video forecast for the winter storm.
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.
