A winter storm watch is active for South Carolina’s Upstate from Friday afternoon through Saturday night, with 2-4 inches of snow expected (AccuWeather forecasts 3-6 inches). Snow starts in the Upstate Friday evening, spreads statewide overnight—reaching I-20 by midnight and Lowcountry by daybreak—and tapers off west-to-east on Sunday.
Cold and Wind Threats
- Temperatures: Single digits in mountains, low teens in the east; highs Sunday struggle even under full sun.
- Wind chills: -10 to -20 in mountain valleys, -15 to -25 at high elevations; 0 to -5 along/north of I-85, low single digits south.
- Duration: Much of the area below freezing from Friday evening to Monday afternoon (longer in high elevations).
- Winds: Gusts 20-40 mph worsening chills.
Continuously sub-freezing conditions pose risks to life and property without precautions, per the National Weather Service.
Regional Impacts and Uncertainties
- Heaviest snow: Likely in Catawba Region, Pee Dee, and Grand Strand.
- Variability: Short-distance differences possible due to heavy snow bands—your yard might get more/less than a neighbor 15 miles away.
- Travel hazards: Slippery roads Saturday-Monday from snow; brief freezing rain on coastal plain could slick elevated roads. Cold lingers, keeping surfaces icy.
- Cause: Upper low trough moves from Corn Belt to Tennessee Valley, then South Carolina.
Preparation Tips
Stay safe by limiting travel, especially on elevated or north-facing roads. Stock non-perishables, have a winter kit (blankets, flashlight, food, water), protect pipes from freezing, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Monitor updates via NWS or local alerts—conditions evolve fast.
Early next week brings warming temps and dry weather. What’s your location in SC, and do you need specific road closure checks or shelter info?
