Winter Storm Watch Issued for South Carolina and Georgia

News Summary

Residents of South Carolina and Georgia should prepare for a significant winter storm as a watch has been issued from Friday morning to Saturday morning. Forecasts predict heavy mixed precipitation with potential accumulations of snow, sleet, and ice, leading to hazardous road conditions. Travelers are urged to prioritize safety and stay informed about weather changes, especially during commutes that could be affected by the weather. The storm might also lead to black ice conditions over the weekend, making caution imperative.

Winter Storm Watch Looms Over South Carolina and Georgia

Heads up, folks in South Carolina and Georgia! A has officially been issued by the National Weather Service for our regions. The alert kicked in at 3:01 p.m. on Wednesday, and it’s set to last from Friday at 7 a.m. until Saturday at 7 a.m.. So, let’s get ready for a little wintry weather!

What to Expect

Forecasts indicate that we might see some heavy, mixed precipitation, particularly hitting areas in east central Georgia and central South Carolina. Is snow in the forecast? You bet! We could see total snow and sleet accumulations reach up to one half-inch. Not only that, but there’s a potential for ice accumulations between one tenth and two tenths of an inch. Yikes! That could lead to some slippery roads!

Safety First

For those of you planning on hitting the roads, it’s crucial to keep safety at the top of your list. Hazardous conditions could make your Friday morning and evening commutes quite tricky. It’s recommended to keep tabs on updated weather forecasts to stay informed about changing conditions.

Did you know that, on average, weather-related vehicle crashes result in over 6,000 deaths and 480,000 injuries each year nationwide? That’s a staggering statistic. Keeping this in mind, if you must travel, consider slowing down and avoiding sharp steering movements on icy roads. Remember, if temperatures are around freezing, assume that ice is lurking on the road somewhere.

Avoiding Ice Dangers

Icy conditions can result in more than just slippery roads. Be cautious of ice forming on power lines and tree branches; it could cause them to snap and fall unexpectedly. If you find yourself on roads with fewer trees and power lines during these icy conditions, that might be the best route to take, just to be safe.

If you happen to see a downed power line, it’s crucial to never touch it! Instead, contact emergency services if you encounter one.

Weather Forecast Details

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the coming weather. Snow is expected to kick off in the western mountains and northeast Georgia after 9 a.m. on Friday, with widespread snowfall anticipated by noon. By around 6 p.m., areas in the southern Upstate might see a switch to sleet and freezing rain.

In terms of snow accumulation, the expectations vary across the state:

Northern and central Upstate: looking at 1-3 inches of snow;
Southern Upstate: might see a trace to 2 inches of snow alongside up to 0.25 inches of ice.

For those dreaming of snow, the highest totals are predicted for western North Carolina, where a winter storm watch has also been issued. Snow and freezing rain should taper off by 2 a.m. Saturday, but hang on! The fun isn’t over yet!

Weekend Precautions

That chance of snow could cause conditions to refreeze, leading to slick black ice on Saturday night, making travel on Sunday potentially hazardous. The last significant snowfall in Columbia, if you remember, was back in January 2022, when we saw about 1-3 inches.

As we wrap up this little weather chat, brace yourselves for low temperatures post-storm that are expected to dip below normal, with highs only reaching the 40s in the following week. If you’re in any of the areas expecting winter weather, stay safe, stay warm, and keep that shovel handy!