News Summary
Snow flurries have hit the Upstate region of South Carolina and western North Carolina, leading to school closures and dangerous driving conditions. Reports indicate snow began around 10:15 a.m. in some areas, creating slick roadways. A winter weather advisory has been issued, urging caution as temperatures drop overnight. Local school districts are prioritizing safety with closures, and residents are advised to monitor weather updates closely to navigate potential hazards effectively.
Snow Flurries Blanket South Carolina and North Carolina
Snow flurries began falling across the Upstate region of South Carolina and western North Carolina on Wednesday morning, leading to school closures and hazardous driving conditions. The first snow was observed in downtown Greenville just before 11 a.m., while Landrum saw its initial flurries at around 10:15 a.m. As of noon, snow continued to fall in various areas, with a rain and flurry mix forecasted to linger through early afternoon.
Earlier in the morning, heavy snow was reported in Asheville, with available video coverage capturing the winter weather. Roads across regions where snow fell are expected to have slick spots, and with freezing precipitation anticipated overnight, travel could become increasingly dangerous as temperatures drop.
Weather Impacts and Precautions
A Live Super Doppler 4 impact day was announced for Thursday, reflecting concerns about cold temperatures and wind. The temperature in the Upstate dipped below freezing, and specific overnight lows were expected to reach 16 degrees. In response to the hazardous conditions, a winter weather advisory was issued, effective until 9 a.m. on January 22, warning of slippery roadways.
After experiencing temperatures that did not rise above freezing on January 21, local school districts responded to the inclement conditions by announcing closures. The Greenville County Schools declared that all school buildings would be closed on January 22 due to unsafe road conditions. Other nearby districts, including Cherokee County, Pickens, Laurens 55 and 56, Oconee, and Spartanburg 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, followed suit and also closed their schools.
In Anderson County, five school districts announced closures, emphasizing the priority of student and staff safety. While finding information about closures varied among individual districts, Tri-County Tech decided to cancel classes on January 21 and 22. Meanwhile, Anderson University announced a two-hour delay for January 22 classes, adjusting their schedule in light of the weather impacts.
Snow Accumulation and Advisory Updates
As forecasts predict, snow accumulation in the Upstate was expected to be around half an inch by the morning. Residents have been advised to remain updated on traffic and weather conditions to navigate any treacherous travel situations effectively. Authorities encourage exercising caution on the roads, especially in areas where precipitation may lead to icy conditions and reduced visibility.
Background Context
This winter weather event comes after a mild spell in the region, which had not faced significant snowfall in recent weeks. The Upstate area of South Carolina and western North Carolina occasionally experience similar weather patterns during the winter months, but such early snowfall can often catch residents off guard and complicate daily activities. As always, local emergency services and public safety officials are closely monitoring the situation and providing timely updates to keep the community informed.
As conditions evolve, residents are urged to stay alert and prepared for potential changes in weather and road safety risks. It is essential to follow official advisories and take necessary precautions while traveling during these winter conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WYFF4: Snow Flurries Blanket South Carolina and North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- Fox Carolina: Snow Falling in Greenville
- Google Search: Winter Weather South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Upstate Greenville Snow and Ice
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- Greenville Online: Snowfall Forecast in Upstate SC
- Google News: Snow Flurries North Carolina
