Winter Chill is Coming to the Upstate!

Winter Chill is Coming to the Upstate!

Hey there, Upstate South Carolina! If you were planning on hitting the roads this weekend, you might want to hold your horses. The National Weather Service (NWS) has just issued an updated winter storm watch, and it’s set to kick in beginning Friday at 7 a.m. and lasting until Saturday at 7 a.m. Buckle up, because it looks like we’re in for quite a ride with a bit of wintry mix!

What’s in store?

The watch applies to a variety of areas including the Pickens Mountains, Greenville Mountains, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, and Southern Spartanburg, all the way through to Greenwood County. If you’re outside the mountains, be prepared for total snow and sleet accumulations ranging from 1 to 3 inches and possibly even ice accumulations of about one-tenth of an inch!

For those residents situated over the mountains, you should keep an eye out for potential snow accumulations in the range of 3 to 6 inches, especially if you live in northeast Georgia, Piedmont, western North Carolina, or Upstate South Carolina. The storm is expected to swing into action from Friday morning and hang around until Saturday morning, so mark your calendars!

Driving Precautions: Stay Safe!

Now here’s the deal: the forecast warns that snow and ice accumulations could create roads that are downright treacherous and in some cases, even impassable. So what does that mean for you? Essentially, if you have to go out, it’s going to be crucial to take extra precautions while driving.

The weight of all that snow and ice could also lead to trees and power lines snapping, resulting in scattered power outages. It might sound dramatic, but we urge you to pay attention to these warnings! These hazardous conditions could very well impact both your morning and evening commutes on Friday, so plan accordingly.

Be Smart on the Roads

Did you know that weather-related vehicle crashes kill more than 6,000 people and injure over 480,000 individuals each year? That’s a staggering number! To keep yourself safe during these unpredictable winter whims, remember to slow down if you need to travel amid snow or freezing rain.

If the temperature is hovering near the freezing mark, it’s wise to assume there’s ice lurking on the roads. Drive like you mean it and take it slow—everybody’s safety depends on it. If you spot ice weighing down power lines or tree branches in your neighborhood, don’t underestimate their power. That weight could result in falling debris, creating even more hazards on the road.

Should you need to venture outside, aim for a route that has the least number of trees and power lines. And just as a friendly reminder, never touch a downed power line. If you come across one, please call 911 as fast as you can!

Winter Weather Driving Tips

Here are some handy tips to help you navigate these wintry conditions:

• Keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid being stranded.
• Always carry a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.
• Let someone know your travel route and expected arrival time.
• Take your time and allow for extra travel time in snowy conditions.

So, fellow Upstate residents, keep cozy, stay safe, and brace yourselves for the winter wonderland ahead. Make sure you keep monitoring the latest updates, and we’ll see you on the other side of this storm!