South Carolina Prepares for Winter Weather Advisory

South Carolina is bracing for a winter weather event as a winter weather advisory has been issued in anticipation of snow and ice accumulating midweek. Snow showers began Tuesday afternoon along and south of Interstate 85, with expectations for continued flurries until around 7 p.m. Tuesday. Accumulations in areas south of I-85 are forecasted to range from a quick dusting up to 1 inch.

Temperatures across the region are expected to plummet, with lows dropping to 14°F in the Upstate and a chilling 5°F in Asheville. Wednesday is anticipated to be a sunny yet frigid day, with temperatures hovering near the freezing mark. The forecast indicates that Thursday will see a slight warm-up, with temperatures expected to reach around 40°F. By Friday through Sunday, temperatures may rise into the mid-40s.

Residents are advised to adopt safety measures against freezing temperatures by dressing in multiple layers and ensuring that extremities are covered if spending extended time outdoors. These precautions are especially important for individuals who have previously experienced issues with frozen pipes.

Upcoming Weather Forecasts

A winter storm watch is in place for Friday, signaling potential sleet, snow, and ice accumulations that could make travel hazardous. Thursday morning could see dangerously cold conditions with temperatures in the teens and 20s, compounded by winds in the mountainous regions reaching 10 to 15 mph, and gusts as high as 30 mph. This could create feels-like temperatures dipping into single digits or below zero throughout the area.

Snow showers are expected to advance into the western mountains and northeast Georgia after 9 AM Wednesday, becoming widespread across the Western Carolinas by noon. The initial precipitation is likely to start as snow, transitioning into the afternoon and early evening hours, before a potential switch to sleet and freezing rain for southern Upstate areas after 6 PM. Northern and central Upstate regions may see total snow accumulations ranging from 1 to 3 inches, while southern Upstate locations could accumulate a trace up to 2 inches. Ice accumulation in southern Upstate areas is projected to be as much as 0.25 inches.

Regional Impacts

Western North Carolina may bear the brunt of the storm, with predictions for snow totals reaching 3 to 6 inches, prompting a winter storm watch for these areas. By late Wednesday night, the snow and freezing rain are expected to taper off, with conditions improving by about 2 AM for most regions. However, road conditions are likely to remain challenging and icy into Saturday morning until temperatures climb above freezing, with warming projected between 10 AM and 11 AM on Saturday.

The potential for black ice is a concern Saturday night into Sunday as lingering moisture or melted snow may refreeze. A winter weather advisory specifically for the Midlands, including Kershaw and Lee counties, will take effect at 11 a.m. Wednesday as rain is expected to precede any snow or wintry mix, which may include freezing rain and sleet.

Long-Term Outlook

Columbia is forecasted to see an overnight low of 19 degrees, potentially leading to further concerns regarding refreeze and black ice. Over the following days, daytime temperatures are projected to rise from the 40s on Thursday and Friday to the 50s throughout the weekend. Looking further ahead, a heat wave is anticipated early next week, with temperatures possibly reaching up to 71 degrees.

This possible snow event could mark the third snowstorm in 2025 for the Midlands, with the last recorded snowfall in Columbia occurring in January 2022, alongside significant snowfall earlier in January 2025.