News Summary
On January 22, 2025, Upstate South Carolina experienced frigid temperatures plunging to 17 degrees, leading to widespread school closures and dangerous road conditions. With over 800 schools shutting down or shifting to eLearning, and many local businesses delaying their opening, the icy weather created disruptions across the community. Despite the cold, residents displayed resilience, showcasing community spirit as they navigated the challenges of winter weather. Authorities warned about hazardous conditions due to lingering snow and black ice, encouraging careful driving as everyone braced for lingering cold temperatures.
Frigid Conditions Cause Upstate South Carolina to Hit the Snooze Button
Greenville residents woke up to a chilly morning on January 22, 2025, as temperatures dipped down to a teeth-chattering 17 degrees. As the cold air swept through the area, lesser snow accumulation brought more than just a dusting to town. In fact, widespread closures of schools, businesses, and community organizations came into play as the winter blues hit hard.
Schools in a Freeze Frame
With less than an inch of snow blanketing the area, it’s no surprise that over 800 schools across Upstate South Carolina made the tough call to close or delay. The Greenville County School District opted for eLearning, canceling all activities, including much-anticipated athletic events and field trips. Other districts in Spartanburg County and Anderson County followed suit by shifting to eLearning as well. It’s tough for students to stay focused on their screens when all they can imagine is a snowball fight!
Slick Roads Turn into Slip ‘n Slide
Now, let’s talk about the roads. Even with the meager snowfall, conditions turned slippery and hazardous in many areas, leading to Greenville Police reporting 24 accidents overnight. Despite most of the snow falling south of Interstate 85, the weather advisory in place until 9 a.m. Wednesday still warned everyone to be careful. With lingering snowpack and black ice causing trouble for morning commuters, authorities reminded everyone to slow down and drive cautiously.
Businesses Hit the Brakes
Even local businesses weren’t spared from the chill. Hundreds of them, including medical offices and daycare facilities, chose to delay opening until 10 a.m. Can you imagine the frustration of parents who needed to find last-minute childcare? For those headed to work, the cold made the already tricky road situations even more daunting.
Weather Outlook Shows More Cold to Come
As the day wore on, the expected high was barely scraping the low 30s. This bitter cold wasn’t a one-day wonder, as it was anticipated to stick around until Thursday. So while staying cozy under blankets with a hot cup of cocoa might sound like the perfect plan, getting outside to shovel those sidewalks may also be on the agenda for many!
Clemson and Other Colleges Play the Waiting Game
The impacts of this icy weather reached into colleges as well. Clemson University kept a close eye on conditions before making any decisions. Meanwhile, Tri-County Tech decided early on to cancel classes for both January 21 and 22. Anderson University opted for a two-hour delay, showcasing how even higher education had to adapt to the freezing temperatures.
Community Spirit Shines Through
Despite the chill and various disruptions, the community has come together to navigate these challenging conditions. Whether it’s checking in on neighbors or finding creative ways to entertain the kids at home, South Carolinians have always displayed a spirit of resilience. It’s about finding the bright side, even on the coldest days. And who doesn’t love a good snow day?
Buckle Up for More Winter Fun
As Upstate South Carolina citizens batten down the hatches, the chilly temperatures and the potential for hazardous conditions mean everyone should keep their heads up and stay informed. The key is to stay warm, stay safe, and make the most of the winter wonderland that’s blanketing the area—one cup of hot chocolate at a time!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Upstate Schools Face Winter Weather Challenges
Chilly Weather Impacting School Schedules in Upstate
Upstate Schools Utilize E-Learning Days During Cold Snap
Rare Winter Storm Hits Spartanburg After Long Snow Drought
Severe Winter Storm Hits the United States
Arctic Blast Sweeping Across the U.S.
Trump’s Inauguration Moves Indoors Due to Chilly Temperatures
Upstate South Carolina Experiences First Snow Since 2022
Winter Weather Takes Eastern U.S. by Storm
Brace Yourselves: An Arctic Outbreak is Coming!
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Upstate Greenville Snow and Ice
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Greenville Online: SC Snow on Friday
- Google Search: Snow and Ice Weather Conditions
- Greenville Journal: Upstate South Carolina Friday Snowfall
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact on Schools
- Fox Carolina: Better Chance of Winter Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather Effects
- Greenville Online: Snow Day in Greenville
- Google News: Community Response to Winter Weather
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
