News Summary
On January 23, 2025, Upstate students face frosty conditions as temperatures drop to 17 degrees. With schools evaluating safety, some districts delay or cancel classes due to icy roads and snow accumulations. While some schools maintain regular schedules, others opt for e-learning or delays. Parents are urged to prepare for potentially hazardous driving conditions as winter weather warnings remain in effect.
Chilly Conditions and School Schedules: What to Expect for Upstate Students
As the temperatures drop and the snowflakes start to swirl, students and parents across the Upstate are bracing themselves for a rather frosty Thursday, January 23, 2025. With the mercury predicted to dip to a frosty 17 degrees overnight through Wednesday, many schools are pondering whether to delay or cancel classes in light of icy roads and chilly weather.
Weather Watch: Icy Roads and Snow Accumulations
On the weather front, Thursday’s forecast shows mostly cloudy skies with highs creeping up to about 40 degrees. However, don’t be fooled by the daytime warmth—by Thursday evening, temperatures are expected to plunge back down to around 21 degrees, leaving icy patches in its wake. A few counties have reported light snow accumulations, including:
- Anderson County: 0.5 inches
- Greenville County: 0.4 inches
- Spartanburg County: 0.3 inches
As a result, many roads are transforming into treacherous pathways, posing a safety hazard, especially during the evening when the temperatures drop below freezing.
School District Decisions: Normal Operations vs. Delays
So, what’s the game plan for schools in the Upstate? In a mixed bag of decisions, some districts are opting to stick with their usual schedules while others are taking a more cautious approach. Here’s how it’s looking:
- Greenville County Schools: A normal schedule on Thursday following the evaluation of road conditions by the District’s Inclement Conditions Evaluation Team.
- Spartanburg District 3: Normal operations set to continue after monitoring the situation closely.
- Spartanburg School District Six: Back to the regular routine, thanks to favorable weather reports.
- Spartanburg School District 5: Confirmed normal operations after ensuring safety conditions are acceptable.
- Anderson Districts 1, 2, 4, and 5: Opting for a two-hour delay on Thursday, with buses sidelined on icy roads.
- Anderson District 3: Conducting an e-learning day due to hazardous conditions in rural areas.
In anticipation of frigid weather, if you’re a parent in Greenville County, be aware that schools had already planned for an e-learning day on Wednesday, January 22, with buildings closed and all activities canceled. Other districts like Spartanburg Schools 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 also jumped on the e-learning train for the same day, putting safety at the forefront.
Important Reminders for Parents and Students
As parents prepare to send their little ones off to school on Thursday, it’s crucial to encourage kids to take extra caution while driving. Reports indicate that some roads may still harbor isolated patches of ice. The National Weather Service isn’t holding back either, having issued several warnings and advisories regarding the winter weather and ongoing cold conditions in the region.
As Upstate schools navigate through these chilly challenges, everyone’s eyes are on the skies and the temperature gauge. Hopefully, by the time those coats, hats, and gloves are donned and ready to go, conditions will improve, making for a smooth and safe commute to school!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winter Weather Forces School Closures and E-Learning in SC
Upstate Schools Utilize E-Learning Days During Cold Snap
Ruby Bridges to Speak at Spartanburg’s Unity Week Celebration
Greenville County Schools Implements Two-Hour Delay
Upstate South Carolina Experiences First Snow Since 2022
Winter Weather Forces Schools in SC, NC, and GA to Adjust Plans
Schools Across Upstate Announce Two-Hour Delays Due to Icy Conditions
Spartanburg County Prepares for First Snowfall Since 2022
Federal Grant Boosts Spartanburg’s Southside Community
Severe Winter Storm Blankets Central U.S. with Historic Snowfall
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Upstate School District Announces Class Changes Due to Weather
- Greenville Online: Greenville Schools Change After School Programs Due to Extreme Cold
- WSPA: Weather Prompts School Changes in the Upstate for Tuesday and Wednesday
- MSN: Weather Prompts School Changes in the Upstate
- Greenville Online: Icy and Dangerous Road Conditions in Upstate Delaying Openings
