News Summary
Greenville, Upstate South Carolina, recently witnessed its first snowfall since 2022, bringing both joy and challenges to residents. Forecasts predicted up to three inches of snow and sleet, but actual accumulation ranged from one to two inches. Following the snow, a state of emergency was declared due to hazardous road conditions, resulting in numerous accidents and school closures. Despite a cold snap, the upcoming weekend promises milder weather, prompting hopes for a more manageable situation.
Upstate South Carolina’s Winter Wonderland: First Snow Since 2022
Greenville, Upstate South Carolina, has made a significant mark on its weather history with the region’s first snowfall since 2022. The white blanket of snow fell on Friday, thrilling some residents while leaving others feeling less than enthusiastic. Are you ready to discuss the captivating winter wonderland that emerged and the challenges it brought along?
Snow Day Preparations and Forecasts
Leading up to this anticipated event, local weather experts predicted up to three inches of snow and sleet covering the Upstate. The National Weather Service stationed at Greenville-Spartanburg Airport accurately forecasted a mix of one to three inches of precipitation, complimented by an enticing accumulation of two-tenths of an inch of ice. Despite the anticipation, actual snowfall accumulation on Saturday morning ranged from one to two inches, with less than a quarter inch of freezing rain.
After the Snow: A Chilly Reality Check
As the snowstorm subsided, residents faced new challenges. While the forecast no longer called for snow and sleet, the frigid temperatures and lurking black ice kept everyone on alert. Reports indicated that more than 100 accidents had occurred in the Upstate due to the slippery road conditions, as local state troopers responded to calls throughout the region.
State of Emergency Declared
In response to the hazardous conditions, the Governor declared a state of emergency. Residents were urged to take extra precautions as falling ice posed a significant threat to trees and power lines, raising concerns over potential power outages. Following this news, many local businesses took matters into their own hands, with Publix Super Markets closing their doors at 7 p.m. on January 10, intending to reopen the following morning, contingent on weather conditions.
Impact on Schools and Services
Education was not spared from winter’s icy grip either. Greenville County Schools made the switch to eLearning on January 10, leading to the cancellation of all activities and the closure of facilities. The city of Greenville, along with Greenville County offices, decided to shut down for the day, ensuring the safety of their employees. As if that wasn’t enough, the Greenville Municipal Court sessions and local transit services offered by Greenlink were also put on hold for the day. Even the Greenville Swamp Rabbits had to reschedule their weekend games, pushing their fans to wait just a bit longer for the action.
Transitioning to a Mild Weekend Ahead
As Saturday approached, the forecast looked a little brighter, with high temperatures near 40 degrees predicted. With sunny skies ahead and the promise of melting ice, hopes were on the rise. However, as the night sky fell, temperatures were expected to dip back into the highs of the teens and low 20s. This drop in temperature greatly increased the risks of re-freezing on wet roads, leaving everyone to be cautious and keep an eye on the forecast.
A Glimmer of Hope for Sunday
Sunday, January 12, presented an optimistic outlook with forecasts predicting highs around 40 degrees and mostly sunny conditions. Despite the excitement, residents were forewarned to keep vigilant as nightfall would bring temperatures down into the lower-to-mid 20s.
Where’s the Snow? Snowfall Totals and Road Conditions
Areas like the western portion of Anderson County and northern Greenville County recorded higher snowfall totals, while highway conditions remained slick and icy across the board. As a result, local authorities encouraged drivers to stay home whenever possible and avoid encountering unpredictable road conditions. As we navigate this extraordinary winter moment, it serves as a reminder of how nature can bring both beauty and a fair share of hurdles.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winter Weather Forces Schools in SC, NC, and GA to Adjust Plans
Schools Across Upstate Announce Two-Hour Delays Due to Icy Conditions
Brace for a Chilly Night in Spartanburg, SC!
Upstate South Carolina’s First Snowfall of 2025 Falls Short
Winter Storm Hits Greenville: First Snowfall Since 2022!
Upstate SC Schools Transition to E-Learning Amid Winter Storm
Spartanburg Welcomes First Snow in Three Years
Spartanburg County Prepares for First Snowfall Since 2022
Winter Weather Disrupts High School Sports in Upstate SC
Upstate Schools Implement E-Learning Amid Winter Weather Warnings
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Snow Totals in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson
- Greenville Journal: Upstate South Carolina Friday Snowfall
- Fox Carolina: Winter Storm Watch for Area Snow and Ice
- ABC News 4: Winter Storm Brings Major Snow to Upstate South Carolina
- WBTV: South Carolina Declares State Emergency for Winter Storm
- Wikipedia: Snow
- Google Search: Winter Storm 2025
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impacts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- Google News: Upstate South Carolina Weather
