Winter Storm Watch Issued for Greenwood County

News Summary

Greenwood County is bracing for severe winter weather as a winter storm watch is now in effect. Residents should prepare for snow showers, icy conditions, and a significant drop in temperatures this weekend. A shelter-in-place order has been issued, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid treacherous road conditions. While outdoor activities may be impacted, community events are still set to take place next week. Stay safe and stay informed as we navigate through this winter storm.

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Greenwood County: Brace for Snow and Ice

As winter settles in, residents of Greenwood County are gearing up for an eventful weekend, with a winter storm watch now officially in place. The National Weather Service has shared that snow showers will be joining our cloudy skies this afternoon, bringing with them some very chilly temperatures. Prepare yourself because today’s high is only expected to reach 31°F. Don’t forget your warm coats and hats as the winds from the north will be blowing at a light speed of 5 to 10 mph.

If you’re planning outdoor activities today, keep an eye out—there’s a 50% chance that snow showers will start making their way into our area. However, as the evening approaches, scattered snow showers are expected to continue, with mostly cloudy skies taking over. We’ll be dipping down to a low of 17°F tonight, and that chill is here to stay with a 30% chance of additional snow.

Stay Safe: Shelter-in-Place Order

Given the impending weather conditions, county officials have issued a shelter-in-place order for the community. This means that residents are strongly urged to remain indoors until it’s safe to venture out again, particularly considering potential treacherous road conditions. It might be a good idea to have your favorite snacks and movies ready—you could be in for a cozy night!

Friday morning looks to be a bit chaotic with the impact of the storm forecasted to hit full force. The winter storm watch will remain in effect from 7 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday, making it crucial for everyone to stay alert. Heavy mixed precipitation is on the menu, and although the mountains may see different conditions, places like Greenwood are expected to receive snow and sleet accumulations of about 1 to 3 inches. Plus, we might also see ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch in parts of northeast Georgia, western North Carolina, and the Upstate South Carolina region.

Given that hazardous road conditions can lead to dangerous commutes, travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution. Each year, on average, monthly weather-related vehicle crashes result in more than 6,000 deaths and 480,000 injuries across the United States. So, let’s avoid those ice-covered stretches of road if we can!

Stay Informed and Stay Warm!

The NWS is recommending that everyone keep tabs on weather updates and forecasts over the next few days, especially as conditions may worsen unexpectedly. The best rule of thumb? Slow down when driving during snowy or icy conditions, and if the roads look especially dangerous, find alternate routes or, better yet, stay home.

Community Events Still on the Calendar

Greenwood County Historical Society is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. on January 26, in the Fellowship Hall of the Main Street United Methodist Church. This meeting will feature the Annual Architectural Restoration and Preservation Award (ARPA) presentation honoring the historic Dr. Stanley C Baker House, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Roberts. An update on the upcoming Greenwood 250 event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution will also be shared. Residents are welcome and encouraged to join in on the discussion!

With the weather taking a chilly turn, it’s a great opportunity to come together as a community and discuss important events while keeping warm. So, whether you are cozying up at home or planning to attend the historical society meeting, stay safe and stay warm, Greenwood County!