Weather Near Me: A Winter Weather Update
A potentially impactful, though minor, winter weather event is on the horizon for Upstate South Carolina and surrounding areas. While not a major storm, this system could bring the first measurable snow many locations have seen in years. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect, focusing on timing, accumulation, and potential impacts.
Timing and Location
The most likely timeframe for a rain-to-snow mix is Sunday morning, between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Areas along and southeast of I-85 have the highest chance of seeing snow during this period. Here’s a city-by-city outlook:
- Asheville → Greenville → Spartanburg → Anderson → Athens → Atlanta: Light snow possible, with minor impact. Accumulation will likely be limited to grass, trees, and elevated surfaces.
- Charlotte → Columbia → Rock Hill → Statesville → Mooresville → Foothills: Snow falling at times with minor impacts. This corridor has the best chance for a surprise higher amount, potentially 1–2 inches, which could lead to a few slick spots.
Live cameras, such as the one on Paris Mountain, are providing real-time updates. Check the Paris Mountain camera here.
Accumulation and Impact
Accumulation is expected to be less than an inch, with a dusting being the most likely scenario for many areas. Any snowfall will primarily accumulate on elevated surfaces like decks and lawns. This is considered a low-impact event, with minimal travel concerns anticipated.
However, a crucial point to watch is the potential for black ice early Monday morning. Temperatures are forecast to drop into the teens and 20s, and any leftover moisture on the roads could freeze.
Why This Forecast is Tricky
Forecasting this system has been challenging due to its small size and fast movement. The amount of moisture available is limited, and cold air can become trapped west of the mountains. The key factor determining snowfall totals will be how quickly rain transitions to snow. To improve forecast accuracy, the Hurricane Hunters have been sampling the atmosphere, providing valuable data for weather models.
Current Conditions and Future Outlook
Highs are expected in the low 40s in the Upstate and low 30s in the mountains. Precipitation is expected to last through 3 p.m., with cold conditions continuing through the holiday. A Live Super Doppler 4 Impact Day is in effect due to the potential for measurable snow.
While this isn’t a major storm, models are hinting at a more favorable pattern later this month. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide transparent, realistic updates.
Bottom Line: Snow is likely to fall in many spots, but roads should generally be okay, though slick spots are possible where totals approach an inch or more.
Stay tuned for updated snow ranges later today as we analyze the full morning model suite.
National Weather Service provides additional resources and information.
