South Carolina – Cold rain taps against windshields while gray clouds hang low, a quiet setup before winter turns disruptive. Across the Upstate and nearby mountain communities, conditions are aligning for a high-impact winter weather event that could bring ice, sleet, and snow from Saturday into early Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon for portions of northeast Georgia, the North Carolina Piedmont, and Upstate South Carolina. Forecasters warn that mixed winter precipitation is possible, with snow and sleet totals between one and three inches and ice accumulation up to a half inch in some areas.
In Spartanburg and surrounding communities, temperatures hover near freezing as moisture increases. Rain may begin as early as Saturday, then change to sleet and freezing rain as colder air presses in. Roads could become slick quickly, especially bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary streets. Flash freezing may develop after daytime melting, increasing crash risks during evening travel.
The greatest concern is ice. Significant icing could weigh down trees and power lines, leading to scattered outages and blocked roads. Travel may become treacherous or even impassable at times, particularly Saturday night into Sunday. Motorists along I-26 and I-85 should plan extra time or consider delaying non-essential trips.
Cold air lingers into Monday before gradual improvement begins. Officials urge residents to monitor updates, prepare emergency kits, charge devices, and avoid unnecessary travel once icing begins. Conditions may deteriorate quickly after sunset.
Five-Day Outlook for Spartanburg, South Carolina
• Today: Mostly cloudy, high near 54
• Friday: Chance of rain, high near 49
• Saturday: Wintry mix possible, high near 34
• Sunday: Freezing rain likely, high near 30
• Monday: Mostly sunny, cold, high near 36
