Greenville, South Carolina – A high-impact winter storm could bring crippling ice, snow-covered roads, and widespread power outages across the southern Appalachians and surrounding foothills beginning Saturday morning and lasting into Monday afternoon. The combination of snow, sleet, and heavy ice may make travel impossible in some areas and cause outages that last for days.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for northeast Georgia, western North Carolina, and the South Carolina Upstate. Snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 6 inches are possible, along with ice buildup ranging from four tenths of an inch to as much as one inch in the hardest-hit mountain areas.
In South Carolina, impacts are expected across Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens, Oconee, York, and Cherokee counties. Western North Carolina communities including Asheville, Hendersonville, Boone, Hickory, Marion, and Waynesville are also at risk, along with northeast Georgia mountain areas near Clayton, Toccoa, and Clarkesville. Roads such as I-26, I-85, I-40, and mountain routes could become treacherous as bridges and overpasses freeze first.
Forecasters warn that heavy ice on trees and power lines may lead to widespread and long-lasting outages, especially in mountainous terrain. Residents are urged to complete preparations early, avoid non-essential travel, and be ready for extended disruptions to utilities.
The Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon. Additional warnings are likely as confidence grows in the severity and placement of ice and snow impacts.
