Charleston, South Carolina — A rare and impactful winter storm is unfolding across coastal South Carolina as the National Weather Service in Charleston warns that significant snowfall is expected today through Sunday morning. Forecasters say parts of the Charleston Tri-County area could see 4 to 7 inches of snow, with lower but still disruptive totals extending inland and into southeast Georgia.
According to the latest storm total snowfall forecast, the highest accumulations are expected north and west of Charleston, including Summerville and Moncks Corner, where totals of 4 to 6 inches are possible. The city of Charleston itself could see 3 to 4 inches, while areas south of Interstate 16 may still receive up to 1 inch of snow, a significant amount for the Lowcountry.
Snow is expected to continue through tonight, tapering off by Sunday morning. Temperatures will remain well below normal, allowing snow to accumulate on roads, bridges, and elevated surfaces. Major travel corridors including Interstate 26, Interstate 95, U.S. Highway 17, and U.S. Route 52 are likely to become slick and hazardous, especially overnight and during the early morning hours.
Local officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, as road treatment resources are limited in coastal South Carolina. Even light snow amounts can quickly lead to dangerous driving conditions in the region. Visibility reductions and icy patches may persist into Sunday morning, particularly on bridges and causeways.
Residents are encouraged to dress warmly, bring pets indoors, and protect exposed pipes and plants. Power outages are not widespread at this time but cannot be ruled out if snow accumulates on trees or infrastructure.
This winter storm marks one of the more notable snow events for the Charleston area in recent years. Conditions should gradually improve later Sunday, but lingering cold will remain into early next week. Continue to monitor updates from the National Weather Service Charleston as the storm evolves.
