Weather
South Carolina Winter Weather Awareness: Snow Squalls Trap Drivers
Columbia, SC – South Carolina drivers, particularly those traveling through the Upstate and higher elevations near the Blue Ridge Mountains, can encounter dangerous road conditions when rare bursts of
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-28T09:40:58.492Z
Columbia, SC – South Carolina drivers, particularly those traveling through the Upstate and higher elevations near the Blue Ridge Mountains, can encounter dangerous road conditions when rare bursts of intense snowfall suddenly reduce visibility. As winter weather preparedness messaging continues Wednesday, Oct. 28, motorists are being reminded that even brief periods of heavy snow and gusty winds can create hazardous travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , snow squalls are short lived, intense bursts of snowfall accompanied by strong winds and rapidly deteriorating visibility. Although uncommon across much of South Carolina, these conditions can quickly reduce traction and increase the risk of crashes when they occur.
How Snow Squalls Could Threaten South Carolina Highways Unlike prolonged winter storms, snow squalls can develop rapidly, leaving motorists little time to respond before visibility drops and roads become slippery.
Interstate 85, Interstate 26 and Interstate 385 are among the major travel corridors where sudden winter precipitation could create hazardous driving conditions.
Motorists traveling through Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens and Oconee counties may face additional risks on elevated highways, winding mountain roads and exposed stretches of pavement.
The Blue Ridge foothills and higher elevations near Caesars Head, Table Rock and the North Carolina border are more susceptible to wintry conditions than South Carolina's coastal communities.
Snow squalls remain relatively rare in the state, but sudden snowfall and freezing temperatures can still create dangerous travel conditions during colder months.
What Is a Snow Squall Warning? The NWS issues Snow Squall Warnings when dangerous snow squalls are occurring or imminent.
These short duration warnings generally last 30 to 60 minutes and may trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts on compatible mobile phones.
A warning signals an immediate threat to motorists, especially when sudden visibility loss occurs at highway speeds.
What South Carolina Drivers Should Do When a Snow Squall Warning is issued, the safest option is to delay travel until conditions improve .
Motorists already traveling should:
Reduce speed gradually and increase following distance. Turn on headlights to improve visibility. Avoid sudden braking or abrupt lane changes. Exit the highway safely before entering dangerous conditions when possible. Never stop in an active travel lane during a whiteout. Residents can monitor official forecasts and warnings through the NWS Greenville Spartanburg office , NWS Columbia office and NWS Charleston office , which serve different portions of South Carolina.
Winter weather preparedness messaging continues through Saturday, Oct. 31, as part of this editorial series , emphasizing the importance of recognizing sudden winter driving hazards before conditions become dangerous.