Winter Weather

Heavy snowfall, ice, and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major winter storm or extreme cold.

Snow and ice storms, coupled with cold temperatures, periodically threaten South Carolina. Winter storms can damage property, close highways, create safety risks such as hypothermia, destroy crops and valuable timber, damage infrastructure components such as power lines and have enormous economic impacts.

Winter Weather: Know the Terms

Winter Storm Watch is used when the risk of a hazardous winter weather event has increased, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain (heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, blowing snow, or combination of events).

Winter Storm Warning is issued for a significant winter weather event, including snow, ice sleet, or blowing snow, or a combination of these hazards.

Winter Weather Advisory is issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these wintry elements is expected, but conditions should not be hazardous enough to meet warning criteria.

Ice Storm Warning is usually issued for ice accumulation around 1/4 inch or more. This amount of ice accumulation will make travel dangerous or impossible, likely leading to snapped power lines and falling tree branches.

Freezing Rain is rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

Sleet is rain that turns into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet can create dangerous driving conditions.

Freeze Warning freezing temperatures for an extended period are expected.

Extreme Cold Warning dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring. Avoid going outside if possible.

Extreme Cold Watch dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible.

Cold Weather Advisory issues when cold temperatures/ wind chill temperatures are expected to result in significant impacts to people and/or infrastructure.