The National Weather Service in Columbia has issued a Winter
Storm Warning…
… Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until noon EST
Thursday…
* locations… midlands of South Carolina and the central
Savannah River area of Georgia.
* Hazard types… snow… sleet… and freezing rain… with
dangerous accumulations.
* Accumulations… total sleet and snow accumulations 4 to 8
inches northern midlands… 1 to 3 inches central midlands and
northern portions of the central Savannah River area. Storm
total ice accumulations around one inch southern midlands and
central Savannah River area… one quarter to one half inch
central midlands and northern portions of the central Savannah
River area… up to one quarter inch northern midlands.
* Timing… dangerous winter precipitation will occur through
early Thursday morning.
* Impacts… travel conditions will be dangerous. The governor of
South Carolina and Georgia have issued state of emergencies
for both states. Both South Carolina and Georgia departments
of public safety and departments of transportation have urged
people to stay off the roadways. With heavy ice accumulations
on trees… limbs and powerlines… numerous power outages will
develop. Some of these outages will be lengthy.
* Winds… north 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
* Temperatures… in the lower 30s.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
A Winter Storm Warning means snow… sleet or freezing rain
meeting warning criteria is likely. Warning criteria is at least
2 inches of snow or sleet… or at least 1/4 of an inch of
freezing rain.
If you encounter downed power lines… do not touch the lines
because you could be electrocuted. Report downed power lines to
law enforcement or the power company. Report downed power lines
to law enforcement or the power company. Prepare to remain in a
safe shelter without electricity for many hours.
If you absolutely must travel you may want to consider the
following safety tips. Plan plenty of extra time. Drive slowly
and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of
you. Brake gently and avoid making sudden turns. Bring the
following with you in case you get stranded… food and water… .
a blanket… windshield scrapper and brush and first aid kit. Let
someone else know when you will travel and what routes you will
take.