News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the Grand Strand region, affecting parts of South Carolina and North Carolina. Residents should prepare for hazardous conditions as temperatures plummet and up to 3 inches of snow are expected. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, especially on icy bridges. Emergency management officials are urging the community to bundle up and stay informed as precautions are taken across the region.
Winter Storm Watch Set to Impact Grand Strand Region
As residents of the Grand Strand region gear up for a chilly week ahead, the National Weather Service has put a winter storm watch in place, impacting parts of northeastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina. This watch remains effective until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, and it’s time to start preparing for some winter weather surprises.
Weather Warnings and Advisories
Motorists are advised to stay alert as the climate changes. Conditions are expected to turn slick and hazardous, particularly on bridges where ice tends to form quickly. A cold weather advisory has already been issued, which will run from 10 p.m. Monday through 10 a.m. Tuesday, as temperatures are forecasted to plunge into the upper teens overnight. With winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph, the wind chill could drop to a chilling single digit.
Highway signs are actively displaying warnings about potential winter conditions, reminding all drivers to keep safety at the forefront. It’s wise to drive cautiously, especially on those icy stretches!
Preparing for the Storm
In anticipation of this arctic blast, crews from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) in Florence and Marion counties have been proactively pre-treating roads to mitigate snow and ice accumulation. It’s a team effort to ensure our roads remain navigable during this chilly weather. Horry County officials predict that we could see up to an inch of snow spreading throughout the county. They’re all hands on deck, deploying liquid brine, salt, and sand to keep these essential routes accessible.
Monday brings some contrast with temperatures reaching nearly 40 degrees and sunny skies, but don’t let that fool you! Light snow showers are on the horizon, expected to arrive between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Tuesday, possibly leaving us with 1 to 3 inches of the fluffy stuff along the coast and up to 2 inches inland by early Wednesday morning.
The Coldest Weather in Decades
As if the snow wasn’t enough, ice hazards are making a return and are expected to linger into Wednesday and Thursday. There’s even the threat of freezing rain! Prepare for record-setting cold temperatures throughout the week, with lows potentially hitting all-time low records: from a bone-chilling 0 to 13 degrees in Florence, 14 to 18 degrees in North Myrtle Beach, and a staggering -1 to 10 degrees in Lumberton.
Community Responses and Preparations
Horry County Emergency Management officials recommend everyone take precautions. Limiting outdoor exposure and bundling up in warm layers, hats, and gloves is a must! The North Myrtle Beach fire department is adjusting their staffing levels to ensure they’ll be ready for any emergencies during this cold snap. Meanwhile, the Public Works Department is hard at work pre-treating key roads with salt brine and planning for additional treatments at major intersections.
As people gear up for the cold, propane sales are on the rise, and local golf courses are even taking steps to protect their greens from freezing damage. Talk about being proactive!
School Districts Making Adjustments
It’s not just the temperatures that are changing; school districts across the area are making adjustments too! Some have planned early dismissals while others are canceling after-school activities. For example, the Horry Georgetown Technical College will close early on Tuesday, while the local school districts are announcing similar measures to keep everyone safe during the storm.
Stay Safe and Prepare!
With forecasters predicting lows in the low 20s and highs in the mid-30s from Monday into Wednesday, it’s crucial to stay warm, stay safe, and stay informed. SCDOT plans to have crews work 13-hour shifts keeping a close eye on road conditions and addressing areas prone to ice accumulation.
Emergency officials remind everyone to take precautions to protect people, pets, plants, and pipes from this extreme cold. Keep those hot cocoa recipes nearby and stay safe out there, Grand Strand!
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Winter Weather Closures and Delays
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- WPDE: Winter Storm Road Treatment
- Google Search: Winter Weather Preparations
- MyFox8: NOAA Snow Prediction
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local Weather Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- ABC News 4: Protecting Pets in Winter Weather
- Google News: Winter Storm Updates
- WMBF News: Crews Treating Roadways
