Update From Storm Team 7 Meteorologist Dan Bickford
A winter storm warning remains in effect for areas along the North Carolina/Tennessee border until 6 AM Tuesday.
A storm system crosses the region today, driving this morning's rain out of the area. In the Upstate, we'll see some clearing this afternoon. In the mountains, we'll see some sun break out, but redeveloping snow showers are expected as northwest winds pick up and push moisture in from Kentucky and Tennessee. An additional two to four inches of snow (locally higher amounts in the highest elevations) are possible within the warning area through early Tuesday, with the best chances from mid-evening tonight through the overnight hours.
The rest of the first part of this week should be quiet and chilly. Continued northwest winds will keep the possibility of snow showers in the northern mountains through mid-week; the rest of the area should be into sunshine. A slow warming trend will take place, with temperatures only slightly below normal by the weekend...when the next storm system heads our way.
Watch Kristen Nastasia's report from Greenwood here
Watch Connie LeGrand's report from Spartanburg here
Watch Melissa Keeney's report from Greenwood here
Update 4:32 pm February 14th 2010
TROOPERS BUSY WITH ACCIDENTS; ADVISING PEOPLE TO STAY OFF THE HIGHWAYS:
Troopers are working on 88 accidents statewide and 35 in the upstate as of 11:15 am Saturday. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported 17 accidents in Greenville County and 13 in Anderson, while Spartanburg had just a handful of accidents.
Snow and ice continue to cover some of the roads, especially secondary roads, as Department of Transportation crews continue to work throughout the day. Most of the snow should start to melt as temperatures rise, but the roads are also likely to re-freeze throughout Saturday night.
Troopers continue to advise people to stay off the roadways unless they really have to be out and to be aware of their surroundings.
Flights from Greenville-Spartanburg International, flying to and from Atlanta, are being canceled Saturday due to the impending snow. You should check ahead if you're flying on Saturday out of GSP by clicking here.
Watch video from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport here
Citizens in Spartanburg were cleaning up after Friday's snowstorm. Residents were shoveling, while drivers were using caution as they were going around town Saturday morning.Watch video of Spartanburg cleanup here
Update Saturday 1:50pm
Crews from the South Carolina Department of Transportation continue to work throughout the day in affected areas of Friday and Saturday's snowstorm. The DOT reports that snow, ice and slush on roadways have either been removed and being treated.
As temperatures rise, melting on all roads will continue and thus far, most interstates appear to be dry and passable. However, travel on secondary roads can still be hazardous, especially with the chance that black ice will develop when temperatures fall. Resources are being utilized in an effort to keep up with the removal and freezing conditions.
Available reserves of salt have been sent to the upstate.
Update 11:30am February 13, 2010
GOVERNOR SANFORD RESPONDS TO SOUTH CAROLINA SNOWSTORM
Governor Mark Sanford issued a statement Saturday morning thanking first responders for their efforts and asking for patience from South Carolina residents as they clean up from the effects of Friday night and Saturday mornings snowstorm.
"Given last night's snowfall and the difficult weather experienced by many across South Carolina, resources from state and local governments have been mobilized for the last 18 hours in an effort to make our state's roads as safe as possible, and work is already underway to restore power to the up to 35,000 household who experienced outages last night," said Sanford. "We'd like to thank the over 1,600 first responders across the state for working throughout the night to serve, protect and in many cases directly assist their fellow South Carolinians stuck on the roadways."
"Last night the Emergency Management Division, in coordination with numerous law enforcement agencies, Department of Transportation crews and other local and private entities, began its around-the-clock work to clear major thoroughfares and return power to areas experiencing outages - with extra focus on hard hit areas like Orangeburg County, Charleston County and the I-26 corridor from Charleston to Columbia," Sanford said. "Specifically, 220 Highway Patrol, Department of Natural Resources and State Law Enforcement Division units patrolled and assisted motorists last night, while over 1,400 DOT personnel and 737 DOT vehicles and plows continues to unclog our state's interstates, highways and other roads."
"For the sake of these first responders, we'd ask for an added measure of patience as we dig out together from what has been quite the South Carolina snowfall," he added. "Finally, and most importantly, we'd continue continue to urge South Carolinians - especially those not accustomed to this amount of snow - to stay put and not venture out on the roads today until conditions improve."
Update 2:00pm February 13th 2010
The Greenville County School District has canceled all weekend activities and athletic events.
Video from around the Upstate
Snow slows traffic at 385 and 85
Snow falling in Midlands
Snow causes backups on 385 and 85.
Check out video as snow begins to fall in Greenwood.
Check out video as snow begins to fall in Greenville.
Snow begins to fall in Spartanburg
Department of Transportation moves salt and sand for road preparations
Friday, February 12, 6:00 p.m.
SNOW FALLING OVER THE ENTIRE AREA:
Snow is now falling across the Carolinas. In Spartanburg, heavy snow flakes have been falling since before 5pm, and in many areas, it is beginning to stick. The same is true in Greenville and Anderson Counties. In Greenwood and Laurens, snow is falling and beginning to accumulate. Most of these areas have not seen as much snow as most of the Upstate and mountains. These areas are expected to get the heaviest amounts this evening.
In western NC, snow is also falling in Henderson, Transylvania, Polk and Buncombe counties. Accumulations are not expected to be as much as the Upstate this evening. Keep it on News Channel 7 and here on wspa.com for the latest weather updates.
Update Friday 12:30pm
The Greenville DOT is getting ready for the winter weather. They have three shifts working to cover the next 24 hours. The DOT has restocked another 1500 tons of salt this week, they typically use that much salt during a full winter season. If the weather is dangerous on Saturday morning, another shift of workers will come in.
IMPORTANT LINKS
South Carolina road conditions click here
North Carolina road conditions click here
For School Closings click here.
For GSP Flight Information click here.
The Red Cross warns the elderly could face additional dangers from the cold. They offer these tips to those with elderly family and friends.
Make a cold weather emergency kit for your home and car
DRIVING ON ICE:
Watch Chris Cato's story with the experts at BMW showing you what to do if you start to slide on the ice.
PREPARING YOUR HOME
The following information is from the Insurance News Service.
South Carolinians Need to Protect Against Frozen Pipes
Columbia, S.C. – With the weather forecast for temperatures to drop into the teens and lower twenties around South Carolina the next few nights, homeowners and renters need to prevent their homes from being ruined by frozen pipes. Frozen plumbing that leads to burst pipes can easily produce several thousand dollars in property damage for a home and if no one is home at the time those losses can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Nationally, in 2007, water damage (including frozen, burst pipes) accounted for about 22 percent of all homeowners insurance claims accordint to the Insurance Information Institute. The average claim was for $5,531. Standard homeowners and renters insurance provides coverage for burst pipes, wind driven rain and damage resulting from ice dams on your roof. Some policies cover sewer and drain backups, but many do not; however, you can purchase a sewer backup rider to a homeowners or renters policy for approximately an additional $50 each year, with the policy limits varying depending upon the insurer. Every year thousands of American families' homes are ruined and lives disrupted each winter when water pipes freeze and burst. South Carolinians might see a bigger problem than those in the North because of houses with slab foundations and water pipes running through the attic. Also, southern homeowners don't think freezing is a problem and don't bother checking the condition or location of pipes in their homes. If the temperature drops to 20 degrees or lower, you could have a problem with frozen pipes. To prepare for freezing weather, the South Carolina Insurance News Service offers the following tips:
Inside Your Home
• Keep the house warm. Set the thermostat for at least 65 degrees, since the temperature inside the walls, where the pipes are located, is substantially colder—a lower temperature will not keep the pipes from freezing.
• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space. Or drain the water system, especially if your house will be unattended during cold periods.
• Add extra insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. If too much heat escapes through the attic, it can cause snow or ice to melt on the roof. Water can then re-freeze, causing more snow and ice to build up. This can result in a collapsed roof, and can contribute to ice damming. Ideally, the attic should be five to ten degrees warmer than the outside air. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will also help protect pipes from freezing. You may also consider insulating unfinished rooms such as garages to keep pipes from freezing.
• Have the heating system serviced. Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to prevent fire and smoke damage.
• Check pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have the pipes repaired immediately. Wrap exposed pipes with heating tape.
• Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
• Make sure that smoke and fire alarms are working properly. Residential fires increase in the winter, so it is important to protect your family with working alarm systems. Also, consider installing a carbon dioxide detector, since a well sealed home can trap this toxic gas.
• Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located. If your pipes freeze, time is of the essence. The quicker you can shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better chance you have to prevent pipes from bursting.
• Hire a licensed contractor to look for structural damage. If damage is discovered, you can have it repaired immediately rather than waiting for a more severe problem to occur. Also, ask about ways to prevent water damage resulting from snow-related flooding. Plastic coatings for internal basement walls, sump pumps and other methods can prevent flood damage to your home and belongings.
For information on carbon monoxide poisoning and things to check at your house click here.
Outside Your Home
• Clean out gutters. Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming—a condition where water is unable to drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls.
• Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves and/or UL listed heat tape. Two inches of insulation is optimal. The more insulation the better.
• Drain the water from sprinkler systems and exterior pool/spa supply lines, especially if your house will be unattended during cold periods.
• Remove and drain garden hoses. If the supply line to the hose bib has a shut off valve, shut off the supply to the house bib and drain the supply line.
• Install gutter guards. Available in most hardware and home stores, “gutter guards” prevent debris from entering the gutter and interfering with the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow and wind can cause weak trees or branches to break, causing damage to your home or car, as well as injury to people on your property.
• Repair steps and handrails. This may prevent someone from falling and being seriously injured. Broken stairs and banisters can become lethal when covered with snow and ice.
• Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations. Use caulking to protect water pipes and make sure that skylights and other roof openings have proper weather stripping to prevent snowmelt from seeping in.
• Learn how to turn off the water supply to your home or call your water supplier in case of burst pipes.
(Sources: Insurance Information Institute and the Institute for Business & Home Safety)
If you are going to be away from home for an extended period, take special care. Turn the water off and/or have the water system drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting. Also, hire someone to check your home on a regular basis. If there is a problem, it can be fixed quickly, thus lessening any damage. Activity at your home will also reduce the likelihood that it will be burglarized.
For more tips on homeowners insurance, link to www.scinsurance.net.
CAR CARE
Safe Driving and Well-Maintained Vehicles Even More Important During Winter Months
Information from the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)
Winter, is a time when safe driving and well-maintained vehicles take on even greater importance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)
“Drivers should always avoid speeding, keep their tires properly inflated, and have their car’s brakes checked regularly. These steps are critical as motorists in many parts of the country prepare to combat snow, high winds and icy road conditions,” said Michael Barry, vice president, Media Relations, for the I.I.I.
The good news is that the number of overall U.S. traffic fatalities reported in 2008 hit its lowest level since 1961, and a statistical projection for the first six months of 2009 indicates that figure could drop again by year-end, according to an October 2009 National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) report. However, “failure to keep in proper lane or running off the road” (28 percent) and “driving too fast for conditions” (22 percent) were the two most frequent driver behaviors reported prior to fatal accidents in 2007, NHTSA found, running well ahead of incidents in which the driver was “under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication” (14 percent). In order to avoid potentially dangerous situations until spring arrives in late March 2010, the I.I.I. offers the following winter driving tips:
Give yourself enough time to arrive at your destination. Trips can take longer during winter than other times of the year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads.
*Bring a cellphone so that those awaiting your arrival can get in touch with you, or you can notify them, if you are running late. But avoid the temptation of using the phone while driving, as it can be a dangerous distraction—pull over first.
*Drive slowly because accelerating, stopping and turning all take longer on snow-covered roads.
*Leave more distance than usual between your vehicle and the one just ahead of you, giving yourself at least 10 seconds to come to a complete stop. Cars and motorcycles usually need at least 3 seconds to halt completely even when traveling on dry pavement.
*Be careful when driving over bridges, as well as roadways rarely exposed to sunlight—they are often icy when other areas are not.
*Avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
*Be sure to keep your gas tank full. Stormy weather or traffic delays may force you to change routes or turn back. A fuller gas tank also averts the potential freezing of your car's gas-line.
*Keep windshield and windows clear. Drivers in cold-weather states should have a snow brush or scraper in their vehicle at all times. Your car's defroster can be supplemented by wiping the windows with a clean cloth to improve visibility.
*Do not activate your cruise control when driving on a slippery surface.
*Do not warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
*Keep your tires properly inflated and remember that good tread on your tires is essential to safe winter driving.
*Check your exhaust pipe to make sure it is clear. A blocked pipe could cause a leakage of carbon monoxide gas into your car when the engine is running.
Monitor the weather conditions at your destination before beginning your trip. If conditions look as though they are going to be too hazardous, just stay home.
The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.
For more information contact the SC Insurance Information Institute
Care Care from Road and Travel Magazine
Cold Weather Driving Car Care Tips from Pride Autocare
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety and the South Carolina Department of Transportation are preparing motorists for the possibility of hazardous road conditions. SCDPS and SCDOT want to ensure motorists are prepared and well-informed about resources available to keep them safe if they have to travel in inclement weather.
Transportation Secretary H.B. “Buck” Limehouse Jr. said SCDOT Maintenance crews will be on the alert for winter weather. “Our crews in each county in the path of any ice or snow will be monitoring weather conditions. Our normal procedure is to pre-treat interstates, particularly overpasses, with sand and salt before any precipitation begins falling. We will also be prepared to work with the SC Highway Patrol and local agencies to keep any emergency routes to hospitals and shelters open as best we can,” said Limehouse.
Some of the typical problems the Highway Patrol sees during inclement weather include: a high volume of minor collisions involving people losing control of the vehicle and possibly skidding into each other’s vehicles; people encountering black ice; bridges or overpasses icing before the roadways; people travelling too fast for conditions and not leaving enough space between them and other vehicles.
During hazardous weather, the highway patrol asks that motorists only use *HP for true emergencies such as reporting collisions or being stranded in a vehicle.
State agencies will be regularly issuing weather advisories and travel information.
DRESSING FOR THE COLD
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