Heavy Snow — Northern Lancaster, South Carolina

2026-01-31 · Northern Lancaster, South Carolina

Event narrative

Multiple measurements across northern Lancaster of between 5 to 9 inches of storm total snowfall. Highest measured amount in northern Lancaster was 9 inches near Indian Land.

Wider weather episode

A unique snow setup for South Carolina developed as a strong coastal low strengthening offshore, while a upper level disturbance shifted over our area. This provided sufficient synoptic and mesoscale lift for widespread heavy snow across SC along with unusually high snow to liquid ratios between 15-20 to 1. A brief period of sleet-graupel occurred at the onset of the event following by 12 hours of light-moderate snow across the area, with highest amounts in the Pee Dee region of SC.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1310867. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.