Heavy Snow in Greater Oconee, South Carolina

Moisture overspread the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia late on the 15th as strengthening low pressure moved across the Deep South. Strong northeast winds supplied ample cold air for the precipitation to begin as light snow across much of the foothills. Snow continued into the overnight, becoming moderate to occasionally heavy, with snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour reported. Winds frequently gusting to 30 to 40 mph resulted in near-blizzard conditions at times. Heavy snowfall criteria of 2 to 4 inches was reached just before sunrise at many locations. Slight warming of the air aloft resulted in snow changing to sleet in many areas during mid-to-late morning. While much of the precipitation tapered off by noon, occasional snow showers continued to produce light accumulations during the afternoon and evening. Total snowfall was generally in the 4 to 7 inch range, with light sleet accumulations reported in many areas. Locally higher snowfall of up to 10 inches was reported across northern Greenville County. Travel was difficult to nearly impossible throughout the 16th and much of the 17th, as cold temperatures slowed melting.