The National Weather Service has issued ice storm warnings for Newberry, Fairfield and Kershaw counties from 1am to 7pm Saturday. Freezing rain advisories are also in effect for Saluda, Lexington, Richland, Sumter counties. An ice storm warning means that severe winter weather is occuring or expected to happen.
A strong area of low pressure moving across the Southern Plains and Gulf states is prompting these precautions. Residents living in Newberry, Fairfield and Kershaw counties are the most susceptible to wintry weather over the next 36 hours. Rain is expected to arrive later Friday and turn into a freezing rain/sleet mix. The precipitation will begin to taper off Saturday evening into a light freezing drizzle before coming to an end.
Measurable ice accumulation is possible throughout the early morning into Saturday evening. Surface temperatures will drop below freezing across the area Saturday morning.
"The first thing people need to remember, if you don't need to travel Saturday then don't," says WACH Fox Weather Anchor Justin Kier. "It's just safer to stay inside."
The secondary, but perhaps greater threat arrives Saturday night when leftover moisture across the Midlands will in most cases turn to black ice.
"Black ice is a very dangerous thing because it appears invisible to motorists," says Kier. "I can't state this enough, if you don't have to travel Saturday morning, afternoon or evening, then just don't do it."
Conditions get considerably worse as you travel north. Driving to the Upstate, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky or Tennessee is highly discouraged.
Remember to exercise caution with portable heaters as well. Top off your car's fuel tank, check the antifreeze and be aware of driving conditions at all times.
The SkyWACH weather team will be monitoring this situation 24/7. Check back right here at http://www.midlandsconnect.com for more details.
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