Winter Storm Hits North Carolina and South Carolina, Causing Power Outages and Icy Roads

A winter storm swept through North Carolina and South Carolina on Friday, January 10, 2025, bringing significant snowfall, freezing rain, and icy conditions. The storm, which continued into early Saturday morning, caused widespread power outages, hazardous road conditions, and disruptions across the region.

In North Carolina, the Piedmont Triad area, including Winston-Salem and Greensboro, received between 1 and 4 inches of snow, with higher totals in the northern and western parts of the state. Mount Airy reported up to 4.5 inches, while Winston-Salem and Greensboro saw around 2 inches. This marked the first time in over 1,000 days that the region recorded more than an inch of snow, breaking a streak that dated back to January 29, 2022.

In South Carolina, the Upstate region, including Greenville and Anderson, experienced a mix of snow and freezing rain, creating treacherous driving conditions. Duke Energy reported over 1,500 customers without power in Anderson County and more than 1,000 in Greenville County as of late Friday night. Emergency services responded to numerous vehicle accidents, with McDowell County, North Carolina, reporting 58 storm-related incidents, including 53 crashes or stranded vehicles.

DoorDash temporarily suspended operations in several South Carolina cities, including Greenville and Spartanburg, due to the hazardous conditions. A temporary shelter opened in Oconee County to provide refuge for those affected by the storm.

Road conditions remained dangerous as temperatures dropped overnight, with icy patches causing multiple closures and accidents. The South Carolina Department of Transportation reported a crash on Interstate 85 near Mile Marker 69, which blocked lanes for approximately 30 minutes. Fire crews in Greenville County closed a section of State Park Road after a vehicle slid off the road due to ice.

As the storm system moves out of the region, residents are urged to stay off the roads and prepare for continued cold temperatures. Authorities are working to restore power and clear roadways, but the lingering impacts of the storm are expected to persist throughout the weekend.