Upstate South Carolina Hit by Snow, Freezing Temps

Officials urge residents to stay off roads as hazardous travel conditions persist

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:15am

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A winter storm brought heavy snow, strong winds, and plunging temperatures to the Upstate region of South Carolina on February 1, 2026, creating hazardous travel conditions. City and county officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel as road crews work to clear and treat the roads.

Why it matters

The extreme weather has led to numerous incidents on the roads, with officials concerned about the safety of both drivers and first responders. The storm highlights the challenges that severe winter weather can pose for communities in the Southeast, where such events are less common.

The details

According to Greenville City spokesperson Beth Brotherton, city workers are clearing roads and sidewalks after streets received multiple inches of snow over the weekend. Public Works crews remain on 12-hour shifts to continuously plow and brine roadways, using approximately 12,000 gallons of brine and 500 tons of salt. Sgt. Diana Munoz of the Greenville Police Department said officers have responded to 13 road incidents since the snowfall began on January 31.

  • The snow and freezing temperatures began on January 31, 2026.
  • On February 1, 2026, the Upstate region received 4 to 7 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 35 mph.
  • Temperatures are expected to drop to a low of 12 degrees Fahrenheit on the night of February 1, 2026.

The players

Beth Brotherton

Greenville City spokesperson.

Diana Munoz

Sergeant with the Greenville Police Department.

Greenville County Emergency Management

The local emergency management agency providing updates and warnings about the hazardous weather conditions.

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What’s next

Officials will continue to monitor the weather and road conditions, and provide updates to the public. The priority is to keep roads clear and safe for essential travel.

The takeaway

This winter storm highlights the importance of preparedness and caution when severe weather strikes, even in areas that don't typically experience heavy snowfall. Heeding the warnings of local authorities and avoiding unnecessary travel can help protect both drivers and first responders during hazardous conditions.