South Carolina ETV

ETV Weather Advisory Center

Weather Advisories in South Carolina

Please visit the National Weather Service's website for the most current weather news.

Winter Weather Watches, Warnings and Advisories—What do they all Mean?

A Winter Storm Watch means that severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, may affect your area, but its occurrence, location and timing are still uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued to provide 12 to 48 hours notice of the possibility of severe winter weather.

A Winter Storm Warning is issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.

Winter Weather Advisories are used to inform you that winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, advisory situations should not become life-threatening.

Before a winter storm approaches…

The danger from winter weather varies across South Carolina. However, regardless of where you may live, residence may face some type of severe winter weather. Below is a list of helpful tips to help you prepare.

Before A Winter Storm

Preparation is the best protection. Make sure you have everything you will need in an emergency kit.

What supplies do I include in an emergency kit? Visit the Red Cross' website for a complete list of needed items.
For Winter Weather include items such as warm blankets, rock salt, sand, and snow shovels with your emergency kit. Make sure you always have adequate amounts of heating fuel.

Stay informed.

Purchase a batter-powered radio or a National Weather Service Radio. Make sure to include extra batteries in your emergency kit.
Download FEMA's mobile app which contains disaster safety tips, interactive lists for storing your emergency kit, emergency meeting location information, and a map with shelters and FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). The app is free to download through your smart phone provider's app store.

Prepare. Plan. Visit Ready.gov for more helpful preparation tips.

During A Storm

Stay informed.

Listen to ETV and National Weather Service radio. To find your local NOAA Weather Radio station, visit the National Weather Service's website.
Listen to ETV radio with your mobile device by downloading NPR News app for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, and iPad.

Stay indoors.

Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
South Carolina Department of Public Safety Emergency Traffic Network. SCDPS provides realtime traffic updates, maps, and other resources to assist South Carolinians.

Ready.gov provides more information to remain safe during a winter storm.

After A Storm

Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors.

If you need shelter, go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
In the case of disaster, inform others you are Safe and Well. Safe and Well is a website maintained by the American Red Cross where you can let friends and family know you are safe or where you can search for friends and family.

Forecast, Maps, and Advisories

Forecasts, Watches, Warnings, and Current Weather Conditions in South Carolina (National Weather Service)
South Carolina Weather Maps and Advisories (National Weather Service)
Current Weather Hazards for South Carolina (National Weather Service)
Current Weather Conditions in South Carolina
South Carolina State Government Offices Delays and Closings by County