Daniel Prince
Forecast calls for mostly rain and freezing rain for Union, with some snow and sleet mixed in late
An ice storm warning will be in effect for Union County, along with Elbert County in northeast Georgia and Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens, and Chester counties in South Carolina from midnight tonight through midnight Sunday night. It states that significant icing is expected, with snow and sleet accumulations of up to an inch and ice accumulations of 0.1 to 0.4 inches possible. In addition, wind gusts are possible up to 40 mph. The warning says that travel could be nearly impossible across the area. Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice and the gusty winds.
Precipitation is expected to begin this evening as light rain, possibly mixing with snow and sleet. It will gradually change over to freezing rain early Sunday morning. The precipitation should taper off Sunday afternoon and evening, perhaps as a period of light snow. Temperatures may stay below freezing until late Monday morning. Travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, you are advised to keep a flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of emergency. Ice accumulations and winds will likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches that add to the danger. Be prepared for possible power outages.
The latest forecast for Union County says rain is likely before 4 a.m., then changing over to freezing rain. Rain or freezing rain will continue through 3 p.m. or so, changing over to rain in the late afternoon hours. Rain, snow, and sleet is possible after 5 p.m. There is a 30% chance of rain and sleet in the early evening hours, and as the system exits, there is a slight chance of snow until 10 p.m. or so. Wind gusts on Sunday could reach 29 mph or more Sunday morning. The low temperature tonight is expected to be in the upper 20s. Sunday’s high could reach 34 degrees, and it will drop again into the upper 20s Sunday night.