Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
Barnwell County residents can expect a cold, snowy weekend thanks to Winter Storm Gianna.
Temps are expected to drop to 14 degrees on Sunday, Feb. 1 and 13 degrees on Monday, Feb. 2. However, the wind chill could make those temperatures even colder, which is why the area is under an Extreme Cold Watch from Saturday evening until Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
With snow in the forecast for much of the state, Turner said locally there will “probably be some snow impact around 9 a.m. (Saturday, Jan. 31). It will start out light, then start accumulating around 11 a.m. and continue throughout the day.” Snowfall could continue through early Sunday morning, Feb. 1, he said.
Barnwell County can expect at least one inch of snow, but possibly up to six inches. Turner said the average estimate is two to four inches, according to the latest weather models.
“That will not be enough heat and sun to melt that snow,” said Turner of how there could be residual snow still on the ground on Monday and Tuesday.
Turner said he is not currently concerned about ice because that would require high enough temperatures to melt the snow and then have it freeze. “It doesn’t mean it won’t happen but I’m just not seeing that,” he said of the current models.
Salt brine has been sprayed on local roads, particularly to ensure egresses to hospitals are open, he said.
Unlike some winter storms, Turner said he is not worried about power outages or downed trees.
“There is not an icy effect that would create weight on powerlines,” he said.
One problem that could impact the area on Saturday, Jan. 31 is wind gusts of 35 mph, he said.
"If you must travel, drive slow. If you spend time outside, make sure you dress in layers as temperatures will be very cold, especially after sunset tomorrow," according to the U.S. National Weather Service's Columbia office.
As Winter Storm Gianna approaches, Turner will continue to closely monitor local conditions.
