Winter Weather
South Carolina is no stranger to winter weather. Annually, the state experiences a plethora of winter storms and wintry precipitation events. Coastal storms, called Nor’easters, can impact the region because of the state’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, where these storms form. Strong northeasterly winds blow in from the ocean ahead of the storm. In addition to heavy snow and rainfall, the high winds and waves can cause significant coastal erosion.
One of the greatest snowstorms that ever impacted the state also left its mark along the entire the Southeast. The February 1973 snowstorm left a foot of snow over parts of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Accumulations of snow were even reported in portions of the Florida Panhandle from this event.
Did You Know?
The record amount for snowfall in a 24-hour period is 24" observed on February 9-10, 1973 at Rimini, SC (Clarendon County). Follow this link to read more about the event’s impact in the Carolinas: http://www.weather.gov/ilm/Feb1973Snow
