Cold in Georgia, January 17 to 18, 2018

Name: Cold in Georgia, January 17 to 18, 2018
Start: 2018-01-17T18:00
End: 2018-01-18T08:00
Location: Georgia

January 17 to 18, 2018 · NWS GSP · 1 event in 1 county or zone

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 1 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 1

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS GSP wrote it up.

A cold arctic air mass built into northeast Georgia on the heels of gusty northwest winds developing west of a storm system moving up the Southeast coast. The gusty winds and cold air passing over a fresh snowpack resulted in low wind chills across much of the high terrain. Wind chill values from 0 to -10 were common in elevations above 2000 feet or so. Meanwhile, wind chill values of -10 to -20 were measured above about 4000 feet.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 17, 2:52 PM EST, 3 hours 8 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 17, 2:52 PM EST, 3 hours 8 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
252 PM EST Wed Jan 17 2018

.SYNOPSIS...
Snowfall will taper off today. In the wake of a cold front, high
pressure will overspread the region tonight and tomorrow and drift
offshore by early Saturday. Another cold front is expected to
approach the Carolinas early next week.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH THURSDAY/...
Latest water vapor imagery indicates upper low continues to wobble
into the southern Appalachians this afternoon, with associated
mid/upper level dry slot moving quickly east across the Piedmont. As
such, the back edge of the main snow shield continues to move
quickly east across the Piedmont, while snowfall rates continue to
diminish. Meanwhile, an area of flurries/--SN has developed
immediately east of the upper low, in association with an area of
low-mid level moisture wrapping into the circulation. It is highly
unlikely that this will result in any additional accumulations, but
chancy pops along with a mention of flurries will be maintained
across roughly the eastern half of the area into the evening.
Nevertheless, at least part of the Winter Storm Warning for the I-77
corridor will be maintained for safe-keeping til 6pm. With
temperatures expected to plummet across the area this evening, and
likely reaching the single digits to mid teens across much of the
area by daybreak Thursday, a Winter Wx Advisory for black ice will
be issued for all areas not in the warning. A wind chill advisory is
also in effect for the NC mtns through tomorrow.

Sunny conditions tomorrow should yield plenty of melting, while
temps should warm up significantly, although any warming trend will
be tempered by snowpack in many areas. Thus, max temps will be a
solid 10-15 degrees below climo in most areas.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 230 PM EST Wednesday: The short term fcst period continues to
look rather quiet as very weak upper trofing across the plains
allows for weak, yet improving llv warm advection.  High pressure
located along the gulf coast will promote swly flow at the surface,
thereby supporting an overall warming trend.  Temperatures at fcst
onset Thursday evening could be a bit tricky depending on the degree
of warming and any residual snowpack from today's event, thus will
probably lean a bit cool with respect to guidance for overnight
temperatures.  Moving on into Friday, southerly waa will prevail
leading to temperatures returning closer to normal, warming further
to above normal on Saturday amidst mostly sunny skies.  All in all,
moderating temperatures amidst melting snow pack and otherwise dry
conditions to highlight the short term.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
As of 200 PM: A surface ridge is currently expected to remain over
the Southeast states Sunday and early Monday. Aloft, a partially
cut-off upper low is progged to drift through, though operational
models and ensemble members suggest it will be too far south to
affect us with sensible weather. Dry and warm conditions thus are
expected early in the medium range period. However, at the same
time, a potent upper trough and deepening sfc low will affect the
northern Plains. The cold front associated with this system will
move across the lower Mississippi Valley on Monday, most likely
crossing our CWFA Monday night. At the present time it appears
there is little severe wx threat due to a lack of instability
(even GEFS probability of 250 J/kg CAPE is below 10 percent). This
is at least partially attributable to the nocturnal timing, which
could change. This trend will be something to watch over the next
few days. Otherwise, above-normal temps are expected prior to the
fropa, with seasonably cooler conditions developing behind it. At
least a small chance of rain changing over to snow exists for the
mountains on the back side of the front.

&&

.AVIATION /20Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
At KCLT/KHKY Although the back edge of the snow is still about 3-4 hours
away, drier mid-level air working in from the southwest is resulting
in diminishing snowfall rates across eastern portions of Upstate SC.
Therefore, the window for visby < 1SM is closing, and the tempo for
such has been shortened to end at 19Z, with visby expected to
improve to 5SM by 20Z. MVFR/low VFR conditions should develop no
later than 22Z, with clearing skies expected this evening, and SKC
conditions continuing through the period. Very cold temperatures
tonight will result in any melt water refreezing. Winds will remain
N/NE to N/NW at around 10 kts through the period.

Elsewhere: May still see some flurries at the Upstate SC terminals
and KAVL through late afternoon. Otherwise, MVFR/low VFR cigs should
lift to VFR by late this afternoon, with clearing skies this
evening, and SKC conditions continuing through the period. Very cold
temperatures tonight will result in any melt water refreezing. Winds
will remain N/NE to N/NW at around 10 kts through the period, with
gusts of 20-25 kts expected to continue at KAVL until at least Thu
morning.

Outlook: Dry/VFR condition are expected to continue through the
week and into the weekend.

Confidence Table...

            20-02Z        02-08Z        08-14Z        14-18Z
KCLT       Med   66%     High 100%     High 100%     High 100%
KGSP       High  87%     High 100%     High 100%     High 100%
KAVL       High 100%     High 100%     High 100%     High 100%
KHKY       High  81%     High 100%     High 100%     High 100%
KGMU       High  82%     High 100%     High 100%     High 100%
KAND       High  97%     High 100%     High 100%     High 100%

The percentage reflects the number of guidance members agreeing
with the scheduled TAF issuance flight rule category. Complete hourly
experimental aviation forecast consistency tables and ensemble forecasts
are available at the following link:

www.weather.gov/gsp/aviation

&&

.GSP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...Winter Weather Advisory until 11 AM EST Thursday for GAZ010-
     017-018-026-028-029.
NC...Winter Weather Advisory until 11 AM EST Thursday for NCZ033-
     048>053-058-059-062>065-068-501>510.
     Wind Chill Advisory until 7 AM EST Thursday for NCZ048-051>053-
     058-059-062>065.
     Wind Chill Advisory until 10 AM EST Thursday for NCZ033-049-
     050.
     Winter Storm Warning until 6 PM EST this evening for
     NCZ035>037-056-057-069>072-082.
SC...Winter Weather Advisory until 11 AM EST Thursday for
     SCZ001>008-010>013-019.
     Winter Storm Warning until 6 PM EST this evening for SCZ009-
     014.

&&

SYNOPSIS...Wimberley
NEAR TERM...JDL
SHORT TERM...CDG
LONG TERM...Wimberley
AVIATION...JDL

Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 17, 3:23 PM EST, 2 hours 37 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
323 PM EST Wed Jan 17 2018

GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ068-501>510-SCZ001>008-010>013-019-
182030-
Rabun-Habersham-Stephens-Franklin-Hart-Elbert-Cleveland-
Caldwell Mountains-Greater Caldwell-Burke Mountains-Greater Burke-
McDowell Mountains-Eastern McDowell-Rutherford Mountains-
Greater Rutherford-Polk Mountains-Eastern Polk-Oconee Mountains-
Pickens Mountains-Greenville Mountains-Greater Oconee-
Greater Pickens-Greater Greenville-Spartanburg-Cherokee-Anderson-
Abbeville-Laurens-Union-Greenwood-
323 PM EST Wed Jan 17 2018

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM EST THURSDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, piedmont
North Carolina, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

..Thursday...Black ice likely. With temperatures below freezing
early Thursday morning, any residual water on roadways and elevated
surfaces will likely refreeze, affecting travel conditions for
Thursday's morning commute.
..Friday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Saturday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Sunday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Monday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Tuesday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encourage to report snow and ice accumulations
to the National Weather Service.

NCZ035>037-056-057-069>072-082-SCZ009-014-182030-
Alexander-Iredell-Davie-Catawba-Rowan-Lincoln-Gaston-Mecklenburg-
Cabarrus-Union-York-Chester-
323 PM EST Wed Jan 17 2018

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for piedmont North Carolina and
upstate South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

..Thursday...Black ice likely. With temperatures below freezing
early Thursday morning, any residual water on roadways and elevated
surfaces will likely refreeze, affecting travel conditions for
Thursday's morning commute.
..Friday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Saturday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Sunday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Monday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Tuesday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encourage to report snow and ice accumulations
to the National Weather Service.

NCZ048-051>053-058-059-062>065-182030-
Madison-Swain-Haywood-Buncombe-Graham-Northern Jackson-Macon-
Southern Jackson-Transylvania-Henderson-
323 PM EST Wed Jan 17 2018

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST THURSDAY ABOVE
3500 FEET...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM EST THURSDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Wind Chill Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

..Thursday...Dangerous wind chill likely. Black ice likely. With
temperatures below freezing early Thursday morning, any residual
water on roadways and elevated surfaces will likely refreeze,
affecting travel conditions for Thursday's morning commute.
..Friday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Saturday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Sunday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Monday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Tuesday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encourage to report snow and ice accumulations
to the National Weather Service.

NCZ033-049-050-182030-
Avery-Yancey-Mitchell-
323 PM EST Wed Jan 17 2018

...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THURSDAY...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM EST THURSDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for western North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.
   Wind Chill Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

..Thursday...Dangerous wind chill likely. Black ice likely. With
temperatures below freezing early Thursday morning, any residual
water on roadways and elevated surfaces will likely refreeze,
affecting travel conditions for Thursday's morning commute.
..Friday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Saturday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Sunday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Monday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
..Tuesday...No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encourage to report snow and ice accumulations
to the National Weather Service.

CDG

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jan 17, 4:41 PM EST, 1 hour 19 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
441 PM EST WED JAN 17 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0440 PM     SNOW             1 NW CLINTON            34.48N  81.88W
01/17/2018  M2.0 INCH        LAURENS            SC   COCORAHS

&&

CSH

Local storm report, Jan 17, 4:51 PM EST, 1 hour 9 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
451 PM EST WED JAN 17 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0430 PM     SNOW             5 W SALISBURY           35.67N  80.57W
01/17/2018  M6.2 INCH        ROWAN              NC   TRAINED SPOTTER

&&

CORRECTED EVENT TIME...EVENT

CSH

Local storm report, Jan 17, 4:56 PM EST, 1 hour 4 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
456 PM EST WED JAN 17 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0430 PM     SNOW             GAMEWELL                35.87N  81.60W
01/17/2018  E5.5 INCH        CALDWELL           NC   AMATEUR RADIO

&&

CORRECTED EVENT TIME...EVENT

CSH

Local storm report, Jan 17, 4:59 PM EST, 1 hour 1 minute before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
459 PM EST WED JAN 17 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0445 PM     SNOW             3 W INMAN               35.05N  82.15W
01/17/2018  M3.9 INCH        SPARTANBURG        SC   NWS EMPLOYEE

            FINAL. 2.9 SINCE 7 AM

&&

CORRECTED EVENT TIME...EVENT...REMARKS

CSH

Local storm report, Jan 17, 5:15 PM EST, 45 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
515 PM EST WED JAN 17 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0444 PM     SNOW             1 NNW HIDDEN VALLEY     35.29N  80.79W
01/17/2018  M5.0 INCH        MECKLENBURG        NC   SOCIAL MEDIA

&&

WIMBERLEY

Local storm report, Jan 17, 5:46 PM EST, 14 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC
546 PM EST WED JAN 17 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0523 PM     SNOW             ROEBUCK                 34.88N  81.96W
01/17/2018  E3.5 INCH        SPARTANBURG        SC   SOCIAL MEDIA

&&

WIMBERLEY

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

1 cold/wind chill. Local standard time, as filed.

Cold/Wind Chill, Rabun

When: January 17, 6:00 PM EST to January 18, 8:00 AM EST
Where: Rabun forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 34.882, -83.402 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

What these are

Cold/Wind Chill: Cold or wind chill below warning criteria that caused deaths, injuries or damage.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Georgia in 2018 Every state in 2018 This day in weather history Warnings in Georgia, January 2018

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 736200.