An arctic cold front is expected to move over the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia on Wednesday. The blast will bring freezing air and strong gusts, potentially resulting in severe wind chill conditions by Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg, wind chills in hilly areas will fall into the teens on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Other places will see wind chills in the 20s and 30s. In higher elevations, gusts of up to 50 mph are expected, exacerbating the cold’s effects.
Due to the severe gusts, the NWS recommends residents reduce their outside exposure and secure any unsecured objects. Layers and insulating clothing are recommended for anyone going outside.
Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly over the weekend, however cold conditions may persist.
Residents are encouraged to be informed and prepare for the upcoming cold. Local officials emphasize the need to check on vulnerable neighbors and ensure that pets are safe.