Upstate SC communities monitor road conditions after storm

Officials in Upstate South Carolina are working to clear roads after a severe winter storm over the weekend caused numerous road closures due to icing, black ice, downed power lines, and fallen trees.

Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson counties have implemented a plan to clear roads, primarily involving city and county crews as well as the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), to treat and clear roads, prioritize major routes, and remove debris. 

According to a news release South Carolina Public Radio, the South Carolina Department of Transportation has approximately 4,000 employees positioned across the state to clear and treat roadways in the aftermath of the winter storm.

Crews are using snowplows and salt to improve driving conditions, while power companies are restoring electricity to affected areas.

Residents are urged to exercise caution when traveling on Jan. 26-27 and allow extra time for their commutes.

• Watch for black ice, especially where the pavement looks wet
• Bridges and overpasses may freeze first
• Shaded areas and less-traveled roads can remain icy longer
• Slow down and allow extra stopping distance

If travel is not necessary, consider delaying until conditions improve.

Current road conditions in Upstate South Carolina

According to the National Weather Service, as of Jan. 26, the storm has moved out, but hazardous conditions remain throughout the Carolinas.

Travel remains dangerous, especially on untreated secondary roads. Here’s how roads look around the Upstate.

Greenville road conditions

• Greenville County: City of Greenville crews have prioritized and treated major arterial and collector streets (Priority A and B routes). They are now assessing C and D routes (residential streets). The City of Greenville website provides live closure updates.
• Ashmore Bridge Road: Closed at the “S” curve between Sonoma Drive and Fowler Circle in Mauldin.
• Parking Garages: Top levels of all city-owned garages remain closed to prevent icing accidents

Officials warn that any moisture on surfaces is expected to refreeze overnight, creating black ice and further hazardous conditions.

Spartanburg road conditions

• Spartanburg County: Crews are applying brine and sand, with an emphasis on interstates, high-traffic primary roads, bridges, and overpasses to melt icing.

Anderson road condtions

• Anderson County: Officials from the county and the S.C. Department of Transportation are working together to clear roads, focusing on the main highways and emergency routes. 

Road closures, conditons in South Carolina

For real-time updates on road closures, icing, and other hazards in Upstate South Carolina, people can check out the SCDOT Road Conditions map or the 511 SC app. Drivers can avoid hazardous areas and ensure a safe commute.

Officials stress that black ice remains a significant threat, and non-essential travel should be postponed until conditions are officially deemed safe.

Downed trees and road hazards

People can also report downed trees and road hazards to local authorities or the SCDOT to ensure swift removal and maintain safe travel conditions.

Steps to take if you notice a downed power line

• Call 911: If a power line is down and creating an immediate threat to life or property.
• Stay Away: Keep a safe distance from downed lines and report them. 
• Contact power company: Report immediately to Duke Energy or your local provider (Laurens Electric, Broad River Electric, etc.).

Do not report standard power outages to 911. Contact your specific utility provider: 

• Duke Energy: Call 800-769-3766 or text OUT to 57801.
• Blue Ridge Electric Co-op: Call 888-258-3743 or text OUT to 800-240-3400.
• Dominion Energy: Call 888-333-4465 for downed or sparking lines.
• Greer CPW: Call 864-848-5500 or report via their Customer Portal.
• Laurens Electric Co-op: Call 866-973-7867 or 800-942-3141
• Greenville: Use the YourGov app or their e-Services portal to report issues.
• Spartanburg: Use the MySpartanburg app for city issues.
• Anderson: Use the “See, Click, Fix” or “YourGov” app for county roads.
• Clemson: Call the non-emergency line at 864-624-2000 for downed trees
• State roads/highways: For major highways (e.g., I-85, I-385) or state-maintained roads, report to SCDOT at 855-467-2368

Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trose@gannett.com