Rob Fowler provides Monday night update on Lowcountry winter storm warning

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – With Lowcountry counties under a winter storm warning, winter precipitation is on the way for Tuesday night.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Colleton, Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston counties from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday morning.

These areas should prepare to see one to two inches of ice/snow, with higher amounts in isolated areas beginning around 5 p.m. Tuesday into noon Wednesday.

According to Storm Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler, the area will likely see some sleet, but snow totals could be higher if less sleet occurs.

For the weather service to issue a warning, either 2 inches of snow/sleet accumulation will occur or ¼ an inch of ice accumulation at least, Fowler explained.

As of Monday evening, temperatures across the area are expected to drop from the low 40s to the mid-20s. These temperatures, mixed with wind gusts ranging from 17 to 19 miles per hour, have created the conditions for the current cold weather advisory.

A cold weather advisory is active for the Lowcountry until noon Wednesday, meaning wind chills ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Monday and 10 to 15 degrees Tuesday night and Wednesday night.

By 7 p.m. Tuesday, Fowler’s models predict ice hitting the coastal regions with snow inland. By 11 p.m., all areas, including the coastal regions, can expect snow.

Our most significant impacts will be Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning; however, there is a low-end risk that freezing rain will occur late Thursday evening. There could also be travel issues on Wednesday night and Thursday as wet roads could refreeze.

Be sure to download the News 2 app for breaking news alerts, updates, and any possible changes to school schedules this week. You can also download the Storm Team 2 app for the latest forecast and weather alerts.