CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Forecasts for a winter storm expected in South Carolina Wednesday are becoming more concrete, with as much as three inches of snow predicted in some areas north of Charleston.
All of coastal South Carolina is under a winter storm warning, as the storm approaches from the southeast off the Atlantic Ocean.
A mix of snow and sleet is expected to begin falling around 8 a.m. Wednesday, giving way to more snow as the day progresses.
ABC News 4 Chief Meteorologist says northern Charleston and Berkeley counties and northward into the Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions could see two inches or more of snow accumulation.
Moncks Corner, Bonneau, St. Stephen, Jamestown, McClellanville and Andrews all could see 2-3 inches of snow, according to Williams.
However, Williams says conditions aren't right for that much accumulation in the Charleston metro area, or areas south and west of the city in Colleton and Dorchester counties.
Williams says the Charleston metro area will be brushed by the back edge of the storm, getting about an inch of snow on the ground, with slightly higher or lower totals possible in isolated spots.
"There's really not copious amounts of moisture, the time of day is wrong for snow in the Lowcountry, and the storm will be departing fairly quickly," Williams says.
The mix of sleet and snow early in the day will also cut down on snow accumulation around Charleston, according to Williams.
Further inland toward Walterboro and St. George along Interstate 95, snowfall totals may be less than an inch.
"Many in the area will receive just a light dusting, or nothing at all," Williams says.
Charleston, Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester, Beaufort, Jasper, Georgetown, Williamsburg, Horry, Florence, Marion and Marlboro counties are under a winter storm warning through Jan. 4.
Looking ahead, the Lowcountry is in for more freezing temperatures through the end of the week, with highs in the 40s and lows near 20 Thursday through Saturday.