National Weather ServiceSouth CarolinaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in South Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 4 winter storm watches for South Carolina in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 45th most of any state. 2026 through September: 7, 114% above the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Greenville Mountains was covered most often (23 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does South Carolina get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of South Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 7 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2008 | 1 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does South Carolina get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in South Carolina?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville Mountains | 23 | 3 | January 30, 2026 |
| Pickens Mountains | 22 | 3 | January 30, 2026 |
| Oconee Mountains | 21 | 3 | January 30, 2026 |
| Cherokee | 18 | 3 | January 30, 2026 |
| Chesterfield | 18 | 3 | January 31, 2026 |
| York | 18 | 3 | January 30, 2026 |
| Chester | 17 | 3 | January 30, 2026 |
| Greater Oconee | 16 | 3 | January 30, 2026 |
| Greater Pickens | 16 | 3 | January 30, 2026 |
| Greater Greenville | 15 | 0 | January 15, 2022 |
| Laurens | 15 | 3 | January 30, 2026 |
| Spartanburg | 15 | 0 | January 15, 2022 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a winter storm watch?
A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible in the coming days. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in South Carolina.