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What makes an ice storm so dangerous?
What’s cooler than being cool? | Photo by GVLtoday
Did you know 0.25 inches of ice weighs as much as two feet of snow? That’s why all eyes are on the forecast as the Upstate braces for what could become “a long-duration ice event.”
According to WYFF 4’s report yesterday, models show 1.50-2.0 inches of ice from ATL to GSP. Then, Arctic air is expected, with little to no melting possible for several days. Forecasts can change — that’s why we’re leaving it to the experts:
SCDOT has two major salt domes that each hold 10,000 tons of salt. | Photo via SCDOT
What preparations are underway?
SCDOT says it has 60,000 tons of salt ready, 1,200 pieces of equipment staged across the state, and brine and calcium chloride ready to treat roadways as needed.
When has this happened before?
In February 2014, an ice storm caused 364,000+ power outages across SC and caused more than $260 million in damages. Officials compared the damage across parts of our state to that of Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Locally, you may remember the 2005 ice storm.
❄️ Your winter weekend getaway: Frost To Flame Glassblowing Gathering
Presented by Yancey County
Photo credit: VisitNC and Loam Marketing
Looking for a winter activity with some real heat?
Internationally renowned glassblowers Rob Levin, Kenny Pieper, and Pablo Soto are getting ready to ignite passions for marvelously molten materials during Burnsville’s Frost To Flame Glassblowing Gathering, happening Friday, Feb. 27-March 1.
Look forward to:
Friday cocktail party + hot glass demonstration
Hands-on glassblowing classes all weekend (great way to learn a new skill)
Studio tours
Sunday morning pastries + artist meet n’ greet
Commemorative glass to take home
Tickets, times, and full weekend details this way.
Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency ahead of this weekend’s anticipated winter weather. This activates SC’s emergency operations plan and mobilizes resources. “Team South Carolina is ready to respond and support communities as conditions develop,” he said.
Announced
Greenville has two James Beard semifinalists: Andrea Ciavardini-Royko of Jianna for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service + Chef Joe Cash of Scoundrel for Best Chef: Southeast. Keep scrolling for the sweet story of how Andrea found out she was nominated
Asked
Do you have questions about the arena’s master plan? We’re following up on the news from Tuesday about the three new ordinances related to the project that had a first reading at Greenville County Council. From parking to funding, we’ll take your questions straight to the source — drop them here.
Quoted
“This was the right place, the right time, and the right moment for me to really shine.” That’s what Ricco Booker said about TalentRiseGVL, a Greenville Chamber program that helps working adults find post-secondary education opportunities. Booker is the first graduate of the program that launched in 2023.
Pets
Local animal shelters are preparing for the winter weather and freezing temperatures, with Greenville County Animal Care asking for blanket donations + the Greenville Humane Society seeking emergency fosters.
Trending
As online feeds are filled with owl impressions, you can see the real thing at Conestee Nature Preserve. Great horned owls are nesting now, and with fewer leaves on the trees, you may see them. Plus, their eggs will hatch in about a month — bring on the fluffy owlets.
It’s the perfect time to set goals, prioritize health, and invest in yourself — and there’s no better place to do it than the YMCA of Greenville. With January’s special offer of no joining fee, there’s never been a better reason to explore everything the Y has to offer.*
Edu
As a parent, it’s hard to know what moves the needle in college admissions. Empowerly starts with a free 30-minute consultation to honestly assess your student’s college profile — from there, you’ll get matched with a counselor, receive data-backed insights, and construct a plan. Get your free consult.*
Editor’s Pick
🥂 Salute to a local sommelier
Andrea proudly boasts that her wine program features every Italian wine region. | Photos by Kristen M.
When Andrea Ciavardini-Royko’s phone rang on Wednesday, Jan. 21, it was Chef Dayna Lee on the other line to let her know she was joining an elite group in Greenville — the James Beard semifinalists club.
Andrea, managing partner and sommelier at Jianna, is the lone SC nominee in the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category.
I vividly remember interviewing Chef Dayna the day she became a James Beard nominee in 2023: the shock, the excitement, and an overwhelming amount of humility. I felt the same when speaking with Andrea, who told me she was jumping up and down on her bed while on the phone with her friend.
“It’s the second most exciting day besides me getting married to my husband,” she told me. “This is huge for me!”
It is huge and — in my opinion — oh-so-deserved.
The Buy
A great dermaplaning razor for unwanted facial hair. This reusable, plastic-free one comes with 11 refill blades and can remove dead skin cells, peach fuzz, and hair on the upper lip, cheeks, and eyebrows.
It’s been a while since I dropped a Scout’s Doughnuts shoutout in The Wrap, but this covered pretzel doughnut looks too good to swipe past. It’s coated in chocolate glaze, rolled in buttered pretzel crumbles, and finished with our homemade caramel drizzle.
Bonus: It can be made with the gluten-free doughnut and gluten-free pretzels.
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