November snow surprises people in SC Midlands

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A narrow band of snow has swept across the western parts of South Carolina, leaving around 2 inches of snow in some areas of Greenville. Greenwood, Saluda, Edgefield, Aiken and Lexington

A cold rain suddenly turned to a heavy, wet surprising snow Saturday morning. The National Weather Service says it beat the previous record for the earliest snow in the Columbia area by eight days.

The snow fell hard enough and fast enough to stick to trees and grass despite temperatures in the upper 30s and low 40s. Utilities reported a peak of 20,000 power outages as tree branches still full of leaves snapped under the snow’s weight.

The snow also caused troopers to briefly close Interstate 20 in Lexington County.

Forecasters say the snow is melting fast.