Frigid weekend projected for Horry County, chance of wintry mix could develop

Old Man Winter is starting to blow an icy breath over the Grand Strand area and even colder weather is coming over the weekend, along with a slight chance for a light wintry mix Friday for western Horry County, forecasters said.

“We’re well below normal for this time of year already,” Mark Bacon, forecaster with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C., said of temperatures Wednesday, when the high was in the mid 40s but the average is typically around 60 in February.

An arctic air mass is moving into Horry County from up North already, and even colder weather is expected over the weekend.

“A quick moving area of low pressure may result in a light wintry mix generally north of a Florence to Myrtle Beach line. Any precipitation is expected to remain light, thus any wintry accumulation would be little if any. However, a few pockets of light freezing rain Friday morning could cause some travel issues on bridges/overpasses,” said Steve Pfaff, weather service meteorologist.

While that slight chance remains highest north of Horry County, forecasters said changes to the freeze line could develop, and the western-most part of Horry County could see a trace of wintry mix Friday.

High temperatures Thursday and Friday will likely be in the mid 40s, with lows dipping into the lower to mid 30s. While the cold trend continues through Saturday with a high of 45 degrees, even colder weather is projected to creep in at night, and temperatures could drop into the teens in some parts of Horry County, weather authorities said.

A wind chill advisory could also be issued for Saturday night as biting winds could feel as low as 9 or 10 degrees, Bacon said.

Single-digit wind chills are also likely to continue through Sunday morning, when the high for the day is expected to be a frigid 35 degrees, forecasters said.

Bacon said it’s important to wear layers to keep warm and to make sure pets are brought inside.

American Red Cross officials also promoted a list of cold weather safety tips through social media Wednesday.

Some Red Cross tips: protect pipes by running water to prevent freezing; keep space heaters on level, hard surfaces and at least 3 feet away from flammable items; use generators outside only, and never use a stove to heat a home.

This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 1:21 PM with the headline "Frigid weekend projected for Horry County, chance of wintry mix could develop."