Winter storm Diego causes closings, power outages

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Winter storm Diego moved through the Upstate over the weekend, bringing with it everything from rain to sleet to snow. The Monday morning commute was mostly wet along Interstate 85 through Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg counties.

The S.C. Department of Transportation reports interstate conditions were improving through the morning on Monday. On Sunday, S.C. DOT reported approximately 50 weather-related road closures due to fallen trees in the roadways. Additional assistance crews were deployed Sunday from the Midlands to the Upstate to assist. Contract wreckers were staged along I-85 and I-77 and responded to 14 assistance calls through midday Sunday.

According to S.C. DOT:

• 808 maintenance employees have been involved with winter operations
• 4,109 tons of salt used
• 460 tons of sand used
• 2,325 gallons of calcium chloride used
• 484,175 gallons of salt brine used
• 340 snow removal equipment units in use

Almost 9,000 Duke Energy personnel were responding to multiple power outages across the Upstate, with Greenville and Spartanburg counties affected the most, according to the energy company.  Laurens Electric Cooperative said crews are restoring power for 3,500 of its members in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and Spartanburg counties.

In addition to school delays and closings, colleges and universities across the Upstate are either closed or operating on an inclement weather schedule. Clemson University opened at 10 a.m. today, but its Greenville campus is closed. Anderson University amended its exam schedule. Tri-County Technical College operated on a 2-hour delay today. Greenville Technical College, Wofford College, Furman University and USC Upstate are closed today.

The city of Greenville advises motorists to use caution traveling and to treat intersections without functioning traffic signals as all-way stops. 

The Greenville City Fire Department is urging residents to treat all downed power lines as live and dangerous, and to avoid driving or walking near them. Report all power line hazards to Duke Energy at 1-800-777-9898 or call 911. If a tree or limb is in the right-of-way or in the street, call the city’s Public Works Department at 864-467-4335.

Greenlink public transportation has canceled service for today, and City Hall and city community centers opened at noon. Solid Waste will operate its regular schedule tomorrow, but will not collect yard waste, according to the city.