Snow and freezing rain falling, power restored in Florence

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Winter has returned to South Carolina with snow and the threat of freezing rain causing many schools to close or open late.

A winter weather advisory was posted for most counties through Tuesday afternoon. A freezing rain advisory was in effect for the Charleston area but roads were wet and temperatures were above freezing early Tuesday.

The National Weather Service reported about 1.5 inches of snow in Spartanburg, 1 inch in Laurens and a half-inch in Greenville. There was a dusting of snow farther east.

Up to 3 inches was forecast for the mountains and less than a half inch in the Midlands with up to a quarter inch of ice expected in the Pee Dee.

Duke Energy reported 600 customers without service early Tuesday but power has been restored.