As Sarah prepared to close on her dream home in South Carolina, she felt a rush of excitement, envisioning a new life in a new home in North Charleston. However, in her eagerness, she overlooked the crucial step of hiring a real estate attorney. Unbeknownst to her, navigating the complexities of real estate transactions without legal guidance could lead to significant pitfalls. Without an attorney, she risked missing essential details in the contract, encountering unexpected fees, or facing issues with property liens that could jeopardize her investment. As Sarah soon discovered, the intricacies of South Carolina real estate law are best navigated with professional help to ensure a smooth and legally sound closing process.
The truth is that buying, selling, and managing real estate involves many moving parts and often represents the most complex and important investments most people ever make. Real estate closings in Greenville, SC. are rarely black and white - they require an experienced, detail-oriented eye to examine specifics and protect you as the buyer or seller. That's where Cobb Hammett real estate attorneys come into play. We offer comprehensive, efficient, and high-level legal services regarding all facets of real estate and property issues - from closings and refinances to litigation over property disputes and more.
Before we dive into a few areas of our legal real estate expertise, let's examine real estate law in South Carolina, so you can build your knowledge and make an educated purchase decision.
Handling paperwork that needs to be completed promptly and navigating legal issues can be daunting for homeowners in South Carolina who are looking to buy or sell a home. According to data from the South Carolina Realtors, real estate deals in the Charleston area are on the rise, with a 3% increase in single-family closed sales and an impressive 20% rise in townhouse-condo closed sales.
The more you know about real estate law and real estate closings in The Palmetto State, the better off you'll be when it comes time to finally buy or sell your home. Let's take a closer look at a few key elements of residential real estate in South Carolina, including:
In South Carolina, real estate transactions are required to adhere to the Statute of Frauds, which stipulates that all contracts related to real estate must be documented in writing to be enforceable. These agreements generally encompass contracts for purchase, sale, and leases that extend beyond one year. It is crucial to ensure that your contract accurately represents the terms of your agreement to prevent any disputes in the future.
Furthermore, South Carolina law requires sellers to disclose any known defects in residential properties. This disclosure is usually made using the South Carolina Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement. Neglecting to provide accurate information can lead to legal repercussions, like canceling home closings in Greenville, SC., or pursuing lawsuits for damages.
South Carolina operates as a judicial foreclosure state, which requires lenders to utilize the court system for property foreclosures. This procedure involves initiating a lawsuit, informing the borrower, and securing a court order to move forward with the sale of the property. Borrowers have the option to contest the foreclosure in court or pursue alternative solutions like loan modifications or short sales. It is essential for both borrowers and lenders to have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities during foreclosure proceedings.
Eminent domain refers to the government's authority to seize private property for public purposes, like constructing roads or schools. In South Carolina, owners of property have the right to receive just compensation if their property is taken under eminent domain. Conflicts frequently arise regarding the compensation amount offered or the validity of the government's claim. If you are confronted with an eminent domain situation, contacting a real estate attorney can help safeguard your rights and ensure you obtain fair compensation.
The South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Act oversees rental agreements and tenants' and landlords' rights and responsibilities. The key provisions you should know about include the following:
Conflicts between property owners and renters frequently occur regarding security deposits, maintenance issues, or eviction processes. Familiarizing oneself with these legal guidelines can assist both sides in settling disputes peacefully or taking necessary legal measures.
Zoning rules significantly influence how properties may be utilized. These regulations determine if a property can be designated for residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural use. Zoning laws also govern factors like building heights, setbacks, and the kinds of structures allowed on a property. Before entering a real estate closing in South Carolina - especially for buying a home or a piece of land - it's very important to review local zoning ordinances to ensure adherence to relevant regulations. After all, disputes regarding zoning can result in expensive delays or even necessitate changes to your development plans.
South Carolina is one of 22 states in the US that mandates attorney supervision for real estate closings. In fact, it's one of the few states where the attorney must be physically present during the closing process.
When buying a home, it's important to be aware of all associated costs, which might lead you to consider the least expensive legal representation. However, it's wise to take your time and look for an experienced real estate lawyer in South Carolina for several reasons. Real estate laws in South Carolina are designed to protect you. However, real estate transactions and closings are often complex, and the average buyer may not fully grasp all the intricacies involved without professional guidance.
Moreover, the role of a real estate attorney extends far beyond just clarifying the terms of the contract before you finalize the sale. A skilled South Carolina real estate lawyer will thoroughly investigate any potential issues and ensure you secure the most favorable terms for your home purchase.
Let's look at just a few reasons why you need a real estate lawyer when you're buying or selling a home in South Carolina. Not just because the law demands it - but because it's in your best interests to do so.
If you've bought property in different states, don't presume that your experience in South Carolina will be the same. Real estate regulations differ from one state to another. For instance, while South Carolina does not mandate a comprehensive home inspection, it does require a termite inspection. Additionally, unlike many other states, a lawyer must supervise all real estate closings in South Carolina. Under South Carolina law, a lawyer is required to assist both the buyer and seller in the following circumstances:
This is not an easy procedure. Fortunately, working with a knowledgeable real estate attorney in Greenville, SC. from Cobb Hammett LLC helps ensure that every step is executed correctly - safeguarding your financial and legal interests.
Refinancing typically involves the rearrangement of a mortgage. In effect, this means replacing an old mortgage with a new one. Many homeowners in South Carolina choose to refinance their mortgages to reduce their interest rates, shorten their repayment terms, or capitalize on the equity they have accumulated.
With that said, a lawyer's oversight is necessary for closing on a home refinance. The mortgage will be tied to the property and influence the title. After the refinancing documents are signed, a knowledgeable real estate attorney will verify that the lender obtains all original documents, that the new mortgage is registered, and that all title policies are prepared to align with the loan obligations. At Cobb Hammett LLC, we always adhere to South Carolina consumer home loan laws to ensure that all refinancing processes comply with state regulations and standards.
In accordance with the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code, the buyer normally selects the closing attorney. This ensures that the attorney provides the buyer with a clear title to the property as intended. Realtors and lenders must respect the buyer's decision regarding the closing attorney.
At Cobb Hammett, LLC, our firm treats both the buyer and seller equally throughout the transaction process, offering assistance to both parties. Furthermore, the attorney maintains neutrality and will not advocate for either the buyer or the seller in the event of a dispute regarding the closing procedures of the home.
Typically, both the Buyer and Seller will be present at the closing unless documents have been signed ahead of time or remotely. The Buyer and Seller will individually review and sign the necessary documents. It's important to note that if a husband and wife jointly own property in both of their names, both parties must attend the closing. Realtors often choose to attend the closing as well, and sometimes, loan officers may be present, too.
Regardless of whether you're the buyer or seller, you should have two valid forms of identification. Usually, a driver's license and a Social Security card will suffice. You can also present other types of government-issued identification, such as a passport, military ID, or voter registration. The buyer must bring sufficient funds to close the deal in the form of certified funds. Of course, the seller must bring the keys to the property. You might be surprised at how often this last step doesn't happen - most often by accident.
We should state upfront that every real estate law firm in South Carolina may have different fees and pricing structures. At Cobb Hammett, LLC, we provide transparent pricing information for every client who walks through our doors. With that said, residential real estate closing lawyers usually charge a flat fee for handling the closing process. Typically, this fee amounts to several hundred dollars, and in some cases, it can exceed $1,000.
Many clients only interact with their real estate closing attorney during the actual closing and may question the reasons behind the fees. However, there is a significant amount of work that closing attorneys must complete in preparation for the closing to ensure the proper transfer of property from sellers to buyers.
To begin, your closing attorney will conduct a title search to verify the status of the property. The title search will confirm that the seller holds complete ownership of the property and is authorized to transfer it to the buyer. The title search will also reveal any easements, encroachments, or other restrictions that may affect the property. The attorney will also draft a title opinion to be provided to a title company. This document is used if the buyer decides to obtain title insurance.
The role of a closing attorney extends beyond the closing meeting. After the closing, they update the title on the local registry of deeds and record the deed and mortgage, if applicable. They are also responsible for disbursing fees such as brokerage fees, taxes, loan payoffs, seller proceeds, insurance premiums, and inspection fees.
If issues arise after the transaction, the closing attorney may help resolve them. Their guidance is essential for a smooth ownership transfer and ensuring all legal requirements are understood by the parties.
If you've bought property in different states, don't presume that your experience in South Carolina will be the same. Real estate regulations differ from one state to another. For instance, while South Carolina does not mandate a comprehensive home inspection, it does require a termite inspection. Additionally, unlike many other states, a lawyer must supervise all real estate closings in South Carolina. Under South Carolina law, a lawyer is required to assist both the buyer and seller in the following circumstances:
This is not an easy procedure. Fortunately, working with a knowledgeable real estate attorney in Greenville, SC. from Cobb Hammett LLC helps ensure that every step is executed correctly - safeguarding your financial and legal interests.
Refinancing typically involves the rearrangement of a mortgage. In effect, this means replacing an old mortgage with a new one. Many homeowners in South Carolina choose to refinance their mortgages to reduce their interest rates, shorten their repayment terms, or capitalize on the equity they have accumulated.
With that said, a lawyer's oversight is necessary for closing on a home refinance. The mortgage will be tied to the property and influence the title. After the refinancing documents are signed, a knowledgeable real estate attorney will verify that the lender obtains all original documents, that the new mortgage is registered, and that all title policies are prepared to align with the loan obligations. At Cobb Hammett LLC, we always adhere to South Carolina consumer home loan laws to ensure that all refinancing processes comply with state regulations and standards.
In accordance with the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code, the buyer normally selects the closing attorney. This ensures that the attorney provides the buyer with a clear title to the property as intended. Realtors and lenders must respect the buyer's decision regarding the closing attorney.
At Cobb Hammett, LLC, our firm treats both the buyer and seller equally throughout the transaction process, offering assistance to both parties. Furthermore, the attorney maintains neutrality and will not advocate for either the buyer or the seller in the event of a dispute regarding the closing procedures of the home.
Typically, both the Buyer and Seller will be present at the closing unless documents have been signed ahead of time or remotely. The Buyer and Seller will individually review and sign the necessary documents. It's important to note that if a husband and wife jointly own property in both of their names, both parties must attend the closing. Realtors often choose to attend the closing as well, and sometimes, loan officers may be present, too.
Regardless of whether you're the buyer or seller, you should have two valid forms of identification. Usually, a driver's license and a Social Security card will suffice. You can also present other types of government-issued identification, such as a passport, military ID, or voter registration. The buyer must bring sufficient funds to close the deal in the form of certified funds. Of course, the seller must bring the keys to the property. You might be surprised at how often this last step doesn't happen - most often by accident.
We should state upfront that every real estate law firm in South Carolina may have different fees and pricing structures. At Cobb Hammett, LLC, we provide transparent pricing information for every client who walks through our doors. With that said, residential real estate closing lawyers usually charge a flat fee for handling the closing process. Typically, this fee amounts to several hundred dollars, and in some cases, it can exceed $1,000.
Many clients only interact with their real estate closing attorney during the actual closing and may question the reasons behind the fees. However, there is a significant amount of work that closing attorneys must complete in preparation for the closing to ensure the proper transfer of property from sellers to buyers.
To begin, your closing attorney will conduct a title search to verify the status of the property. The title search will confirm that the seller holds complete ownership of the property and is authorized to transfer it to the buyer. The title search will also reveal any easements, encroachments, or other restrictions that may affect the property. The attorney will also draft a title opinion to be provided to a title company. This document is used if the buyer decides to obtain title insurance.
The role of a closing attorney extends beyond the closing meeting. After the closing, they update the title on the local registry of deeds and record the deed and mortgage, if applicable. They are also responsible for disbursing fees such as brokerage fees, taxes, loan payoffs, seller proceeds, insurance premiums, and inspection fees.
If issues arise after the transaction, the closing attorney may help resolve them. Their guidance is essential for a smooth ownership transfer and ensuring all legal requirements are understood by the parties.
Commercial real estate transactions are distinct from residential real estate dealings in several aspects. Generally, commercial real estate provides less protection for purchasers while enabling more extensive negotiation and deal-making. Due to this dynamic, enlisting a knowledgeable attorney to represent you can be extremely beneficial and can help safeguard your legal and financial interests.
Our team of seasoned real estate attorneys has experience supporting clients in a wide array of commercial closing issues, including:
Commercial real estate closings in South Carolina require a significant amount of documentation, legal formalities, and terminology that can be daunting and confusing for buyers and sellers in real estate. If you require document reviews, assistance in forming a legal entity to facilitate the commercial real estate buying process, or help with negotiating the real estate purchase, Cobb Hammett is ready to assist.
At Cobb Hammett, we take pride in assisting clients from diverse backgrounds as they manage real estate transactions, including purchases, sales, and refinancing. As a premier real estate law firm located in Charleston, South Carolina, we provide tailored, high-quality legal services for residential and commercial closings and more. We champion your best interests, making certain that you do not enter into any agreements that could compromise your financial or legal standing.
As your dedicated real estate law attorney, we provide reliable representation for matters like:
If you're in search of a proactive, effective real estate attorney who addresses every aspect of your residential or commercial closing in South Carolina, look no further than Cobb Hammett, LLC. Contact our office today with your questions or real estate pain points. We'll take the time to listen and will recommend a tailored approach to your legal real estate needs.
Clemson football can end a trying 2025 season on a positive note in the annual rivalry game against South Carolina on Nov. 29 in Columbia.The Tigers (6-5, 4-4 ACC) is bowl eligible after last week's win against Furman and can guarantee a record above .500 with a victory over the Gamecocks.South Carolina (4-7, 1-7 SEC) is playing only for the pride of winning in this rivalry for the second straight year and for the first time in Williams-Brice Stadium since 2013.Here's how to watch the Clemson football vs. South Carolina ...
Clemson football can end a trying 2025 season on a positive note in the annual rivalry game against South Carolina on Nov. 29 in Columbia.
The Tigers (6-5, 4-4 ACC) is bowl eligible after last week's win against Furman and can guarantee a record above .500 with a victory over the Gamecocks.
South Carolina (4-7, 1-7 SEC) is playing only for the pride of winning in this rivalry for the second straight year and for the first time in Williams-Brice Stadium since 2013.
Here's how to watch the Clemson football vs. South Carolina game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Clemson vs. South Carolina will broadcast nationally on the SEC Network in Week 14 of the 2025 college football season. Taylor Zarzour and Matt Stinchcomb will call the game from the booth at Williams-Brice Stadium, with Alyssa Lang reporting from the field. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Why Clemson's Tom Allen has been game planning for LaNorris Sellers since he was hiredThe Clemson football vs. South Carolina game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Nov. 29 from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
Greenville News Clemson reporter Derrian Carter's prediction: Clemson 20, South Carolina 17
The last two games between these two programs have been low scoring, and this year's game will be the same. Both defenses will dominate throughout the game, but a game-winning drive by Klubnik will propel the Tigers to their fourth straight win.
South Carolina's strength of schedule prepare them well for high-stake matchups and even though Clemson is on a win-streak, the Gamecocks play a complete game to get win No. 5, feeding off the energy Mike Furrey brings to the offense.
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Nov. 28
Record: 6-5, 4-4 ACC
Record: 4-7, 1-7 SEC
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Data center operator DartPoints plans to up the capacity of its Greenville center by 400%.But unlike the super centers popping up around the Palmetto State, each gobbling upwards of 100 megawatts of power, DartPoints’ growth is on a much smaller scale — 12.5 megawatts, up from a 2.5-megawatt starting point.The company pledged this month to invest $125 million in the expansion of its Greenville location, adding 88,000 square feet to the facility.At the heart of the company’s expansion: artificial intelli...
Data center operator DartPoints plans to up the capacity of its Greenville center by 400%.
But unlike the super centers popping up around the Palmetto State, each gobbling upwards of 100 megawatts of power, DartPoints’ growth is on a much smaller scale — 12.5 megawatts, up from a 2.5-megawatt starting point.
The company pledged this month to invest $125 million in the expansion of its Greenville location, adding 88,000 square feet to the facility.
At the heart of the company’s expansion: artificial intelligence.
DartPoints’ customers are now demanding three times the capacity and computing power compared to just a year or so ago, CEO Scott Willis told the SC Daily Gazette.
“AI potentially has the opportunity to change their business in a very dramatic way. We’ve got to come along with that,” he said.
Companies are turning to AI bots to run customer care chats. Robots in manufacturing are becoming more autonomous. And from a health care perspective, hospital systems are offering more computer-heavy remote services, with wearable devices that track vitals like heart rate and blood sugar, Willis said.
So expanding is essential, he said, if DartPoints wants its centers to remain relevant over the next five years.
“It is no longer a ‘nice to have.’ It’s a requirement, on our part, to understand that change, anticipate that change,” Willis said.
DartPoints has operated data centers in South Carolina for more than a decade. With locations in Columbia, Spartanburg and Charleston, as well as Greenville, the state is the Dallas-headquartered company’s largest market.
To finance its expansion in South Carolina, as well as in Ohio and Indiana, DartPoints secured a $250 million investment from a pair of partners earlier this year.
“South Carolina is a great business environment,” Willis said. “It’s a great state, positioned within the Southeast. It’s growing massively in terms of attracting businesses, and we want to participate in that.”
But consumer groups and politicians have pushed back against the proliferation of data centers over the past couple years. Most of that ire is aimed at so-called hyperscale centers, owned and operated by tech giants such as Google and Meta.
These windowless centers, which house rows of servers, are among the largest drivers of growing power needs in the state, generating vast demand for electricity on top of the needs of an ever-growing manufacturing and population base.
Willis is quick to point out not all data centers are the same.
For starters, he said, utilities already have the kind of capacity on their system that DartPoints requires.
“We are a non-invasive partner inside the state,” Willis said. “We don’t disrupt the demand of the grid. We’re not asking Duke (Energy) or other utilities to invest a significant amount of money that could result in price increases for the overall citizens of the state of South Carolina.”
DartPoints also tends to serve customers that require a bit more privacy and control over their IT systems.
The company specializes in private, dedicated servers that its customers can access remotely, with guarantees that the computing power will always be available for that customer’s use. Turning to Google or Microsoft or Amazon Web Services, businesses share space on those companies’ servers, using what’s known as a public cloud system, Willis said.
If a DartPoints customer wants even more control, they can choose to have their own servers caged within a DartPoints facility that only that company’s employees have access to. DartPoints simply supplies the space and power it takes to operate and cool the equipment.
Before DartPoints moved into the state, Willis said, companies had to turn to major providers in big cities, such as Atlanta, Charlotte or Nashville or major computing hubs in northern Virginia, for these serices.
Now, companies have a local option that often comes at a lower cost because they don’t have to lay down lines of fiber to get connected to a distant center. The computing speeds are also faster because companies don’t have to wait for their data to travel longer distances over the network, a major bonus as more are turning to artificial intelligence.
In all, DartPoints has about 300 customers that use its four South Carolina data centers, Willis told legislators last September. Those companies collectively generate $60 billion in revenue within the state and employ about 140,000 people.
DartPoints’ customer base mirrors the state’s major economic sectors — manufacturing, health care, some financial institutions and state and local government, as well as higher education.
“DartPoints’ growth in Greenville shows how innovation and infrastructure investment go hand in hand,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement. “This project reinforces South Carolina’s position as a destination for technology-driven business and demonstrates how our state can support advanced digital operations with the power, talent and collaboration they require to thrive.”
Construction is underway and the additional space is expected to be operational in July 2027.
The company does not publicize how many people it employs in South Carolina but pledged 10 new jobs as part of the expansion.
After Greenville, Willis said, DartPoints will turn its attention to growing its Columbia center, located within the South Carolina Research Authority Innovation Center. Details on that expansion are forthcoming, he said.
South Carolina football returns home to face Coastal Carolina on Nov. 22 at Williams-Brice Stadium.The Gamecocks (3-7, 1-7 SEC) blew a 27-point halftime lead in a 31-30 loss at Texas A&M to erase any chance at six wins and a bowl berth.Coastal Carolina (6-4, 5-2 Sun Belt) lost out on a possible Sun Belt East division title game with James Madison next week after losing 45-40 to Georgia Southern last week.Here's how to watch the South Carolina football vs. Coastal Carolina game today, including time, TV schedule and s...
South Carolina football returns home to face Coastal Carolina on Nov. 22 at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The Gamecocks (3-7, 1-7 SEC) blew a 27-point halftime lead in a 31-30 loss at Texas A&M to erase any chance at six wins and a bowl berth.
Coastal Carolina (6-4, 5-2 Sun Belt) lost out on a possible Sun Belt East division title game with James Madison next week after losing 45-40 to Georgia Southern last week.
Here's how to watch the South Carolina football vs. Coastal Carolina game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
Coastal Carolina vs. South Carolina will broadcast nationally on SEC Network in Week 13 of the 2025 college football season. Dave Neal and Fozzy Whittaker will call the game from the booth at Williams-Brice Stadium, with Morgan Uber reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
The South Carolina football vs. Coastal Carolina game starts at 4:15 p.m. ET Saturday from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
Greenville News reporter Lulu Kesin's prediction: South Carolina 38, Coastal Carolina 17
The players made it clear after the Texas A&M loss that there's still games to win and plays to make even if a bowl game is out of the picture. That said, they learned many times this season all that matters is who has more points at the end of the game, and it should be the Gamecocks.
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Nov. 21
Record: 3-7, 1-7 SEC
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GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis is speaking about recent rumors surrounding the presence of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the Upstate."We're ready for those conversations. We have talks with our federal partners. We don't have any reason to believe at all that they won't come here. I can tell you that. But we don't know when. We don't know how that will take place," the sheriff said in a Friday episode of his "Roll Call" pod...
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —
Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis is speaking about recent rumors surrounding the presence of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the Upstate.
"We're ready for those conversations. We have talks with our federal partners. We don't have any reason to believe at all that they won't come here. I can tell you that. But we don't know when. We don't know how that will take place," the sheriff said in a Friday episode of his "Roll Call" podcast.
He said South Carolina has more than 70,000 undocumented immigrants.
"That's the best number we can come up with. Nobody has the resources to start pulling people off the street and putting them in a detention facility and calling ICE," Lewis said.
During his "Roll Call" podcast, the sheriff said his office is part of the 287 G program, meaning it will partner with federal officials, but wouldn't be partaking in making immigration-specific arrests.
"Are you going to see Greenville County sheriff's deputies going into schools or businesses or homes and just doing a massive round-up?" asked co-host Carrie Weimer. "No, that is not happening," he responded.
As for people seeing immigration service vehicles in the upstate, Lewis said that's nothing new.
"We have an immigration office here in Greer, which is between Greenville in Spartanburg. We've had agents here for many, many years," he said.
He also advises the public should carry documentation with them, confirming immigration status, or proof of the process.
"If I were in that situation and everything that was going on in this country, I would absolutely have some documentation. 'I'm in the process of going through the citizenship program and where I am in that process," he said, "These are verified gang members. These are not people who overstayed their visa. These are not people who are here on a work visa or education visa. That's not who they're going after."
Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to reach out to the sheriff's office via email at [email protected].
If you plan to travel for Thanksgiving over the weekend or early next week, be sure to pack an umbrella and an extra sweater just in case.South Carolina and much of the East Coast are bracing for a storm system moving northeast, bringing mild temperatures and possible rain as far south as the Carolinas."A storm will impact much of the eastern two-thirds of the United States during the busiest travel times ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday as millions hit the highways and head for the airports," said AccuWeather meteor...
If you plan to travel for Thanksgiving over the weekend or early next week, be sure to pack an umbrella and an extra sweater just in case.
South Carolina and much of the East Coast are bracing for a storm system moving northeast, bringing mild temperatures and possible rain as far south as the Carolinas.
"A storm will impact much of the eastern two-thirds of the United States during the busiest travel times ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday as millions hit the highways and head for the airports," said AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
The latest forecast shows a pattern change from the beginning of November, with the eastern United States expected to see milder temperatures at the end of the month.
"Following a warm start to November in the West and a cold start in the East, a significant pattern change is likely later in the month and into early December," the Climate Prediction Center wrote. "During Thanksgiving week, a colder pattern is likely for the West and the Northern Plains while milder air overspreads the East."
Here's a look at what to expect from South Carolina's weather and whether it could impede holiday travel.
Predictions for Thanksgiving week have Upstate South Carolina on the edge of storms expected to impact travel for the holiday.
The National Weather Service forecast on Nov. 21 has rain moving into the Greenville and Upstate area starting on Friday night, Nov. 21, and continuing into Saturday, Nov. 22, but chances are it will be small showers. Moving into the holiday week, people could see even more rain showers on Nov. 25 and 26, with it clearing out for Thanksgiving Day.
The Upstate could see cooler-than-normal temperatures starting on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, with highs expected to reach the high 50s, but it will be sunny, according to the National Weather Service.
If you plan to fly or drive a long distance, you may encounter travel delays.
The storm system is expected to hit a large swath of the United States, causing delays due to thunderstorms in the South. If you are headed further north, beware, there could be snow. Here's the latest:
By Wednesday, Nov. 26, "it seems plausible that thunderstorms could impact travel through Atlanta or Florida," said Houston-based meteorologist Matt Lanza on his blog "The Eyewall." "Winds could impact flights in Chicago and Minneapolis," he said.
By Wednesday, Nov. 26, "the storm will be losing some of its intensity and moisture as it travels from the central states to the Northeast, but given the travel volume, even a few hours of rain can create significant problems on the roads and runways from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, New York City and Boston," noted AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok in an online forecast.
You may be entitled to a refund. Here's what to knowWe are getting closer to the months when the polar vortex starts to stir, bringing cold temperatures to the South. But the stormy weather and slightly cooler temperatures we expect to see ahead of Thanksgiving Day aren't part of it.
The polar vortex is not a synonym for "cold snap," according to the Polar Vortex Blog at Climate.gov, and it’s not the only weather pattern to blame for blasts of cold air.
The polar vortex is a gigantic, circular area of cold air high up in the atmosphere that usually spins over the North Pole.
It's a normal pattern that's stronger in the winter and usually keeps the coldest weather bottled up near the North Pole when it is "strong." If the polar vortex weakens or even splits, frigid air pushes southward toward the U.S.
Arctic air masses originate over the Arctic or Antarctic regions and are very cold. They invade lower latitudes at irregular intervals, according to the weather service.
This arctic air tends to be colder than polar air.
The polar vortex is a large area of low-pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles, according to the weather service. It always exists near the poles.
Slim.
On average, South Carolina sees around 4 inches of snow per year, according to data from the National Weather Service. But for the 2025-26 winter, the predicted above-average temperatures could keep the white stuff at bay.
While the weather agency makes these predictions every year, they are the most likely scenario for weather patterns. People should always check local forecasts for the most up-to-date weather.
The weather service's outlook for precipitation shows parts of the Upstate have a slightly below-average chance of winter precipitation, and as you head further south and east, the chance of precipitation becomes slimmer.
The first day of winter is Dec. 21, 2025, at 10:03 a.m., according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Joyce Orlando is the Carolina Connect Editor and covers trending topics in North and South Carolina.
Nina Tran and USA TODAY contributed to this report.