Stranding dozens of motorists on Interstate 85 and making local roads impassable, the March 1 snowstorm this year was one that many in this area will not forget for years to come.

Reports of the possibility for snow this weekend likely raised the eyebrows of some, almost influencing them to make a quick run to the grocery store for bread and milk.

However, there is no need to scramble to buy emergency supplies as meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Greer put an end to speculation of snow locally.

“At this point, we’re expecting a cold rain,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Doug Outlaw. “It’s possible that we may see a flurry or two later in the day, but this should not be any type of major snow event.”

An upper-level low pressure system is currently making its way through Texas and Louisiana, providing portions of the states with up to two inches of snow. The system is expected to move to the east during the course of Friday and Saturday, eventually affecting parts of Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia before arriving in the Carolinas.

Areas from Birmingham to the southern Appalachians are expected to receive up to two inches of snow, though marginal temperatures, light precipitation and warm ground are likely to keep accumulation at a minimum.

“In the mountains, snow accumulation is almost a sure thing with this system,” Outlaw said. “The system coming out of the west is expected to affect a lot of places.”

Locally, Outlaw said the county should receive a cold rain Saturday, with high temperatures expected to hover around 40 degrees.

“It should really be a cold day, and 5- to 10- mph winds shouldn’t make it any more bearable,” Outlaw said.

While Upstate residents will have their eyes on the skies in search of snow, motorists should keep an eye out for black ice on roads and thoroughfares with the chance for earlier precipitation to freeze.

“Temperatures are expected to fall below the freezing mark, so the chance of black ice is definitely a concern,” Outlaw said. “Those in the Piedmont and Foothills are likely to get some, but those in the mountains should especially be on the lookout for melting ice; it will turn into black ice at some point with temperatures in the low 20s.