Winter Weather Causes Snow Accumulation Across Central South Carolina

News Summary

Central South Carolina has been blanketed in snow, creating a winter wonderland by Tuesday evening. While restaurants and gas stations remain open, residents are advised to exercise caution on the roads due to potential black ice and slippery conditions. Local institutions have adjusted their schedules, with schools and colleges resuming at noon on Wednesday. The National Weather Service has predicted hazardous travel conditions and significant snow accumulation, prompting cold weather advisories. Community services are modified, but public safety operations continue as normal amidst the winter weather challenge.

Winter Weather Causes Snow Accumulation and Disruptions Across Central South Carolina

Columbia has been transformed into a picturesque winter wonderland as snow began accumulating on cars and the ground around 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening. A steady stream of fluffy white snow has continued to fall throughout the night, covering the region in a cozy blanket of white. Residents are enjoying the scenic view, though it does come with a few challenges.

Everyday Essentials Keep Running

Despite the winter weather, restaurants, fast food eateries, and gas stations have remained open, keeping the community fueled and fed. That’s good news for those craving a warm meal or hot coffee while enjoying the wintry scene outside. Traffic reports indicate that no accidents have been reported, and drivers on Sunset Boulevard appear to be navigating the roads quite easily. It’s as if everyone’s taking the weather in stride!

Stay Cautious on the Roads

However, drivers are being advised to remain cautious as they head out for their morning commutes. The roads are expected to have some slippery spots, and black ice poses a risk on local streets throughout the day. Snow accumulations are projected to linger well into late Wednesday morning or early afternoon due to freezing temperatures, so it’s important to drive carefully!

Local Institutions Prepare for the Weather

Richland County has announced that their offices will reopen at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, but things are a bit different for local schools and colleges. The University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College will both resume classes at noon. The morning sessions before this time have been canceled, while classes beginning at noon and beyond will continue unless stated otherwise. Classes that are hybrid or asynchronous online will proceed as scheduled. Midlands Tech’s campuses will also enjoy a late start, reopening at noon with classes starting at 12:45 p.m.

Weather Warnings Are In Effect

The National Weather Service has reported that snow is becoming more widespread in central South Carolina, including the Savannah River area of Georgia. Hazardous travel conditions are already starting to appear, which is not surprising given the snow accumulation forecasts. Snow is expected to accumulate by 1-2 inches in western Richland and Lexington Counties, while eastern parts might see 2-3 inches. The Orangeburg and Manning area could be looking at a whopping 3-4 inches!

Cold Advisory and Precautions

A cold weather advisory remains in effect through Wednesday morning, and folks need to bundle up since wind chill values could dip as low as 7-15 degrees. Refreezing and black ice are big concerns later in the week, so stay alert!

City Services Modified

As snow showers continue, the city of Columbia has announced limited city facility operations through Wednesday. All city parks, recreational, and community centers will be closed, with city employees pivoting to remote work for non-essential functions. Public safety operations will continue as normal, ensuring that community safety remains a top priority.

Public Transit Adjustments

The local public transportation system, COMET, will suspend service beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday until about 10 a.m. Wednesday. With all school districts in Lexington, Richland, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Clarendon counties transitioning to e-learning for Wednesday, students will still be able to continue their studies from the warmth of their homes.

Safety First!

As snow accumulations continue, residents are urged to stay safe, limit travel if possible, and look out for any notifications regarding school or city service changes. Enjoy the winter wonderland and stay warm out there! Remember, winter may be delightful, but safety comes first!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Midlands Universities Respond to Winter Weather Challenges
Midlands Universities Shift to E-Learning Due to Snow
Columbia Universities Remain Open Despite Winter Weather Warnings
Winter Storm Enzo Causes Chaos Across the Southern U.S.
Unprecedented Winter Storm Blankets Southern U.S.
Columbia Unites for Community Cookout Supporting the Homeless
Columbia Shelters Overwhelmed as Extreme Winter Weather Hits
Confusion Over Weather-Caused Schedule Changes in Columbia
Winter Weather Causes School Closures and Delays in Columbia, S.C.
Winter Weather Forces School Closures and E-Learning in SC

Additional Resources

• LEX18: City of Lexington Urges Caution on the Road as Snow and Cold Return
• Wikipedia: Winter Weather
• Fox 56 News: More Winter Weather Leads to Lexington Road Crews Carrying Out New Snow Plan
• Google Search: Winter Weather Precautions
• Kentucky.com: Winter Weather News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter
• The State: Local Winter Weather News
• Google News: Winter Weather Update
• Weather.com: Local Weather Forecast

Author: HERE Lexington