News Summary
South Carolina is preparing for a winter weather advisory as rain, ice, and sleet are expected from Friday morning until Saturday morning. Areas such as Fairfield, Kershaw, Newberry, and Saluda counties are under winter storm warnings with hazardous conditions anticipated. Drivers are urged to remain cautious as freezing rain may create perilous roads. Although conditions will improve by Saturday morning, temperatures will drop significantly, leaving residents with a frigid start to the weekend.
Winter Weather Advisory Hit South Carolina: Get Ready for Rain, Ice, and Sleet!
Well folks, it’s that time of year again! South Carolina is gearing up for a wild winter weekend as the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for parts of the state. So, grab your blankets and hot cocoa because we’re in for a mix of rain, sleet, and ice that’ll keep everyone on their toes!
What’s Happening?
The advisory kicks off at 10 a.m. on Friday and runs until 4 a.m. Saturday. If you’re in areas like Fairfield, Kershaw, Newberry, and Saluda counties, you’ve got a winter storm warning to watch out for, lasting from 10 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday. It’s shaping up to be a chilly ride!
What’s in Store?
As we dive into Friday afternoon, the Midlands, especially areas north of Columbia and along the I-20 corridor, will start feeling the effects of this winter weather. The first wave of precipitation is expected to show up as a wintry mix—think snow, sleet, and freezing rain, all rolled into one. And while we might not be talking about significant snow, with accumulations expected to be less than one inch, the main concern revolves around the ice!
Time for Caution!
On Friday, the temperature is projected to hover around a brisk 34°F, and you can bet it’s going to be a wet one with a 100% chance of precipitation. The big issue? Freezing rain could create some perilous driving conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses where ice tends to form easily. Ice accumulation may reach two to three tenths of an inch, and areas under the storm warning could see up to a whopping half an inch of ice or sleet.
Moving into the Evening
As night falls and temperatures dip to around 30°F, the rain isn’t going anywhere—still sitting at that 100% chance of precipitation through Friday night! Keep in mind that the heaviest precipitation will likely unfold during this time, so it could make for a messy evening if you’re out and about.
Saturday’s Outlook
Here’s a bit of good news: conditions will improve as we head into early Saturday morning. The rain will gradually taper off from west to east, leaving us with some clearing skies and gusty winds. However, don’t pack away your winter coats just yet! We’re expecting temperatures to plummet into the upper teens to lower 20s overnight, so be prepared for a frosty morning!
Week Ahead
Once the storm passes, the following week looks to dry out, but expect those temperatures to remain below normal. It might be a good idea to stay wrapped up in your cozy clothes for a bit longer!
For the Drivers
And for those of you planning to head out on the roads, make sure to drive safely. Hazardous conditions could impact your Friday evening commute, so it’s wise to keep your speed in check and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Preparation Is Key
The good news? The South Carolina Department of Transportation is on top of things, getting ready by pre-treating roads and making sure to have equipment at the ready to tackle any issues that arise from this chilly mix.
So there you have it! The winter weather is sneaking up on us, and while it might not be a snow day for everyone, it’s definitely a time to stay alert and plan accordingly. Stay warm, be safe, and enjoy the cozy vibes of a wintry weekend in South Carolina!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Winter Weather Alert for South Carolina: Brace for Icy Conditions!
Winter Storm Warning Issued for Midlands Region
Midlands Schools Implement Early Dismissals for Winter Weather
Cold Weather Shelters Open in the Midlands
New Morning Show Premieres in Columbia
Winter Storm Set to Blanket Upstate South Carolina
Columbia Faces Icy Conditions After Recent Winter Storm
Snow Possible This Weekend in Columbia, South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WISTV: Midlands Prepares for Winter Weather
- The State: Winter Weather Advisory Issued
- WLTX: Winter Storm Watch for Northern South Carolina
- Google Search: Winter Weather Advisory South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
