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Columbia Prepares for Winter Weather Advisory

News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina is anticipating a winter weather advisory this week, with predictions of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. The advisory will affect several counties as temperatures drop, leading to hazardous road conditions. While Columbia itself is not under advisory, surrounding areas are alert, and residents are urged to stay cautious. Cold temperatures and potential snow showers on Thursday morning add to the urgency for safe travel. The City of Columbia’s Public Works Department is ready to manage snow routes, while schools prepare for alternative instruction if necessary.

Columbia, South Carolina is bracing for potential winter weather this week, as the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for several counties in the region. The advisory is expected to take effect on Wednesday morning, with predictions of a wintry mix that includes freezing rain, sleet, and snow.

A low-pressure system is anticipated to move along the coast, significantly influencing precipitation patterns in the Midlands. In particular, northern counties in South Carolina, as well as parts of North Carolina, are projected to experience higher chances of winter precipitation.

The temperatures in the Columbia area remain uncertain; there is a possibility that the warm weather could result in rain rather than a wintry mix. Nevertheless, a low of 30 degrees is expected on Wednesday night, coupled with a 30 percent chance of precipitation. Forecasts indicate that Columbia may receive less than half an inch of total precipitation on Wednesday, including only a tenth of an inch of wintry mix. Localized amounts could be higher in other regions.

If temperatures drop sufficiently, there could be prolonged periods of freezing rain, sleet, and snow, which may create hazardous driving conditions and traffic delays. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has started preparations ahead of the storm by applying salt brine to major routes to minimize ice formation.

Cold weather is expected to persist into Thursday and Friday with overnight lows potentially dipping as low as 20 degrees. The continued cold could result in refreezing, increasing the risk of black ice forming on roadways. Daytime temperatures are projected to gradually rise from the 40s on Thursday and Friday to the 50s and 60s over the weekend.

This impending winter weather would mark the third significant snow event in the Midlands area for 2025, a region that typically experiences infrequent freezing precipitation. Previous winter storms in January have resulted in varying snow totals, with significant accumulations last noted in January 2022 when up to 3 inches of snow fell across parts of Columbia and the Midlands.

While Columbia itself is not currently included in the winter weather advisory, the surrounding areas, including Kershaw and Lee counties, are under alert. Residents should remain vigilant, as rain is expected to precede any snow, mixed with freezing rain and sleet. Snow showers may also occur on Thursday morning, potentially leading to icy conditions on roads, particularly on bridges and overpasses.

The City of Columbia’s Public Works Department is responsible for managing 1,450 lane miles and has prioritized snow routes to ensure clear passage for emergency and essential vehicles. Snowplow crews will focus on these priority routes to maintain safe conditions during the approaching weather event. Additionally, residents can enroll in winter weather alerts through Smart 911 to stay informed on local conditions and updates.

Columbia Public Schools are prepared to pivot to alternative instruction methods if necessary due to winter weather interruptions. Authorities continue to advise caution for anyone traveling during this inclement weather, urging residents to stay updated on forecasts and take precautions as needed.