Winter Storm Warning Impacts Columbia, SC with Early Dismissals

Icy and snowy conditions in Columbia, SC as winter storm approaches.

News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina is preparing for a winter storm as a winter storm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. Slippery roads and icy conditions are expected, prompting early dismissals in multiple school districts. Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency, and local businesses and state services are adjusting their hours for safety. Residents are urged to stay informed and avoid unnecessary travel this weekend.

Winter Storm Warning Hits Columbia, SC: Early Dismissals and Cancellations All Around!

Columbia, South Carolina, is bracing for a winter storm that’s expected to impact travel and daily activities this weekend! On Friday night, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm warning at 9:45 p.m., and it will remain in effect until Saturday morning at 4 a.m. This means slippery roads and icy conditions could be just around the corner.

What to Expect

As the temperatures hover near freezing, a light glaze of freezing rain is anticipated. This could create some pretty dicey travel conditions, particularly across parts of east central Georgia and central South Carolina. If you have any plans to hit the road, the NWS highly advises keeping extra flashlights, food, and water in your car, just in case you find yourself stuck. It’s better to be prepared than to be caught off guard!

Shocking statistics remind us that weather-related vehicle crashes result in over 6,000 deaths and approximately 480,000 injuries every year. With conditions likely to turn icy, the rule of thumb is to assume that roads are slick whenever the thermometer dips close to freezing. Exercise extreme caution if you have to travel. If it’s avoidable, it’s best to stay put!

School Districts React with Early Dismissals

The forecast has spurred many school districts to alter their schedules. Richland School District 1 is taking precautions by dismissing students early. Here’s the rundown:

Elementary schools will let out at 10:30 a.m.
High schools are set to release at 11:15 a.m.
Middle schools will follow suit at 12 p.m.

And don’t forget, all after-school programs and activities, including athletic events, are canceled. Likewise, Lexington School Districts are adjusting as well:

Lexington District 2 will dismiss elementary students at 11:30 a.m. and middle and high schools at 12:30 p.m.
Lexington District 1 will have a half-day with dismissals at 11:20 a.m. for elementary schools, 12:05 p.m. for middle schools, and 12:45 p.m. for high schools.
Lexington District 3 has declared an eLearning Day, meaning students will be working from home!
Lexington District 4 is also set for early dismissals beginning at 11:00 a.m..
The Richland School District 2 has moved up early release even further for elementary schools at 10:30 a.m., middle schools at 11:15 a.m., and high schools at 12 p.m.

Furthermore, Sumter School District is on a similar plan, with dismissals starting at 11:00 a.m. for elementary, 11:30 a.m. for middle, and 12:30 p.m. for high schools.

Business and Service Closures

As the storm approaches, local businesses, state agencies, and public services have begun adjusting their operations as a safety precaution. Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency due to the dangerous road conditions expected from the winter storm. Major closures include:

Prisma Health medical practices
Community centers and parks
Various local businesses

Additionally, Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport in Richland County will be closed from 3 p.m. Friday until 9 a.m. Saturday. If you were planning on making any travel arrangements, that’s a crucial detail!

Richland Library locations also had to close early, with some of them shutting their doors by 10:30 a.m. on Friday. If you had a book due or need to grab something, you may want to keep that in mind. Last but not least, the South Carolina State Museum is closed on Friday but is looking to reopen by 12 p.m. on Saturday.

Stay Safe Out There!

As we gear up for the potential fallout from this winter storm, remember to stay informed and take the necessary precautions. We all want to stay safe, and avoiding unnecessary travel is one of the best ways to do just that!