Winter Storm Watch Issued for Midlands Counties

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Midlands Counties

Columbia, South Carolina – As winter rolls in, it seems Mother Nature has decided to send a chilly reminder to the Midlands. A winter storm watch has been issued for four counties in the area, and it’s causing quite a stir, particularly with local schools. If you’ve got plans for the weekend, you might want to pay attention!

What’s Happening?

The National Weather Service has announced that from Friday to Saturday morning, residents in Edgefield, Fairfield, Newberry, and Saluda counties should prepare for potentially tricky weather conditions. It comes as no surprise that the Lexington School District Two has taken quick action by canceling all after-school activities on Friday.

It’s not just Lexington that’s feeling the impact; other counties such as Lancaster, McCormick, and even Lincoln County just across the state line in Georgia are also under this watch. So, if you live in or around these areas, you might want to keep an eye on the skies.

What Should We Expect?

The National Weather Service is warning of a heavy mix of ice and rain for the weekend. Meteorologist Tony Petrolito laid out what we might encounter, explaining that snow and sleet accumulations could reach up to a half-inch in some places, with ice building up to 0.1 to 0.2 inches.

While snow is in the cards for certain northern parts of the state, it appears that the Midlands will mostly escape any significant snow accumulation. “We’re not expecting snow to accumulate,” Petrolito reassured, saying that there is a low chance that any precipitation would start off as snow but would likely just melt as it falls.

Rain, Ice, and Potential Hazards

The forecast shows a hefty 90% chance of precipitation on Friday evening, which is when it’s expected to be at its worst, tapering off come Saturday morning. Alongside the rain, freezing rain and sleet can create troublesome conditions, particularly overnight Friday when icing could become a more serious threat.

Petrolito described the potential for freezing rain as something worth worrying about. “It’s not something you want,” he emphasized. The frost could form on elevated surfaces, like bridges and overpasses, leading to potentially hazardous road conditions.

What About Columbia?

Though ice accumulation doesn’t seem to be a major concern for Columbia itself, the area north toward Charlotte, North Carolina, is at a higher risk for freezing rain. So, if you’re planning to travel that way, staying alert to changing road conditions is key.

Interestingly, should the forecast shift and we do see measurable snow in Columbia, it would mark the first snowy event since January 2022 where snow collected on the ground. Back then, the Midlands saw 1 to 3 inches of snow during a winter storm that many still remember.

How to Prepare

Given the unpredictable nature of winter weather, residents are encouraged to be ready. Stocking up on essentials, making sure your winter gear is at hand, and staying informed through reliable updates can help ensure that you’re prepared to handle whatever the weather may bring.

So, as we head into the weekend, keep your favorite hot drink on standby and your warm blankets close. Stay safe out there, everyone!