Columbia Braces for Severe Winter Weather

News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina is preparing for severe winter weather as a cold front moves in, bringing temperatures as low as the teens and potential snow accumulation of one to three inches. Residents are advised to take precautions and prepare for hazardous driving conditions. With schools adjusting schedules and shelters offering support for the homeless, the community is uniting to face the challenges of the impending storm. Stay warm and prepared!

Columbia Braces for Severe Winter Weather

As the chilly winds blow and the forecast calls for snow, residents of Columbia and the rest of South Carolina are preparing for a winter storm that promises to make this week a frosty one. With temperatures dropping and the possibility of accumulating snow, it’s time to stock up and hunker down.

A Cold Front Moves In

Get ready for **bitter cold** as an influx of cold air is expected to sweep into the state starting Sunday night. This cold snap isn’t just a brief visit; it looks like it’s settling in for several days. Daytime **highs will struggle** to reach the 30s, while overnight lows plunge into the teens, making for some bone-chilling nights. The wind chill is likely to feel even colder, dropping below 15 degrees overnight!

Tuesday through Thursday are predicted to be the coldest days, so be sure you have plenty of layers to keep warm.

Snow Accumulation and Impacts

The National Weather Service is increasingly confident that snow will fall across much of South Carolina. Snow accumulation of between **one to three inches** is expected from Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. A highly impactful storm is likely, particularly affecting areas south of Interstate 20. So if you’re in the Midlands or the Lowcountry, be prepared for **potentially hazardous conditions**.

Since snowstorms can sneak up on us, keep an eye on your pipes to avoid those annoying frozen issues, and for those without shelter, it’s vital to find a safe warm space during this extreme weather.

Driving Cautions

For those planning to hit the roads, remember that icy surfaces can create dangerous conditions. The state’s law enforcement agencies are urging drivers to **exercise caution**, particularly on bridges where freezing can cause treacherous stretches. With reports of nearly an inch of snow at Columbia Metropolitan Airport and up to four inches noted in Bowman, Orangeburg County, the roads might be tricky.

Morning commutes may be slowed down due to hazardous conditions created by *falling snow and ice*.

Schools and Community Responses

The impending snowstorm has already caused ripples through local schools, leading to numerous e-learning schedules and closures. As the temperature dips, Columbia’s Overflow Shelter is stepping up efforts to provide essential assistance to the homeless population affected by the harsh winter weather.

Additionally, local grocery stores are experiencing an uptick in demand for essentials like water, bread, and dairy products as folks prepare to stay cozy at home.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

Early morning temperatures will be stuck in the 20s, rising slightly to just above freezing later on Wednesday. As we transition to **Thursday**, a quick thaw with a predicted high of 40 degrees could bring a brief respite from the cold, but be mindful as overnight lows could plummet to around 21 degrees.

On a lighter note, if you can hold out through the chilly weather, the forecast indicates a warming trend with possible high temperatures reaching the 60s by mid-next week. That fresh spring feel might just be around the corner!

Conclusion

In short, it’s time to dial up your winter prep game! Dress warm, keep an eye out for updates, and take extra precautions if you plan to venture out on the roads. With a bit of planning and care, we can all make it through this severe winter weather together.

Stay warm, Columbia!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Historic Snowfall Blankets the Lowcountry
Beaufort County Experiences Rare Snowfall
Beaufort County Prepares for Major Winter Storm
Winter Storm Warning Hits Beaufort: Prepare for Snow!
Beaufort County Welcomes Its First Snow in Five Years
Hilton Head Island Prepares for Unexpected Snowfall
Winter Storm Watch Issued for Beaufort County
Beaufort County Residents Prepare for Winter Wonderland
Winter Storm Watch Issued for Lowcountry
Columbia and South Carolina Brace for Winter Weather

Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia: Winter storm
• Post and Courier
• Google Search: winter weather Columbia SC
• WIS News
• Google Scholar: winter weather preparation
• WLTX
• Encyclopedia Britannica: winter weather
• Columbia Tribune
• Google News: snowstorm South Carolina