News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina, is under a winter weather advisory as forecasts predict a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. The National Weather Service warns of potentially hazardous driving conditions, particularly in northern South Carolina and parts of North Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is taking preventive measures by spraying salt brine on roads. Following the winter weather, a significant drop in temperatures is expected, raising concerns about black ice formation. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local weather alerts.
Columbia, South Carolina is under a winter weather advisory as the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a potential wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow on Wednesday. This weather event is linked to a low-pressure system expected to move along the coast, bringing precipitation to the Midlands area into the night. Residents should prepare for potentially hazardous driving conditions as any accumulation could lead to traffic delays.
The most significant impacts from this weather system are anticipated in northern South Carolina and parts of North Carolina, where the chance of a wintry mix is greater. In Columbia, the uncertainty surrounding temperatures raises questions about the extent of the icy conditions. If temperatures remain too warm, the precipitation could primarily fall as rain instead of freezing mix. Current forecasts show a low temperature of 30 degrees on Wednesday night, accompanied by a 30% chance of precipitation.
Projected precipitation accumulation for this event is expected to remain under half an inch, with only a tenth of an inch forecasted for the wintry mix. However, localized accumulations may be more substantial if colder temperatures allow for prolonged freezing rain or snow. As such, travel conditions may become hazardous, particularly during peak commuting hours on Wednesday.
In preparation for the inclement weather, the South Carolina Department of Transportation has announced it will begin spraying salt brine on roads, prioritizing interstates and major routes before extending to secondary roads. This preemptive measure aims to mitigate the impact of ice on travel conditions.
After the precipitation ceases Wednesday night, temperatures are predicted to plummet into the 20s on Thursday and Friday, with a low of 20 degrees expected on Thursday night. This drop in temperatures could lead to refreezing and the formation of black ice, heightening the risk for drivers.
Looking ahead, temperatures will gradually rise from the 40s on Thursday and Friday into the 50s and 60s by the weekend as dry conditions are forecasted through the following week. These upcoming temperatures will alleviate the immediate risks associated with the freezing conditions, likely aiding road recovery efforts.
If snow does materialize, it would mark the third significant snowstorm in 2025 for the Midlands, as freezing precipitation is unusual in this area. Earlier winter storms this month occurred on January 10 and January 22, yielding snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The January 22 event resulted in unofficial snowfall totals that ranged between 1-1.5 inches in Lexington County, while the Bowman area of Orangeburg County saw the most substantial accumulation of around 4 inches.
A notable winter storm in January 2022 previously brought up to 3 inches of snow to Columbia. Residents should note that the Columbia Public Works department maintains 1,450 lane miles, with 691 designated as priority routes for snow removal. Vehicles parked on priority snow routes must be relocated when accumulation exceeds 2 inches to ensure that roads remain clear for snow removal operations.
Residents of Columbia are encouraged to register for winter weather alerts through Smart 911 to stay informed about the evolving situation. Additionally, alerts from the NWS indicate that Boone County, Missouri, has been issued a winter storm watch that predicts up to 2 inches of snow, with maximum accumulations of 7 inches possible on Wednesday.
Overall, travel conditions on Wednesday are expected to present challenges, particularly during both morning and evening commuting periods. The city of Columbia will continue to provide updates and urges its residents to remain vigilant regarding local weather alerts and service changes as the situation progresses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Columbia Tribune: National Weather Service Snow Forecast
- Columbia Missourian: Winter Weather Updates
- KOMU: Snowplow Crews Prepare for More Snow
- KRCG TV: City of Columbia Winter Weather Update
- The State: Weather News
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Google Search: Winter Weather Advisory
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- Google News: Winter Storm
