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.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Columbia Tribune: National Weather Service Columbia MO Snow Forecast
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather Advisory
- The State: Weather News
- Google Search: Winter Weather Columbia South Carolina
- Columbia Missourian: Winter Weather Updates
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impacts
- KRCG TV: City of Columbia Winter Weather Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- KOMU: Columbia Snowplow Crews Prepare
- Google News: Columbia Weather Updates
Author: HERE Greenwood
GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
