Central South Carolina Blanketed in Snow as Winter Arrives

News Summary

Central South Carolina is experiencing its first major snowfall of the season, with Lexington and surrounding areas seeing 1-4 inches expected. Despite the weather, local businesses remain open, and residents are urged to exercise caution on the roads. Airport and college operations are being adjusted, while a cold weather advisory warns of dangerously low wind chill values. The National Weather Service is monitoring conditions, advising residents to stay informed and safe during this winter weather event.

Winter Wonderland Hits Central South Carolina: Snowfall and Chill Temperatures Dominate

Winter has officially arrived in Lexington and its neighboring areas as the first significant snowfall of the season blankets Central South Carolina. The flurries began swirling down around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, and it seems like everyone was ready to jump into the winter spirit. Cars and streets are now topped with a fresh layer of white, making for some picturesque scenes but also raising concerns about travel and safety.

Restaurants and Gas Stations Brave the Elements

Despite the snow, local restaurants, fast food spots, and gas stations are keeping their doors open. Motorists are carefully navigating the slippery roads, with no major accidents reported thus far. It’s a bit of a miracle, showing that folks are taking heed of the cautions being shared. Richland County has announced that their county offices will be reopening at 1 p.m. on Wednesday—making sure everyone is still taking precautionary measures with the possibility of poor road conditions lingering.
Drivers, particularly those with morning commutes, are advised to be extra cautious of possibly slippery conditions and the lurking threat of black ice throughout the day.

Airport and College Operations Adjust Due to Weather

As the snow continues, the Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport has decided to close its terminal services, planning to reopen around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, pending those weather conditions. If you had any flights planned, it’s best to check for updates as the morning progresses.
For students, the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College have opted for a delayed opening, set for noon on Wednesday. Morning in-person classes are canceled while afternoon classes should proceed unless otherwise stated. It’s a strange but exciting twist for students who were looking forward to some snow-filled fun!

Snow Accumulations Forecasted Across the Region

The National Weather Service (NWS) has been busy monitoring the situation, reporting that snow is spreading well into the central areas of the state. It’s expected that we might see accumulations of 1-2 inches in western Richland and Lexington Counties, while eastern regions might receive around 2-3 inches, and areas further out towards Orangeburg and Manning could see up to 3-4 inches. Exciting times, but let’s hope everyone stays safe out there!

Freezing Temperatures Bring Additional Concerns

A cold weather advisory is currently in effect, bringing wind chill values that could dip down anywhere from 7 to 15 degrees. That’s some seriously cold air, making it feel even chillier than the snowflakes falling all around.
With the added possibility of refreezing and black ice throughout the week, city officials are recommending staying indoors where it’s warm and snug. Charter House Road and Canterfield Road were reported as impassable due to ice but have since reopened, showcasing the unpredictable nature of winter weather.

City Services and Transportation Impacted by Snow

Columbia has announced limited operations for city facilities through Wednesday as they tackle these unexpected winter conditions. An overflow shelter for the unsheltered population opened at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, already working to keep folks warm during this cold snap. Meanwhile, the public transportation system, COMET, will pause operations from 4 p.m. Tuesday until around 10 a.m. Wednesday due to the weather warnings.
Schools across Lexington, Richland, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Clarendon counties have shifted to e-learning for Wednesday, ensuring that students stay safe but still learn—and mamas everywhere might have mixed feelings about that!

Winter Weather Advisory in Effect

As we move through this winter weather event, residents are urged to stay updated on changing conditions. The NWS has updated its winter storm warning to cover areas in Lee, Sumter, Richland, and Lexington Counties, anticipating heavier snowfall could be on the way.
With temperatures constantly fluctuating, communities are being reminded of the need for safe practices while navigating the winter weather. So gear up with those snow boots, grab a warm cup of cocoa, and enjoy the beauty of a snow-covered Central South Carolina, while staying cautious and safe!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Winter Storm Warning Issued for South Carolina
Historic Winter Storm Hits the Southern U.S., Affecting Millions
Snow Showers Expected in Columbia, South Carolina
Midlands Schools Adjust Schedules Ahead of Winter Weather
Columbia Gears Up for Winter Weather: Classes Resume at USC
Tragic Shooting Claims Three Lives in Berkeley County
USC Class Changes Amid Winter Storm Chaos
Columbia SC’s New Local Ambassadors Introduced Amid Winter Weather Alert
Columbia Prepares for Potential Snowfall Next Week
Charleston Braces for Chilly Weekend Ahead

Additional Resources

• LEX18 News: City of Lexington Urges Caution on the Road
• The Weather Channel: Current Weather Conditions
• The State: Local News on Winter Weather
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
• Fox 56 News: Lexington Road Crews New Snow Plan