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Columbia Schools Adjust Schedules Amid Winter Weather

Icy roads and snow-covered schools in Columbia during winter weather.

News Summary

In response to a recent snowstorm, school districts in Columbia and surrounding areas are making schedule adjustments to ensure student safety amid icy conditions. With temperatures remaining low and black ice forming, schools are opting for closures and e-learning days. Calhoun County is fully closed, while others are utilizing virtual classes. Local colleges are also adjusting their schedules as residents brace for the winter weather’s aftermath. Public safety officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous roads, emphasizing the importance of safety during this challenging time.

Columbia Braces for Winter Weather as School Districts Adjust Schedules

Schools Respond to Hazards Following Recent Snowstorm

Residents of Columbia and surrounding areas are grappling with the aftermath of a recent snowstorm that left many roadways covered in dangerous ice. From Calhoun County all the way to Sumter, school districts have taken necessary steps to ensure student safety amidst these icy conditions. With temperatures forecasted to linger in the 20s and anticipated black ice forming due to refreezing, adjustments to school schedules have been essential.

District-Specific Changes and E-Learning Days

On January 23, Calhoun County Public Schools will find themselves completely closed, a wise decision considering the hazardous road conditions. Meanwhile, Clarendon County School District has opted for an e-learning day, but all school activities will be canceled, keeping students engaged while maintaining safety.

Fairfield County School District has also decided to close their schools for the day, designating May 26 as a makeup day. In contrast, Kershaw County and Lee County School Districts are proceeding with e-learning, with assignments available through platforms like Canvas or provided in paper packets.

Lexington One and Lexington Two schools are continuing their e-learning operations as well, with no after-school activities going ahead. In Lexington Four, all schools along with the district office will be closed and they are planning in-person makeup classes on February 17.

School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties and the School District of Newberry County are adjusting schedules as well. The former will close its doors on January 23, with March 17 reserved for a makeup day, while the latter will operate on a two-hour delay. Orangeburg schools are shutting down entirely for the day, while Richland One schools and offices will also be closed, leading to a day off for students and staff alike.

Richland School District Two opts for e-learning, ensuring continuity in education by posting assignments on platforms like Google Classroom. Saluda County Schools will operate on a two-and-a-half-hour delay, and Sumter School District joins the ranks of those closing entirely, allocating February 17 for a makeup day.

Local Colleges Respond to Weather Events

In higher education, Columbia College and Midlands Technical College are planning to open at noon on January 23, with classes kicking off at 12:45 p.m. South Carolina State University will reopen offices at 11 a.m., offering online morning classes with in-person classes set to start after that time.

Weather Woes: Icy Roads and Safety Alerts

The recent snowfall saw accumulation varying widely across the Midlands, from a mere half an inch up to a striking 4 inches in some places. According to the National Weather Service, a lingering winter weather advisory remains in effect, warning residents about hazardous road conditions.

Local police are urging everyone to avoid unnecessary travel during this time. Emergency responders faced considerable difficulties reaching stranded vehicles due to the icy roads, resulting in calls for towing services doubling during the storm. As of January 23, public safety officials are advising residents to remain cautious.

With temperatures projected to peak at only 35 degrees and plummet to 14 degrees overnight, residents are likely to experience worsening conditions as black ice forms on already slick streets. However, light at the end of the tunnel appears to be on the horizon, with forecasts hinting at a gradual warming trend and potential relief from snow and icy weather into next week.

As Columbia and its neighboring city residents prepare to deal with the winter weather aftermath, one thing remains clear: safety comes first, and adjustment is key as students, parents, and educators navigate through this chilly situation together.