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Snowstorm Blankets Midlands with Dangerous Conditions

News Summary

Residents in the Midlands awakened to a winter wonderland as a snowstorm left hazardous driving conditions across the region. With nearly 1 inch of snow recorded, and up to 4 inches in some areas, emergency crews are working to clear roads that remain icy. While the storm has passed, cold temperatures are expected to linger, raising concerns about black ice. Schools in Lexington County have switched to online classes day. Drivers are urged to exercise caution as conditions might not improve for several days.

Snowstorm Blankets Midlands with Dangerous Driving Conditions

As residents of the Midlands woke up on Wednesday morning, they were greeted by a stunning sight: a picturesque blanket of snow that transformed the area into a winter wonderland. However, this beauty came with its fair share of challenges, as a snowstorm in Columbia sent frigid temperatures and hazardous driving conditions plummeting across the region.

Winter Wonderland or Driving Nightmare?

The snowstorm, which caused a rare whiteout in the Columbia area, has since moved out, but the remnants are still causing issues. According to reports, nearly an inch of snow was recorded at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, while unofficial totals showed about 1 to 1.5 inches in Lexington County. The highest accumulation was noted in Bowman, Orangeburg County, where residents found themselves with approximately 4 inches of snow—a hefty amount to shovel, to say the least!

As the snow showers finally eased up by 4:35 a.m., the reality turned grim as roads remained covered in a thick layer of snow and ice. Emergency crews sprang into action, working tirelessly to clear the roads, but they’ve warned that it could take several hours before conditions improve. Given the current situation, drivers are being urged to be cautious, and many are opting to avoid travel altogether whenever possible.

Cold Snap Keeps Snow and Ice Mysteriously Around

With temperatures hovering in the 20s in the morning and only expected to reach a chilly 35 degrees in the afternoon, melting the snow and ice is not in the cards. A brief thaw might be on the way, but don’t get too excited! As the sun sets, temperatures are predicted to plummet to 14 degrees overnight, leading to fears of black ice forming and making conditions even more treacherous for drivers and pedestrians alike.

In fact, throughout the Midlands and stretching to the coast, the South Carolina Department of Transportation has warned about slippery conditions on roads. It might be a good day to stay indoors and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa rather than braving the icy sidewalks and driveways, which can be particularly hazardous.

Ongoing Weather Advisories

Although the winter storm warning has been canceled, both a winter weather advisory and a cold weather advisory are still in effect. Wind chills could make it feel as cold as 10 degrees, raising the stakes with increased risks of hypothermia for anyone exposed for extended periods. Just a word of caution: those who venture out should stay bundled up!

Looking ahead, relief might be on the horizon with high temperatures expected to reach the mid-40s by Thursday. However, do not let your guard down; overnight temperatures could drop to 21 degrees, and some forecast models hint at possible rain beginning Sunday night. So, keep an eye on the forecast as conditions could change rapidly.

Snow Days for Students

In the midst of this winter chaos, schools in Lexington County made the decision to close for in-person classes, switching to e-learning for the day. Similarly, the University of Missouri transitioned classes to an online format as well. Surprisingly, graduating students at MU took advantage of the unexpected snow day, reveling in the fun while their classes were on hold. It’s a little silver lining amidst all this winter weather!

In summary, while the snow has undeniably added a bit of magic to the Midlands, it is crucial for everyone to stay informed and exercise caution. With potentially dangerous conditions lingering for the next few days, navigating this winter wonderland will require some extra care. Keep warm out there and be sure to check on the latest forecasts to stay updated!