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Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia Winter Weather Scene

News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina, is bracing for a winter weather event as the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory. The region expects a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow on Wednesday. While temperatures may drop to around 30 degrees, there’s uncertainty about whether it will result in significant wintry precipitation. Officials are taking proactive measures to prepare the roads. This winter weather event could potentially lead to hazardous conditions and traffic delays, with the possibility of snow accumulation in the region.

Columbia, South Carolina is preparing for a winter weather event, as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory for the region. A mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow is expected to hit Columbia and surrounding areas on Wednesday, with a low-pressure system moving along the coast causing precipitation across the Midlands.

The current forecasts indicate that the Columbia area may experience a low temperature of around 30 degrees on Wednesday night, along with a 30% chance of precipitation. However, temperatures remain uncertain, which may reduce the likelihood of a wintry mix occurring; should they rise too high, only rain may fall in Columbia. Less than half an inch of total precipitation is anticipated, with current projections suggesting only a tenth of an inch of the wintry mix.

In nearby northern counties, a higher probability of a wintry mix exists, particularly extending into North Carolina. These areas are more likely to see prolonged freezing rain and sleet, particularly if temperatures drop sufficiently. Any wintry precipitation that does occur could create hazardous driving conditions and traffic delays.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is taking preemptive measures by spraying salt brine on roads to help mitigate icy conditions. Efforts are underway to treat main highways, with plans to progress to secondary roads, especially in the Upstate region.

Looking ahead, cold weather is expected to persist beyond Wednesday, with Thursday and Friday temperatures potentially dipping into the 20s. This could lead to a re-freezing of precipitation, contributing to the formation of black ice. Daytime highs over the weekend are expected to bounce back into the 50s and 60s as dry conditions return, offering relief after the cold snap.

If snow does occur, it would mark the third snow event for the region this year, a noteworthy occurrence in an area typically not accustomed to freezing precipitation. The Midlands experienced significant winter storms earlier in January, on the 10th and 22nd, which brought measurable snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Columbia Metropolitan Airport recorded nearly an inch of snow on the 22nd, while reports from Lexington County indicated snowfall of 1 to 1.5 inches. The highest snow accumulation during January reached around 4 inches in the Bowman area of Orangeburg County.

Historically, the last major snowfall in Columbia before January 2025 occurred in January 2022, when as much as 3 inches fell. As part of the latest winter weather advisories, Columbia is under a winter storm watch for Wednesday, with expectations of significant snow accumulation. Forecast models project a 79% chance of at least 2 inches of snow, and a 52% chance of up to 6 inches or more in Boone County, which could include heavy snowfall periods leading to maximum accumulation estimates of 7 inches.

The forecast for Friday indicates a high temperature of around 37 degrees, conducive to snow melting overnight. A rain and snow mix is expected over the weekend, alongside a high of 41 degrees as the weather begins to warm. Columbia residents are encouraged to sign up for winter weather alerts via Smart 911 to stay informed.

Columbia maintains specific priority snow routes, where parking is restricted during accumulations of 2 inches or more to facilitate snow removal efforts. The city’s Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining 1,450 lane miles, with 691 designated as priority routes. Their goal is to keep main streets passable for front-wheel drive vehicles during winter weather events. Treatment of bridges, curves, hills, and intersections on priority routes is also part of their comprehensive strategy. Additionally, Columbia Public Schools may implement alternative instruction days in light of winter weather disruptions. The city’s snow plow crews have adjusted operations based on current weather conditions and priorities to ensure road safety.