News Summary
Midlands, S.C. is under a snowy spell that has caused road closures and delayed school schedules. Authorities warn of black ice and hazardous driving conditions while schools shift to e-learning setups. The National Weather Service predicts significant snowfall across the region, making travel treacherous and prompting local agencies to open shelters. Residents are advised to stay updated and exercise caution during the winter weather.
Snow and Ice Create Havoc in the Midlands, S.C.
Midlands, S.C. is experiencing quite the winter wonderland! However, what started off as a picturesque snowfall quickly transformed into a serious situation for drivers and students in the area. With snowflakes starting to dance through the air around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Kentuckians found themselves in a snowy bind that caused road closures and school delays galore!
Road Closures and Conditions
In Lexington County, Charter House Rd and Canterfield Rd were temporarily closed due to the sneaky menace known as black ice. Public Works crews were on the scene working tirelessly to address dangerous conditions, ensuring that the roads could be reopened safely. However, authorities advised drivers to steer clear of these areas until it was safe to travel again.
Despite the white stuff accumulating on cars and the ground, restaurants, gas stations, and fast food joints remained open, inviting folks to grab a bite or a hot cup of coffee to warm them up. Luckily, no accidents were reported in the area, and traffic continued at a relatively normal pace.
School and Public Service Updates
The storm didn’t just affect roads but also had an impact on local educational institutions. Richland County offices were set to reopen at 1 p.m. Wednesday, serving notice for those expecting poor road conditions. Students were not left in the cold though—the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College planned to kick off classes at noon, while any early morning classes were scrapped. Students had the option of participating in hybrid and online classes as scheduled.
As the snowstorm progressed, a plethora of school districts, including those in Lexington, Richland, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Clarendon, opted to shift to an e-learning format for Wednesday. Many districts even made the smart move to release students early on Tuesday, anticipating the impending snow.
Weather Warnings and Forecasts
Keeping an eye on weather updates is vital! The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings that travel conditions were quickly becoming hazardous as snow showers began to blanket the Lexington and Columbia area. Forecasts predicted snow accumulation ranging from 1-2 inches in western parts of Richland and Lexington County to 3-4 inches towards Orangeburg and Manning. The east side seemed to expect a moderate 2-3 inch snowfall. You may need to bundle up as cold weather advisories placed wind chill values between 7-15 degrees were also in effect.
As the snow continued to blanket the region, drivers were forewarned to expect slippery road conditions, especially for their morning commutes and advised to be extra careful on the slick roads. Authorities urged everyone to avoid sudden movements to prevent skidding. For those who might get stranded, help can be reached by dialing *HP (*47).
Community Services and Support
The COMET public transportation system announced a suspension of services from 4 p.m. Tuesday until approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday, just to ensure everyone’s safety. Meanwhile, in preparation for the cold, Columbia’s overflow shelter for individuals without homes opened at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, providing a warm refuge for those in need.
As temperatures dipped down to around 20 degrees, the heaviest snowfall was expected during the night, adorning the Midlands landscape in a beautiful winter coating. Do stay tuned for any changes as conditions can unexpectedly shift.
Let’s embrace the cozy winter vibes while also taking precautions on the roads. We hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the beautiful snow while it lasts!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Prepares for Potential Snowfall Next Week
Columbia’s Christmas Forecast: Expect a Green Celebration
Columbia, SC Faces Low Odds for a White Christmas
Chilly December Surprise: Columbia Braces for Cold Front and Possible Snow Flurries
Additional Resources
- The State: Snow and Ice Create Havoc in the Midlands
- WIS TV: Winter Blast in the Midlands
- AOL News: Live Updates on Snowfall in Columbia
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Officials Update on Road Conditions
- Kentucky.com: Weather News Update
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Google Search: Winter Weather Preparedness
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Snow
- Google News: Winter Storm
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, 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 Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
