News Summary
Columbia residents are bracing for a winter weather advisory as the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) readies for possible freezing rain, sleet, and snow this Wednesday. With a low-pressure system predicted, temperatures are expected to dip, prompting SCDOT crews to prepare for road safety measures. Although snowfall may be minimal, there are concerns over travel delays due to icy conditions. After the storm, a warming trend is expected, indicating a brief relief for residents in the Midlands.
Winter Weather Alert for Columbia: SCDOT Gears Up for Possible Wintry Mix
Columbia residents, it looks like winter is making a grand appearance again this week! The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is rolling up its sleeves and preparing for whatever Mother Nature throws our way. With the forecast calling for a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and even snow on Wednesday, it’s time to pay attention.
What to Expect
SCDOT officials are keeping a watchful eye on the situation, and they’re not taking any chances. Crews are ready to spring into action by spraying salt brine or laying down salt on the roads, especially in the Upstate regions where winter weather tends to be harsher. A low-pressure system is headed our way, promising to drench the Midlands with precipitation starting Wednesday and continuing into the night.
Now, before you start imagining a snow day, let’s break down the details. The National Weather Service (NWS) indicates that the northeastern counties of South Carolina, and even parts of North Carolina, could see the heaviest effects of this wintry mix. As for Columbia, it’s a little unclear if temperatures will cooperate. If they’re on the warm side, we might just see rain instead of snow.
Temperature Check
Wednesday’s temperatures across the Midlands are a bit of a mystery right now. However, forecasters are predicting a low of 30 degrees on Wednesday night, with a 30% chance of precipitation. Expecting less than half an inch of total precipitation, we could see a mere tenth of an inch of that turning into a wintry mix. Depending on where you live, you might witness more or less than that.
If temperatures remain low, though, the scenario could change quickly, leading to potential travel issues and delays on the roads. In such instances, SCDOT crews will focus primarily on clearing the interstate and major routes before addressing the secondary roads.
What Comes After the Storm?
After Wednesday’s weather wraps up, temperatures will take a dip, with lows possibly plunging into the 20s on Thursday and Friday. In fact, a low of 20 degrees is on the books for Thursday night! Make sure to be extra cautious, as black ice might form due to these freezing conditions. Looking ahead, daytime temperatures will struggle to climb out of the 40s on Thursday and Friday, which is quite a bit chillier than we usually see this time of year.
Looking Towards the Weekend
But don’t lose hope just yet! There’s a bright side to this chilly forecast. As we head into the weekend, temperatures are expected to bounce back, reaching the 50s and even 60s by Monday. That’s right! Get ready to enjoy some milder weather after this winter blast.
Just for Context
Interestingly, if any snowfall does happen in Columbia this week, it could mark the third snowstorm of 2025! The last major snowfall was on January 22, 2025, when some areas recorded about 4 inches of the white stuff. Previous to that, the last snowfall was in January 2022, where residents saw up to 3 inches.
This Wednesday, Kershaw and Lee Counties will be under a winter weather advisory from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday. Although accumulations will likely be light, don’t underestimate the potential for slick spots on the roads.
So, Columbia, keep an eye on the weather, stay prepared, and if you need to head out, do so with caution. Winter is here, and it might bring a little excitement along with the chill!
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- ABC Columbia
- Google Search: Winter Weather Preparations
- WLTX
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact
- WMBF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- The Item
- Google News: Winter Weather Alerts
- MSN Weather
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.
