I-26 and I-20 near Columbia, South Carolina – Travel across the Midlands could become hazardous this weekend as freezing rain threatens to coat roadways with ice, creating dangerous driving conditions across the Columbia area.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon, with the highest confidence in impacts overnight Saturday through Sunday morning. Forecasters say the potential for impactful freezing rain remains high, particularly across the northern Midlands and Pee Dee region.
Forecast guidance shows a 30–55% chance of more than 0.25 inches of freezing rain across portions of central South Carolina, including areas near Columbia. Ice accumulations of this magnitude can lead to slick and potentially impassable roads, as well as scattered power outages where ice builds on trees and power lines.
Major roadways including I-26, I-20, I-77, and U.S. 378 are most at risk during overnight and early morning hours when temperatures remain below freezing. Even small changes in temperature could significantly affect ice coverage, leading to rapidly changing road conditions.
The National Weather Service cautions that impacts will vary sharply from north to south, and forecast confidence may shift over the next few days as the storm track becomes clearer. Additional expansions of the Winter Storm Watch remain possible.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel late Saturday night through Sunday morning, prepare for delays, and monitor forecast updates closely. Those who must travel should plan extra time and be alert for bridges and overpasses icing first.
Commuters, students, and weekend travelers across the Columbia metro should prepare for high-risk travel conditions during peak icing periods.
