Columbia, South Carolina – A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon for large portions of central South Carolina and east-central Georgia, with dangerous ice accumulation and mixed precipitation expected.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, sleet and freezing rain are likely, with snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations ranging from one-quarter to one-half inch possible in parts of the watch area. Forecasters warn that ice buildup of this magnitude could cause widespread and long-lasting power outages.
The watch includes much of central South Carolina, including the Columbia metro area, Lexington, Richland, Kershaw, Fairfield, Newberry, Saluda, Edgefield, Aiken, Sumter, and Lancaster counties, as well as portions of east-central Georgia including Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie, and Lincoln counties.
Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, are expected to become slick and hazardous as freezing precipitation develops. Travel could become nearly impossible at times, with hazardous conditions likely impacting the Monday morning commute.
Ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may result in significant tree damage and power outages across both urban and rural areas. Even small temperature changes could significantly affect ice totals and overall impacts.
The winter weather is expected to begin Saturday morning, intensify through Sunday, and persist into Monday afternoon. Officials urge residents to closely monitor forecast updates as confidence continues to increase.
Residents are encouraged to prepare now by charging electronic devices, securing essential supplies, and planning to limit travel during the storm. Motorists who must travel should use extreme caution and allow extra time.
Communities across central South Carolina and east-central Georgia should prepare for prolonged hazardous winter weather and potential infrastructure disruptions.
