Columbia, South Carolina – A developing winter storm could bring dangerous ice accumulation to parts of South Carolina this weekend, with the highest risk for freezing rain expected overnight Saturday into early Sunday, particularly for areas along and north of the I-20 corridor.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, temperatures will fall enough Saturday afternoon and evening for rain to transition to wintry precipitation, including sleet and freezing rain. Ice accumulation from freezing rain is most likely late Saturday night into Sunday morning, when colder surface temperatures align with steady precipitation. Forecasters say this window presents the greatest threat for slick roads, downed tree limbs, and power outages.
The most significant impacts are expected across the northern Midlands and Pee Dee regions, including areas near Newberry, Chesterfield, Lancaster, and Kershaw counties. Farther south, including parts of the Columbia metro, precipitation may remain a cold rain at times, though brief periods of freezing rain cannot be ruled out if temperatures drop faster than expected.
Uncertainty remains regarding exact precipitation types and amounts, but officials stress that even light ice can create hazardous travel conditions. Bridges and overpasses are likely to become slick first, especially late Saturday night.
Wintry precipitation should gradually taper Sunday night into early Monday. Very cold air is expected to follow early next week, with overnight lows dipping into the teens. Residents are urged to limit travel during the peak ice window and monitor updates as advisories or warnings may be issued.
