Augusta, Georgia – Dangerous ice continues to spread across east-central Georgia and central South Carolina Sunday afternoon, creating increasingly slick roads and raising concerns for overnight travel and power disruptions.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, an Ice Storm Warning is now in effect until 4 a.m. Monday for areas including Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie, and Lincoln counties in Georgia, along with Aiken, Edgefield, Lexington, Richland, Sumter, and surrounding counties in South Carolina. Additional ice accumulations of one to two tenths of an inch are expected as moderate precipitation moves through this evening.
Cities such as Augusta, Evans, Thomson, North Augusta, Columbia, Lexington, Cayce, Aiken, and Sumter are likely to see the most significant impacts. Bridges and overpasses are expected to become slick first, followed by untreated secondary roads. Officials warn that even small ice amounts can make travel treacherous, especially after sunset.
Emergency managers strongly discourage travel unless absolutely necessary. Drivers who must be on the roads are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and carry emergency supplies such as food, water, and a flashlight. Residents should also prepare for isolated power outages as ice builds on lines and tree limbs.
Ice impacts are expected to persist through the overnight hours, with conditions gradually improving after daybreak Monday. Warnings remain in effect until early morning, and additional updates may be issued if icing lasts longer than expected.
