Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina remains under an elevated winter weather threat as lingering cold air across the Southeast keeps the possibility of additional snow and ice events alive through mid-February, following one of the most expansive winter storms to impact the region in years.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, temperatures across South Carolina are expected to remain below normal for an extended stretch. With cold air holding firm, any storm system tracking across the Southeast could bring snow or mixed precipitation, especially during overnight and early morning hours when temperatures are coldest.
The concern follows Winter Storm Fern, a massive system that swept from Texas to Maine and affected more than two dozen states. Fern brought rare snowfall and wintry conditions into parts of the Carolinas, creating hazardous travel across inland areas of South Carolina. Roads across the Midlands and Upstate became slick, with impacts reported along Interstates 20, 26, and 85, while school schedules and daily commutes were disrupted.
As cold conditions linger, communities from Columbia and Greenville to Spartanburg, Rock Hill, and areas near the North Carolina border could face renewed impacts if similarly strong systems develop. South Carolina Department of Transportation officials warn that repeated winter events can quickly lead to icy conditions on bridges and overpasses, which tend to freeze first.
Emergency management officials are urging residents to prepare now by checking heating systems, ensuring vehicles are equipped for cold weather, and keeping emergency supplies on hand. Drivers are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during wintry conditions and to monitor local alerts closely.
While the exact timing of future storms remains uncertain, forecasters say the broader pattern supports continued winter risks. Additional advisories and alerts may be issued as confidence increases, with cold air and the potential for snow remaining a concern across South Carolina through mid-February.
