Columbia, SC – Drivers across South Carolina are being urged to stay off the roads today as icy conditions worsen under Winter Storm Gianna, leading to multiple crashes, rollovers, and vehicles sliding off highways.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, troopers and emergency crews have responded to a sharp increase in crashes involving vehicles losing control on icy roadways. Images released Friday show several overturned vehicles, including SUVs and sedans, along snow- and ice-covered highways.
Officials say the dangerous conditions are affecting a large portion of the state, including the Upstate, northern Midlands, and Pee Dee regions, with several incidents reported along interstates and secondary roads. South Carolina Highway Patrol noted that many of the crashes involved vehicles sliding into ditches or overturning due to slick surfaces.
Traffic camera footage shared by the agency also shows light but cautious traffic moving through icy stretches of interstate, with snow and freezing precipitation reducing visibility in some areas.
The Department of Public Safety is strongly advising residents to stay home if possible until conditions improve. For those who must travel, officials recommend checking road conditions in advance through South Carolina 511 at www.511sc.org, reducing speed, increasing following distance, and avoiding sudden braking.
Winter Storm Gianna is expected to continue moving through the region today, with freezing temperatures preventing ice from melting quickly. Officials warn that bridges and overpasses remain especially hazardous, even if surrounding roads appear passable.
Motorists are reminded that road conditions can change rapidly and that emergency responders may experience delays reaching crash scenes due to weather.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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