Columbia, South Carolina – Drivers across the Midlands are urged to watch for black ice early Tuesday morning as cold temperatures combine with lingering moisture on road surfaces, creating slick travel conditions before temperatures rise later in the day.
According to the National Weather Service office in Columbia, morning temperatures started in the upper teens to 20s across much of central South Carolina. These conditions increase the risk of black ice on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses, particularly in shaded and low-traffic areas.
Roadways including Interstate 26, Interstate 20, Interstate 77, and major routes such as US-378, US-76, and US-521 may be affected during the morning commute. Motorists are advised to slow down, increase following distance, and use caution on elevated surfaces where ice can form even when roads appear dry.
Despite the cold start, temperatures are expected to warm into the upper 40s and 50s this afternoon as cloud cover increases ahead of an approaching cold front. The National Weather Service notes that today’s highs will remain slightly below normal but significantly warmer than early-morning readings.
Rain chances increase tonight as the front moves closer to the region. Showers are expected to develop during the evening and overnight hours, bringing wet road conditions but no wintry precipitation. Rainfall amounts are expected to be light to moderate, with no flooding concerns indicated.
As rain moves in, lingering ice concerns will diminish, though wet roads may still impact overnight travel. Conditions are expected to remain mild enough to prevent refreezing overnight.
This weather setup may be most impactful for early commuters, school transportation, and freight traffic during the morning hours, particularly along major interstate corridors. Drivers are encouraged to remain alert to changing conditions and monitor updates from the National Weather Service as the system moves through.
