Columbia, South Carolina – A potentially disruptive winter storm could impact central South Carolina and nearby portions of east central Georgia starting Saturday morning, with sleet and ice threatening travel and power reliability through Monday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon for parts of central South Carolina, including the Midlands, as well as Lincoln County in east central Georgia. Confidence is increasing in periods of mixed winter precipitation, with sleet and freezing rain posing the greatest concern for road conditions and infrastructure.
Counties under the watch include Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Chesterfield, and Lancaster, along with McCormick County near the Savannah River. Communities such as Camden, Lugoff, Elgin, Winnsboro, Bishopville, Cheraw, Pageland, and Newberry could see bridges and overpasses turn slick quickly, especially during overnight and early morning hours. Even light ice accumulation can make untreated roads dangerous in the region.
Forecasters warn that ice buildup on power lines and tree limbs may lead to scattered to widespread power outages, particularly where freezing rain persists the longest. Travel could become hazardous at times, and delays or closures are possible if conditions worsen.
Residents are urged to complete preparations before the weekend, limit non-essential travel once precipitation begins, and monitor updates closely. The threat may extend into Monday afternoon, and additional advisories or warnings could be issued as confidence in impacts continues to grow.
