Interstate 26 and Interstate 20 in Columbia, South Carolina – Travel across the Midlands could become hazardous this weekend as freezing rain threatens to coat roadways with ice, increasing the risk of crashes and closures.
According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon for much of central South Carolina, including Columbia and surrounding counties. Forecasters say confidence is growing that freezing rain will be the primary hazard, particularly overnight Saturday into Sunday morning.
Probability maps show a 40–60% chance of more than 0.25 inches of freezing rain across portions of the northern Midlands and Pee Dee, amounts that can significantly worsen travel conditions. Even lighter ice accumulations can make bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads extremely slick.
Major travel corridors including I-26, I-20, I-77, U.S. 321, and U.S. 176 could see rapidly deteriorating conditions once surface temperatures fall below freezing. The Weather Service warns that ice buildup may also impact power lines and trees, increasing the risk of outages that could further disrupt travel and emergency response.
Impacts are expected to vary sharply from north to south, with the highest ice risk north of Columbia, though conditions could change as the storm track and temperature profiles evolve. Forecasters emphasize that the watch area may expand or shift in the coming days.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel Saturday night through Sunday, closely monitor forecast updates, and prepare vehicles with emergency supplies if travel cannot be postponed.
Commuters, students, and weekend travelers across the Columbia metro area should prepare for dangerous roadway conditions and possible closures during the peak of the storm.
