Weather
South Carolina Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: When Wind Turns Deadly
Columbia, SC – South Carolina may be known for relatively mild winters, but could a sudden blast of Arctic air make just a few minutes outdoors dangerous? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Mo
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-26T07:01:59.841Z
Columbia, SC – South Carolina may be known for relatively mild winters, but could a sudden blast of Arctic air make just a few minutes outdoors dangerous? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, residents are being reminded that strong winds can make freezing temperatures feel much colder and increase the risk of frostbite.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , wind chill describes how cold the air feels on exposed skin when air temperature and wind speed are combined. Strong winds remove heat from the body faster, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
For example, when the air temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit and winds reach 20 mph, the wind chill is approximately 22 degrees below zero.
How Quickly Can Frostbite Develop? Frostbite becomes more likely as wind chill values fall.
NWS guidance indicates exposed skin may develop frostbite in approximately 30 minutes at wind chills near 20 degrees below zero. At more extreme values, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
These conditions are uncommon across much of South Carolina, but severe Arctic outbreaks can create dangerous exposure risks.
Frostbite warning signs include numbness and pale or waxy looking skin. Hypothermia can cause shivering, confusion, slurred speech and unusual drowsiness.
What's the Difference Between an Extreme Cold Watch and Warning? An Extreme Cold Watch means dangerously cold conditions are possible. Residents should prepare and monitor forecasts.
An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerously cold conditions are expected or occurring. Avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and wear warm, protective clothing when outside.
Wind chill does not lower the temperature of cars, exposed water pipes or other objects below the actual air temperature. Wind can, however, cause them to cool toward that temperature faster.
How Can South Carolina Residents Stay Safe? Before extreme cold arrives:
Cover exposed skin: Wear insulated gloves, hats, scarves and wind resistant jackets. Dress in layers: Keep clothing warm and dry, replacing wet garments promptly. Limit exposure: Take indoor warming breaks and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during extreme cold warnings. Prepare supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water, flashlights and charged power banks available. Protect your household: Check on older neighbors, bring pets indoors and protect vulnerable plumbing. Never operate generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across South Carolina From Columbia and Richland County to Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg, Rock Hill, Florence and Myrtle Beach, cold outbreaks can affect communities statewide.
The Upstate, including Greenville, Pickens and Oconee counties, can experience some of South Carolina's coldest winter conditions, especially near the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Along the Grand Strand and Charleston area coastline, strong winds can increase heat loss from exposed skin, particularly for outdoor workers and residents near the water.
In the Columbia and Charlotte metropolitan regions, commuters and people waiting outdoors for transportation may also face dangerous exposure during severe cold outbreaks.
Travelers along Interstate 85, Interstate 26, Interstate 20 and Interstate 95 should keep winter emergency supplies available.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency supplies, check on vulnerable neighbors and monitor official NWS forecasts.
Remember: Wind chill doesn't change the air temperature. It changes how quickly your body loses heat — and how quickly exposed skin can become injured.