News Summary
Columbia faces a winter storm warning as snow begins to fall, expected to accumulate up to 3 inches in some areas. Motorists are urged to exercise caution due to potential hazardous driving conditions including black ice. Local emergency services have activated assistance measures, and school districts are making adjustments, with many closing or transitioning to e-learning. Residents are advised to prepare for cold temperatures and take precautionary measures to stay safe during this winter weather event.
Winter Storm Hits Columbia, South Carolina – Prepare for Snow and Ice!
Columbia is bracing for a chilly and snowy evening as a winter storm warning has been issued for the area. This warning was upgraded from a winter weather advisory at about 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, signaling that things are about to get a little more serious. The warning will kick in at 4 p.m. Tuesday and last until 9 a.m. Wednesday, so it’s time to take this weather situation seriously!
Snow Is on the Way!
So, what can residents expect? Snow is forecasted to start falling between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday. The heaviest snow accumulation is expected from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday. Earlier forecasts indicated a modest accumulation, but now it seems Columbia could see up to 2 inches of snow. Some areas in the southern Midlands may receive a little extra love from the storm, with totals potentially reaching between 2-3 inches of snow, and localized spots might even see more!
Driving Hazards Ahead
As with any winter storm, the snow and ice could create hazardous driving conditions. Motorists are advised to slow down and be cautious while on the roads. It’s worth noting that temperatures are expected to drop to around 17 degrees overnight, which could lead to black ice forming as the precipitation refreezes. Drivers should remember to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles, just in case of emergencies.
Take Precautions!
With temperatures expected to reach a high of 36 degrees on Wednesday and chilly wind chills making it feel as cold as 9 degrees, residents are encouraged to take precautions. It’s wise to cover exposed pipes, let indoor faucets drip to prevent freezing, and bring in any pets or sensitive plants. A cold weather advisory is currently in effect for all of the Midlands, urging residents to stay warm and safe.
Emergency Measures Activated
In anticipation of the storm, local emergency services have activated state assistance measures, including vehicle recovery teams across nine counties. Additionally, over 115 South Carolina National Guard soldiers have been mobilized to assist with response efforts, showcasing the seriousness of the upcoming weather conditions.
School Districts and Community Services React
School districts in the Midlands are making changes, with many closing or switching to e-learning due to the hazardous conditions. As the list of closures continues to grow, some districts are even planning makeup days to ensure students don’t fall behind.
The City of Columbia has proactively opened an Overflow Shelter to provide a safe haven for those unsheltered ahead of the coming winter weather. The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority has also announced that services will be canceled for Wednesday, so plan accordingly if you rely on public transportation.
Finally, various county administrative offices and recreational facilities are announcing delays or closures, including Lexington County libraries and other facilities, which will open with a two-hour delay. It seems like everyone is hunkering down to prepare for what’s looking like a real winter wonderland!
Staying Informed
As this second snowstorm of 2025 unfolds, it’s important to stay updated on the weather conditions and follow any local advisories and warnings. The last measurable snowfall in the Columbia area was back in January 2022, so get ready to bundle up and enjoy the beautiful snow — safely, of course!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winter Weather Leads to School Delays in Midlands
Rare Winter Weather Hits Columbia
Lexington County Schools Adjust Schedule for Winter Weather
Columbia Universities Adjust Schedules Amid Winter Storm
Schools Across Midlands, SC Close Ahead of Projected Snowstorm
Midlands Universities Prepare for Snow-Related Scheduling Changes
Winter Weather Causes Snow Accumulation Across Central South Carolina
Midlands Universities Shift to E-Learning Due to Snow
Columbia Unites for Community Cookout Supporting the Homeless
Columbia Shelters Overwhelmed as Extreme Winter Weather Hits
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- WLTX
- Google Search: winter storm South Carolina 2025
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- Weather.com
- Google News: winter storm Columbia South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
