News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina is under a winter storm warning, leading to significant disruptions in school schedules throughout the region. Schools have transitioned to eLearning days or closed entirely to ensure student safety amidst dangerously icy conditions. With localized reports of up to 3 inches of snow and hazardous roadways, universities and public authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel wherever possible. This article outlines the specific changes in academic schedules and highlights the impact on public safety.
Columbia Faces a Wintry Mix: School Schedules Turn Upside Down!
Columbia, South Carolina, is feeling the chill this week as a winter storm blankets the area in snow and ice. What started as a pretty sight quickly took a turn, leaving many residents contending with slippery roadways and hazardous driving conditions. With temperatures expected to dip again on Thursday morning, locals are bracing for some treacherous black ice spots that could add to the struggle.
Schools Scramble to Adjust
As you can imagine, the icy conditions have affected schools across the state, prompting a wave of adjustments in their schedules. Several districts have made the tough decision to either close their doors or switch to eLearning days. Here’s what you need to know:
- Calhoun County Public Schools will be closed on January 23.
- Clarendon County School District has opted to proceed with e-learning, but all school activities are canceled for the day.
- Fairfield County School District is also closing its schools, with plans to make up the missed day on May 26, coinciding with Memorial Day.
- Kershaw County School District will implement an e-learning day as well, providing assignments either through Canvas or as paper packets for younger students.
- Lee County School District will follow suit, implementing an eLearning schedule and canceling all after-school programs and activities.
- Lexington One schools are sticking with eLearning due to hazardous travel, with after-school activities also canceled.
- Lexington Two has joined the eLearning contingent, canceling after-school activities as well.
- Lexington Four schools have decided to close on January 23, which will require an in-person make-up day on February 17.
- School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties will be closed, canceling after-school childcare and events.
- Meanwhile, the School District of Newberry County plans to operate on a two-hour delay.
- Orangeburg schools and district offices are shuttered on January 23.
- Richland One schools and administrative offices are closed without an eLearning option.
- Richland School District Two is going the eLearning route, canceling all activities.
- Saluda County Schools will operate on a two-and-a-half-hour delay.
- Sumter School District is closed, with plans to make up the day on February 17.
- Columbia College and Columbia International University will open at noon.
- Midlands Technical College is set to open its campuses at 12 p.m. with classes starting at 12:45 p.m.
- South Carolina State University will have in-person classes starting at 11 a.m. but will conduct morning classes online.
Road Conditions and Public Safety
The icy weather hasn’t just taken a toll on schools; it has also made roads quite dangerous to navigate. As of January 22, many areas in the Midlands received between half an inch to a staggering 3 inches of snow. Heavy ice has transformed some roads into impassable obstacles, contributing to numerous collisions, as reported by local authorities. The Columbia police have been busy, responding to at least 35 reports of vehicles stuck in the snow.
Residents are strongly urged to stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel. Authorities emphasize the importance of staying safe, recommending that if venturing out is necessary, extreme caution is advisable.
In Conclusion
With the ongoing winter weather, Columbia’s schools and residents are navigating a tricky situation. Parents and students alike should keep an eye on their local district’s communications for updates. Let’s hope for clear skies and safer roads in the upcoming days!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Midlands Schools Brace for Severe Winter Weather
Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc in South Carolina
Newberry County Prepares for Wintry Weather
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Snow and Ice Impact Midlands
- The State: Winter Weather Updates
- New York Times: Winter Storm Hits South
- Weather.com: Live Blog of Winter Storm
- Island Packet: Winter Weather in 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.
