News Summary
As winter weather approaches, both USC and Midlands Tech remain operational, adjusting schedules in response to snowfall predictions. Initially considering closure, the universities decided to prioritize student and staff needs, allowing classes to continue while ensuring safety measures are in place due to expected inclement weather. Students are advised to stay informed and exercise caution as snowfall amounts could impact local travel conditions.
Columbia Stays Open Amid Winter Weather Warnings
As winter weather approaches the Midlands, both the University of South Carolina (USC) and Midlands Technical College (Midlands Tech) will remain open, much to the relief of students and staff alike. While they were both initially ready to close up shop due to ominous forecasts, a change of plans means that classes will continue, although with some adjustments for the day ahead.
Winter Weather Alerts Prompt Initial Closure Plans
Just a couple of days ago, USC and Midlands Tech had announced that they would be closing on Tuesday afternoon due to expected inclement weather. The initial plans were made in anticipation of snowfall, which can cause quite a stir in South Carolina. After all, even a little snow in these parts can lead to a flurry of excitement and, sometimes, panic!
South Carolina’s Governor, Henry McMaster, added to the chatter when he posted on X, confirming that state government offices in Richland and Lexington counties would remain open as usual, allowing state employees to head to work without a hitch. This seems to have set a precedent, as both educational institutions decided to stick to their guns and keep their doors open.
USC and Midlands Tech Take Stock of the Situation
USC quickly pointed to the governor’s directive regarding Richland County government operations as a pivotal factor in their decision to stay operational. Typically, USC aligns its closure decisions with those taken by the county government—after all, it goes without saying that nobody wants to be left out in the cold!
Richland County was planning to wrap up its normal operations by noon on the same day due to forecasts of snowfall expected to begin between 3 and 7 p.m. on January 21. However, USC’s announcement indicated that classes after 2:30 p.m. would be canceled, but campus offices would keep running.
Midlands Tech, on the other hand, held firm to its original plan and announced that all campus operations would close simultaneously, as initially decided.
Snowfall Predictions and Their Impacts
The National Weather Service is predicting a decent amount of snowfall for the Columbia area – potentially up to an inch – while southern parts of the Midlands could be looking at two to three inches of the white stuff. The heaviest snowfall is expected during the evening hours, especially between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.
While this situation raises eyebrows, students and staff will have the chance to enjoy the usual winter activities—hot chocolate anyone? But with safety being a top priority, the timings for classes could shift to ensure everyone can navigate the roads safely during this inclement weather.
Staying Safe and Informed
As the weather develops, students, faculty, and local residents are advised to stay updated through reliable channels and to be cautious while traveling. Snow and ice can lead to slippery roads, so it’s best to take your time and drive carefully if you must venture out.
This winter weather alert serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and flexibility in the face of changing weather patterns. It’s great to see USC and Midlands Tech making decisions that prioritize the needs of their communities while navigating this snowy challenge together. Winter in South Carolina may not be the norm, but the spirit of cooperation and preparedness certainly shines through in moments like these.
Stay warm and safe, everyone! Be sure to check your local forecasts to stay ahead of the snowy surprises winter has in store. Whether you’re wrapping up inside with a warm drink or bundling up to face the chilly air, we hope you enjoy the beauty that a little snowfall can bring to our lovely city.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WLTX: South Carolina School Districts Early Dismissals
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- ABC Columbia: School Reschedules for Tuesday
- Google Search: Winter Weather South Carolina
- MRT: Weather Closings & Delays
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impacts
- The State: Weather Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- The State: Local News on Weather
- Google News: South Carolina Weather
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.
