Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc in South Carolina

News Summary

South Carolina faced a challenging winter storm over the weekend, resulting in icy roads and widespread power outages. Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency as several counties, particularly Newberry, experienced significant disruptions. The National Weather Service issued advisories urging caution for drivers due to hazardous conditions. The storm, accompanied by freezing temperatures, prompted residents to adjust plans and seek safety as winter conditions persisted into the weekend.

Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc in South Carolina

Columbia, SC – What a whirlwind weekend it has been for the residents of South Carolina! As winter rolled into town, it brought with it icy surprises that many weren’t quite ready for. With icy roads and power outages affecting several counties, folks have had to adjust their weekend plans due to this winter storm.

Power Struggles

As the clock struck 10:30 p.m. on Friday, January 10, Newberry County found itself in the eye of the storm, experiencing the highest number of power outages. But Newberry wasn’t alone; several other counties were also feeling the ice’s bite. While many of us can handle the occasional power flicker, when it turns into an outage, it can quickly turn into a scramble for flashlights and blankets.

Watch Out on the Roads!

The National Weather Service (NWS) stepped in, issuing winter weather advisories for a swath of counties including Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg, Lexington, Richland, and Sumter. And while temperatures are expected to creep above freezing by Saturday morning, those icy patches could still be hanging around on elevated surfaces. Drivers are encouraged to take it slow on the roads, especially with the warning bells ringing for hazardous travel conditions.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow

The icy drama started at 10 a.m. Friday and was set to carry through to 7 a.m. Saturday. The storm was expected to shower areas like Fairfield, Kershaw, Newberry, and Saluda counties, with some potential accumulations that might send shivers down your spine! With ice accumulating to between two and three tenths of an inch, and sleet possibly piling up to half an inch, this winter was not one to take lightly.

Freezing Temps Ahead

On Friday night, temperatures dipped into the chilly 30s, which may have limited road freezing. But for those venturing out, it’s critical to remember that icy patches can be sneaky and appear out of nowhere, especially when roads are near freezing. With weather-related vehicle crashes claiming more than 6,000 lives annually, prudence is vital.

State of Emergency Declared

In response to the chill that swept across the state, Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency, urging South Carolinians to limit their travel unless it was absolutely necessary. Kudos to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), who took steps to prepare roads and assigned personnel to watch over the most impacted areas before the storm hit.

Weather Watch Continues

For the upcoming weekend, while the storm system is set to clear by Saturday morning, below-normal temperatures are here to stay, with Saturday night lows dropping into the upper teens to lower twenties. That chill in the air reminds us that winter isn’t quite ready to pack its bags yet!

Safety First!

To stay safe during these bitterly cold and icy conditions, households can check out the South Carolina Severe Winter Weather Guide, which is available for download. It’s packed with advice on how to prepare yourself and your family for these unpredictable winter days.

So, to everyone in South Carolina—stay warm, bundle up, and be careful out there! The winter might bring challenges, but with a little bit of caution, we can weather the storm together!