Winter Weather Hits Lexington County: What You Need to Know

News Summary

On January 10, 2025, Lexington County experienced a winter storm bringing snow and ice, resulting in school closures and hazardous road conditions. As temperatures drop overnight, concerns about freezing rain and power outages increase. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary. The community is encouraged to be prepared as forecasts predict further challenging conditions through the weekend.

Winter Weather Hits Lexington County: What You Need to Know

Lexington County, South Carolina, was greeted with a winter wonderland as snow and ice began to fall early on Friday morning, January 10, 2025. A chilly layer of snow coated roads and outdoor surfaces, leading to unexpected school closures before classes even began for the day.

Early Start to Trouble

As the clock struck 10:00 a.m., the sound of sirens echoed through the county as multiple vehicle collisions were reported to the local 911 Communications Center and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The slick conditions made it a tricky situation for emergency vehicles attempting to get to those in need, as they had to navigate with extra caution on the ice-laden roads.

Weather’s Toll by Noon

By noon, the snow and sleet had momentarily retreated, giving way to light rain that quickly melted much of the accumulated precipitation. However, this was only a temporary reprieve. Weather forecasts warned that temperatures were expected to plummet into the mid-20s overnight, creating fears of refreezing and icy conditions resurfacing.

Stay Indoors!

Residents are strongly urged to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. If travel is unavoidable, it is advised to take it slow and allow for extra time on the roads. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 4 a.m. Saturday, with concerns about freezing rain and sleet that could lead to ice accumulation ranging from 0.10 to 0.25 inches.

Power Outages and Emergency Preparations

Road Preparations and Campus Closures

In anticipation of the winter storm, the SC Department of Transportation proactively prepared local roads and highways. Despite these efforts, conditions were predicted to worsen throughout Friday as a mix of wintery elements continued to settle in. In regions north of Interstate 20, the National Weather Service warned of potential quarter-inch ice accumulation, requiring all into safety mode.

A variety of local entities did their part to combat the weather. The COMET bus system announced a suspension of its transit operations by 4 p.m., emphasizing safety for both passengers and staff. Meanwhile, public facilities, including libraries and government offices, closed early due to severe weather conditions. The University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus also wrapped up its day at noon, prioritizing student safety.

Travelers Take Note

Of note for travelers, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport remained operational, but advised everyone to check flight statuses before heading out. A winter weather advisory continues to alert residents of hazardous travel and the slick road conditions expected to persist through Saturday morning.

Community Impact

Locally, Town Hall in Lexington closed at noon, and all parks have shut down until further notice to ensure safety. In addition, the pickup of household garbage was streamlined, with only minimal service conducted on Friday due to weather concerns.

Snowfall Accumulation

Residents braved the chilly weather and reported snow accumulations ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch in areas north of both Lexington and Richland counties, creating a picturesque yet challenging landscape. As the storm moves on and temperatures dip, the community remains on alert, hoping for a quick return to normalcy.