News Summary
The Midlands is preparing for a snowstorm expected to start Tuesday afternoon, potentially impacting schools and daily routines. Early dismissals have been scheduled in several districts as safety is prioritized. Students will transition to e-learning on Wednesday due to expected hazardous conditions from the snow, which could leave up to one inch along the I-20 corridor. Local colleges and city services are also implementing changes ahead of the storm.
Winter Weather Alert in the Midlands
The Midlands region is bracing for an unusual winter surprise as a snowstorm is set to hit beginning Tuesday afternoon. With flurries predicted to fall between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., this weather event might leave us waking up to a pretty winter wonderland on Wednesday morning. Although many areas in the southeast will feel the brunt of the storm, the Midlands is expected to receive up to one inch of snow along the I-20 corridor. Being in South Carolina, this may not seem like a lot, but any snow can really throw a wrench in our daily routines, especially for schools.
School Districts Switch Up Schedules
In light of the incoming weather, several school districts across the Midlands have decided to make some adjustments to their schedules. Safety remains a top priority for everyone, and early dismissals are now the name of the game!
Richland Districts
In Richland 1, the early dismissal schedule has been set, with elementary schools letting students out at 11 a.m.. Middle schoolers will head home at 12:30 p.m., while high school students will be released a bit earlier, at 11:45 a.m.. Breakfast and lunch will be served before they go, and all after-school programs and activities, including athletic events, are canceled. Wednesday? That’ll be an e-learning day for students and a work-from-home day for employees.
Richland 2 is following suit with a similar early dismissal schedule: elementary at 11 a.m., middle at 11:45 a.m., and high schools at 12:30 p.m.. Wednesday will also be an e-learning day here.
Lexington Districts
Lexington 1 is having a half-day. Kids in elementary schools will head home at 11:20 a.m., while middle schools will dismiss at 12:05 p.m. High school dismissals will stagger from 12:25 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.. Just like the other districts, all after-school activities are off the table, and Wednesday will be an e-learning day for everyone.
In Lexington 2, an early release at 11:30 a.m. for elementary schools and 12:30 p.m. for middle and high schools will take place. E-learning on Wednesday is also on the agenda.
Lexington 3 schools will dismiss early on Tuesday and then transition to virtual learning for grades K4 to 12 on Wednesday. And guess what? All after-school activities are on hold for both days.
Lexington 4 will follow the same pattern—early dismissals on Tuesday and virtual learning on Wednesday. Breakfast and lunch will still be provided, but after-school programs are a no-go.
Neighboring Districts
Lexington-Richland 5 is making similar adjustments, with early releases on Tuesday and a move to e-learning on Wednesday. Sumter School District will close on Wednesday but will conduct e-learning on that day.
The Kershaw County Schools plan for early dismissals on Tuesday, alongside a 2-hour delay on Wednesday. Orangeburg County Schools will have all activities postponed and move to an e-learning day on Wednesday. The same goes for Clarendon County and Saluda County Schools, which are also adopting early dismissals and e-learning plans.
Colleges Step Up
Even the colleges aren’t taking any chances. The University of South Carolina will cancel classes at their Columbia campus after 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and a few events have been rescheduled. Meanwhile, Midlands Technical College will close its campuses by 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
And don’t forget about the Richland Library! They’ll close all locations at noon on Tuesday, making it the perfect day to cozy up with a good book.
City Services
West Columbia will see City Hall and all parks close at noon on Tuesday. As for the COMET bus service, they plan to stop service at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, then tentatively resume at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, depending on road conditions.
With all these preparations in place, don’t forget to grab your mittens and a hot drink as we get ready for this winter weather excitement in the Midlands!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winter Weather Wreaks Havoc in Lexington County
Lexington and Richland County Prepare for Snowy Conditions
Winter Storm Warning Issued for South Carolina
Midlands Schools Adjust Schedules for Winter Weather
Midlands Schools Prepare for Snowstorm: Early Dismissals Announced
Winter Weather Alert: Snow Set to Blanket Columbia, South Carolina
Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Members in Lexington
Sweet Izzy’s Ice Cream Shop Opens in Chapin
Chapin, SC Welcomes Sweet Izzy’s Ice Cream Shop
West Columbia Parks Reopen After Winter Storm
Additional Resources
- WLTX News
- ABC Columbia
- ABC Columbia – School Changes
- WISTV News
- The State – Weather News
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- Google Search: Winter Weather Midlands SC
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact on Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- Google News: Winter Weather School Closures Midlands
