News Summary
Lexington County faces challenges as winter weather continues to affect roads and community operations. Charter House Road and Canterfield Road have reopened, but motorists are advised to drive with caution due to black ice. Local and state offices are adjusting their schedules, while schools are implementing e-learning to ensure continued education. The cold weather advisory remains in effect as residents brace for snow accumulations and low wind chill values.
Winter Weather Wreaks Havoc in Lexington County
Road Closures and Reopenings
Residents of Lexington County can breathe a sigh of relief as Charter House Road and Canterfield Road have officially reopened after being temporarily closed due to hazardous black ice. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that Public Works crews are hard at work addressing the icy conditions, ensuring the roads are safe for drivers once again. However, authorities are still advising motorists to steer clear of these roads until conditions improve further. Updates are promised as the situation unfolds, so stay tuned if you’re planning to travel in the area.
Weather Impacts Throughout the Community
As snow began to accumulate around 7 p.m., visibility dropped, causing quite a stir for many residents. Despite the weather challenges, local restaurants, fast food outlets, and gas stations remain open, and it seems that drivers are undeterred, continuing to navigate the wintry conditions. Luckily, no accidents have been reported — traffic is moving relatively normally, especially on Sunset Boulevard, which is a relief for commuters.
Public Offices and Class Cancellations
On a broader scale, Richland County has announced that its county offices will be reopening at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, but only with caution due to potentially poor road conditions. Morning commuters are being cautioned about the risk of slippery roads, especially given the concerning black ice that could persist throughout the day.
In terms of travel, Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport’s terminal and fixed base operator services are closed but plan to reopen at 9 a.m. Wednesday, contingent upon weather developments.
The University of South Carolina (USC) and Midlands Technical College will be opening their doors around noon on Wednesday, but in-person classes held before that time are sadly canceled. However, hybrid and asynchronous online classes will continue as scheduled, so students don’t have to worry about missing out on their coursework.
E-Learning for Students Across the Midlands
Weather has taken its toll on schools across the Midlands. All school districts within Lexington, Richland, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Clarendon counties will be implementing e-learning on Wednesday, ensuring that students can keep learning from the comfort of their homes.
Forecasts are predicting snow accumulation to reach between 1-2 inches in the western parts of Richland and Lexington County, with areas further east toward Orangeburg potentially seeing up to 3-4 inches. Folks should prepare for a chilly morning with wind chill values projected to hover between 7-15 degrees, so bundle up if you have to head outside!
Advisories and Limited Operations
A cold weather advisory remains in effect through Wednesday morning, with warnings of potential refreezing and black ice crop up again on Thursday night. In response to the weather, Columbia city facilities will operate on a limited schedule through Wednesday; however, it’s reassuring to know that emergency services will continue functioning as per normal.
Public transportation isn’t exempt from the weather impact either, as Columbia’s public transportation system, COMET, will halt service from 4 p.m. Tuesday until around 10 a.m. Wednesday, so plan accordingly if you rely on public transit.
School districts throughout the Midlands are also taking heed, calling off after-school activities and pivoting to e-learning to ensure that students can adjust to the changing conditions without disrupting their education.
State Government Operations Amid the Chaos
Meanwhile, discussions have been swirling regarding state government operations. While Governor McMaster initially announced that offices should remain operational, there has been much debate about whether that was the best course of action given the ongoing winter weather warnings.
E-learning plans are being drafted quickly, with teachers posting assignments online and students completing work remotely as conditions allow. Many school districts are extending deadlines to accommodate everyone during this peculiar time.
South Carolina State University plans to conduct all classes scheduled for Wednesday online, closing offices while facing the winter weather head-on.
As snow predictions continue to evolve, districts across the Midlands are finalizing their plans. So hang in there, Lexington County, and stay warm out there!
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- The State
- Google Search: Winter Weather Impact
- Kentucky.com
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Road Closures
- ABC Columbia – E-Learning Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
- Fox 56 News
- Google News: Winter Weather Lexington
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington 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 the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
