Lexington and Richland County Prepare for Snowy Conditions

News Summary

A winter wonderland descended upon Lexington and Richland County as snow began to accumulate after sunset. While local businesses remained open, officials urged caution due to slippery roads and potential black ice. The National Weather Service predicts hazardous conditions with snowfall expected to peak at 1-4 inches across the region. Residents are advised to stay alert, prepare for changes in travel plans, and take necessary precautions while commuting and navigating snowy streets.

Lexington and Richland County Brace for Winter Wonderland

As the sun began to dip in the sky around 7 p.m., Lexington turned into a winter wonderland as snowflakes started accumulating on cars and the ground. What started as a gentle flurry quickly turned into a slippery situation for local businesses and residents alike. Those seeking a warm meal or a quick bite at fast food joints were happy to find most restaurants and gas stations open despite the snow.

Stroll Down Snowy Streets

Motorists navigating Sunset Boulevard created a misty dust as tires drove steadily over the snow-covered roads, fortunately, without any reported accidents. While traffic maintained a steady flow, the chatter of cars against the snow underscored the sense of urgency surrounding the winter weather.

On the other hand, Richland County is keeping a close eye on conditions as it announced that offices will reopen at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Drivers are urged to stay alert for slippery roads that could impact their morning commutes. The fear of hazardous black ice looms large, and it’s expected to be a bumpy ride for many throughout the day.

Travel Tumbles

If you’re planning to fly, be mindful that the Columbia airport has suspended services until 9 a.m. Wednesday, pending weather conditions. Meanwhile, local students will experience a change in routine. Both the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College have decided to open their doors at noon on Wednesday, canceling in-person classes for the morning hours, although online hybrid and asynchronous classes remain unaffected.

Snow Speak

The National Weather Service is making headlines with its reports of widespread snow across central South Carolina. They are predicting hazardous travel conditions with snow accumulations expected to peak at 1-2 inches in western Richland and Lexington counties and possibly up to 3-4 inches further east. Adventure-seekers and commuters alike should be prepared for winter weather that shows no signs of slowing down.

Bundle Up!

A cold weather advisory is in effect, warning of chilling wind chill values falling between 7-15 degrees. The frost isn’t just chilling the air; refreezing and black ice are anticipated to linger on local roads throughout the week. Some unfortunate spots like Charter House Road and Canterfield Road in Lexington County were temporarily declared impassable due to thick black ice, but those roads opened soon after.

Cities Respond

As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, the city of Columbia announced limited operations for city facilities. Residents are encouraged to access city services online or by phone to avoid the winter rush. Keeping the safety of unsheltered individuals in mind, Columbia’s overflow shelter opened its doors at 2 p.m. Tuesday to provide warmth and comfort amid the cold.

Public Transport Challenges

And if you rely on public transportation, heads up! The COMET public transportation system has paused services from 4 p.m. Tuesday until approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday due to weather warnings. For schools across the region, including in Lexington, Richland, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Clarendon counties, the snow prompted a swift transition to e-learning for Wednesday. Early dismissals were the name of the game on Tuesday as the storm approached.

Stay Cautious!

Just when you think the day couldn’t get more interesting, Governor Henry McMaster initially announced state government offices would be running as usual, only to reverse that decision as winter conditions progressed. Now, there’s a broader winter storm warning in effect for Lee, Sumter, Richland, and Lexington Counties, with the heaviest snowfall expected overnight from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday. Those heading out should prepare for colder temperatures that could drop as low as 20 degrees overnight.

So, if you’re out and about, keep those local forecasts in mind and stay safe on those roads. Gear up for a few snowy days ahead!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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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
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South Carolina Faces Winter Storm: State of Emergency Declared!
Columbia Braces for Winter Storm Impact
New Hotel Development Set to Transform Downtown Lexington, SC
Winter Weather Precautions in the Midlands
Severe Weather Hits South Carolina: A Swing Between Snow and Sunshine!

Additional Resources

• Kentucky.com: Weather News
• Wikipedia: Winter Storm
• The State: Local News
• Google Search: Winter Weather Alerts
• WLTX: Snow Forecast Updates
• Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact
• LEX18: Lexington Preparedness
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather