Winter Storm Warning Hits Midlands, South Carolina

News Summary

Residents in Midlands, South Carolina are bracing for a significant winter storm that will bring freezing rain, sleet, and possible snow from Friday morning through Saturday. This storm mainly affects counties like Kershaw, Fairfield, Newberry, Saluda, and Edgefield, urging local schools to announce early dismissals and limit outside activities. Hazardous driving conditions and potential power outages are major concerns, prompting residents to stay indoors and stay safe during this frigid weather.

Winter Storm Warning Hits Midlands, South Carolina

As we cozy up and prepare for the weekend, residents in the Midlands, South Carolina are gearing up for a winter storm warning that’s set to hit from 10 a.m. this Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday. The National Weather Service has advised caution as freezing rain, sleet, and even snow could make for a frosty surprise!

Counties Under the Weather Watch

The storm is particularly affecting several counties including Kershaw, Fairfield, Newberry, Saluda, and Edgefield, which are fully under the winter storm warning. Meanwhile, nearby regions like Richland, Lexington, Aiken, Calhoun, Orangeburg, and Sumter are on winter storm advisories, bracing for unpredictable weather.

What to Expect

So what can you expect? Well, forecasts are calling for a mix of wintry conditions that might start rolling in Friday afternoon, ramping up after 5 p.m. Treetops could be adorned with a quarter inch of ice, while light accumulations of sleet and snow may dust the ground. However, before we all rush outside to make snowmen, remember that the biggest concern right now is the potential for hazardous driving conditions, power outages, and damaged trees in the warning areas.

How Schools Are Responding

early dismissals to keep students safe and sound:

Lexington Two: Early dismissal for elementary schools at 11:30 a.m. and middle/high schools at 12:30 p.m.
Clarendon County: Early dismissal with all after-school activities canceled.
Fairfield County: Virtual eLearning day with no live sessions and assignments due Wednesday.
Kershaw County: Dismissal times vary by school, with all after-school programs canceled.
Lee County: Early dismissal for elementary schools at 11:30 a.m., middle/high schools at noon; activities canceled.
Lexington One: Half-day schedule with varied early dismissal times; after-school childcare is canceled.
Newberry County: Virtual eLearning Day; all activities are canceled.
Orangeburg County: Early dismissal with staggered times for elementary and high schools; after-school activities canceled.
Richland One: Early dismissal with breakfast/lunch served; after-school programs canceled.
Richland Two: Early dismissal for all schools with after-school activities canceled.

It’s no surprise that many extracurricular activities, athletic events, and other after-school programs have also been affected by this storm. Parents are encouraged to check with schools for the latest updates.

Bracing for the Cold

As if the impending storm wasn’t enough, Friday is forecasted to be one of the coldest days of the year with a high of only 36 degrees and a low dipping down to about 31. It seems that these below-normal temperatures are sticking around, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s expected through the weekend.

For everyone’s safety, residents are being advised to handle business online where possible and limit travel. With hazardous conditions looming, staying off the roads might be the best bet. So grab a warm cup of cocoa, snuggle up with a good book, and stay safe out there!