Columbia, South Carolina Prepares for Snow This Week

News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina is bracing for significant snowfall this week as the National Weather Service forecasts a winter storm starting Tuesday afternoon. Residents can expect snow accumulation ranging from half an inch to 2 inches, with a high chance of precipitation. Temperatures are expected to drop into the teens, and wind chill may make it feel even colder. Local driving conditions could be hazardous, and safety precautions are advised. Snow is anticipated to linger into Wednesday, with additional snowfall possible later in the week.

Columbia, South Carolina Braces for Significant Snowfall This Week

Prepare to bundle up, Columbia! The National Weather Service has some chilly news for us this week as they forecast increasing chances of snowfall in our area. As the temperatures start to dip, residents can expect to see snowflakes dancing down from the sky, beginning in the Midlands around Tuesday afternoon, between 3 and 8 p.m.

What to Expect

Now, before you get too excited about a winter wonderland, it’s important to remember that accumulation estimates are a bit shaky. We could see anywhere from a half an inch to 2 inches of snow in Columbia, with some lucky neighborhoods in the southern and eastern Midlands potentially getting an extra sprinkling of fluff! The forecast suggests there’s a solid 65-85% chance of precipitation, and given how chilly it’s going to be, it’s almost a sure bet it’ll be falling as snow.

As we look ahead, temperatures are expected to drop into the teens. Yes, you read that right! And while the snowfall could create a beautiful scene, don’t forget about the wind chill. It might feel like you’re walking around in single digits, so it’s best to layer up if you have to venture outside. The snowstorm is predicted to hang around into Wednesday morning, giving us a winter experience to remember.

Local Snow Accumulations

Keep in mind that there might be a sharp cutoff where the snow will fall. Areas west of Columbia, like Chapin and Newberry, may not see the same amounts that we do in the city. Interestingly, places that experienced heavier snowfall during the January 10 winter storm might be in for another treat this time around, potentially leading to more significant snowfall.

Luckily, there’s no need to worry about sleet or freezing rain with this storm. That means we’re less likely to have downed trees and power outages, which is always a plus during a winter storm!

Driving Conditions and Safety Tips

If you’re planning on hitting the road, remember that driving conditions could be treacherous due to snow accumulation and freezing temperatures. It’s advisable to stay home if possible, especially as the snow begins to cover the roads. Once Wednesday rolls around, we can expect a high temperature of just 34 degrees, which could lead to some melting during the day. However, overnight lows are expected to plunge back down to 15 degrees, increasing the risk of refreezing. A slippery situation indeed!

Residents are also encouraged to take some precautions: protect your pipes and outdoor spigots, and don’t forget to check on any livestock you may have. With the severe cold coming our way, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Upcoming Weather

Looking further ahead, a slight thaw is anticipated this Friday, with daytime temperatures potentially reaching the 40s! However, it may not be over just yet. Another storm system is brewing, which could bring us additional snowfall Thursday night, marking what could be the third snowstorm of 2025 in a region where we typically don’t see much snow.

To put this in perspective, the last measurable snowfall in Columbia was back in January 2022. Prior snowy days were noted in 2017 and all the way back in 2014. It seems like Mother Nature is giving us the gift of winter this week, so let’s grab those hot cocoa mugs and get ready for some snow-filled fun!

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Additional Resources

• Columbia Missourian
• The State
• Columbia Tribune
• KOMU
• Columbia Daily Herald
• Wikipedia: Weather
• Google Search: Columbia snowfall
• Google Scholar: snowfall forecast
• Encyclopedia Britannica: snowfall
• Google News: Columbia weather