SOUTH CAROLINA — Following a winter storm that brought ice, bitter cold, and hazardous travel conditions to large portions of South Carolina, many K-12 school districts and some higher-education institutions have announced closures, e-learning days, and schedule changes for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. Decisions vary widely by district based on localized road conditions and safety concerns.
E-Learning and Remote Instruction Days
Several districts across the Upstate and Midlands have planned e-learning days for Tuesday rather than in-person instruction:
- Numerous Spartanburg County school districts (Districts One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and Seven) will operate on e-learning schedules Tuesday, with schools and offices closed and all after-school activities canceled.
- Union County Schools — E-learning day with extracurricular events canceled.
- School District of Oconee County — E-learning day due to hazardous travel conditions.
- School District of Pickens County — Extended e-learning through Tuesday.
- Laurens County School Districts 55 and 56 — Continue with e-learning for Tuesday.
Delayed and Modified Schedules
Some districts are using delayed starts or mixed operations due to lingering cold and ice:
- Fairfield County School District — Two-hour delay on Tuesday, with students reporting later than normal.
- Lee County School District — Two-hour delay due to potential black ice and sub-freezing conditions.
Regular Schedules in Some Areas
Several South Carolina districts are expected to operate on normal schedules Tuesday after monitoring weekend weather impacts:
- Lexington County School Districts One, Two, and Four will resume regular operations.
- Richland County School District One and Sumter School District are scheduled for regular in-person classes.
- Saluda County and Clarendon County School Districts will also be on normal schedules Tuesday.
Higher Education Adjustments
Some colleges and universities have also altered plans for Tuesday:
- Tri-County Technical College — Closed Tuesday with no in-person or virtual classes.
- Clemson University — Planning e-learning and campus closures; status updates will be shared by the institution.
- Greenville Technical College — Classes and campus operations will take place virtually on Tuesday.
- Other campuses — Several universities and community colleges across the state are monitoring conditions and issuing targeted e-learning or closure notices as needed.
Context and Safety Considerations
The latest statewide winter storm, part of a larger January 2026 North American winter weather system, produced significant ice and freezing conditions that hampered travel and created ongoing safety challenges for schools and institutions. Officials have based decisions on road conditions, ice accumulation, and projected cold temperatures for Tuesday morning and beyond.
