SOUTH CAROLINA — A developing winter storm may bring freezing rain, sleet and snow to much of South Carolina this weekend, prompting growing concern among emergency planners, school districts and transportation officials for widespread travel disruptions and potential school closures into next week. Meteorologists say the storm’s exact track is not yet certain, but its impacts could be significant for communities across the state.
POTENTIAL WINTER WEATHER THIS WEEKEND
Multiple weather forecast models are consistently showing a high likelihood of winter weather across South Carolina from Saturday through Sunday, as cold Arctic air moves into the region and interacts with a system of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.
Forecasters have already issued “First Alert Weather Days” for Saturday and Sunday, emphasizing sustained cold temperatures and the potential for freezing rain, sleet and snow across much of the state.
- The Midlands and Pee Dee are expected to see primarily freezing rain and sleet, which can create extremely slick surfaces on roads and sidewalks.
- The Upstate and northern counties have a higher chance of snow and a wintry mix, though precipitation types will still vary depending on the storm’s timing and temperature profile.
At this stage, meteorologists stress that uncertainty remains high about how much precipitation will fall and exactly where the snow-ice lines will set up, as models continue to refine with incoming data.
WHY THIS STORM COULD IMPACT SCHOOLS
Even if the storm’s strongest effects arrive late Saturday into Sunday, lingering cold temperatures and hazardous road conditions could persist into next week. Freezing rain and sleet can lead to prolonged periods of ice on roadways, making travel unsafe for buses, staff and families.
School districts in South Carolina traditionally evaluate several factors when deciding on closures, including:
- Road conditions and forecasts for additional ice or snow on key travel routes.
- Temperatures remaining at or below freezing, which can preserve icy conditions on untreated surfaces.
- Safety of school bus operations and ability of maintenance crews to keep roads and parking lots clear.
Because weather systems like this one can produce persistent freezing rain and extended cold snaps, districts may choose to close schools or shift to remote learning early next week — even after the storm departs — to ensure student and staff safety. School officials typically monitor forecasts through the week and make closure decisions based on updated conditions.
PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY
Forecasters and emergency officials are urging residents to begin preparing now:
- Monitor local weather updates regularly throughout the week.
- Check emergency supplies including food, water, medications and heat sources.
- Prepare vehicles with adequate antifreeze, ice scrapers and full fuel tanks.
- Have plans in place for potential power outages if freezing precipitation accumulates on lines and trees.
Local school districts typically announce closures or delays late the evening before or early the morning of the decision, once forecasts are more certain and road conditions are evaluated.
OUTLOOK FOR EARLY NEXT WEEK
Winter weather impacts may not end with the weekend. Forecast models indicate bitterly cold air could linger into early next week, keeping temperatures below normal and potentially preserving hazardous conditions on untreated roads and sidewalks.
As more data becomes available later this week, meteorologists expect greater clarity on precipitation type, accumulation forecasts and exact timing of the storm’s impacts, which will be critical for communities and school districts planning ahead.
