Snow is melting in the Midlands, and that’s why some schools won’t start on time Friday

Snow stopped falling in the Columbia area early Wednesday morning, but the lingering effects of the winter storm are forcing multiple Midlands school districts to continue to adjust their plans.

Several school districts in Richland and Lexington counties announced classes will start on a 2-hour delay Friday.

The snow and ice that accumulated from the storm has melted in the sunshine, only for patches to freeze overnight as temperatures drop. The refreeze created slick spots of ice and black ice, making driving conditions on Midlands roads hazardous.

Another refreeze is expected Thursday night, when a low of 22 degrees is forecast. Concerns about more dangerous driving on early Friday morning led districts to adjust plans again, after many canceled classes Wednesday and Thursday, or switched to e-learning days.

Early morning bus routes, especially those operating in the dark, remain a concern because of the conditions on some secondary roads. Ice on roadways can be difficult for drivers to see and avoid in low-light conditions.

“Operating on a 2-hour delay allows all routes to run in daylight,” Lexington 1 officials said. “This extra visibility provides a safer environment for our students, bus drivers, employees and families, particularly in areas where icy patches may still be present.”

Here’s a look at planned closures or schedule changes for Friday in the Columbia and Lexington areas:

▪ Lexington-Richland 5: Officials said that out of an abundance of caution all district schools and offices, including the virtual FIVE program, will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday. Students and staff should report to their schools or offices 2 hours after their normal start time, and the rest of the day will proceed as normal.

Students in 3K preschool programs will not meet because of the hour delay, while students with morning classes at the Center for Advanced Technical Students should report in accordance with the delay.

▪ Lexington 1: Parents of students were told by officials that district schools will operate on a 2-hour delay, while preschool half-day classes, both morning and afternoon sessions, are canceled. Afternoon dismissal times will follow the regular schedule, and after-school activities will resume their regular schedules.

▪ Lexington 2: District schools and offices will be open on Friday on a 2-hour delayed start, but afternoon dismissal will be at the normal time. Students in 3K half-day child development classes will not meet.

All district athletic events, after-school programs, extracurricular activities and adult education classes will resume Friday.

▪ Lexington 3: District schools will start 2 hours after the normal time, affecting drop-off times for car riders while students taking the bus should report to their bus stops 2 hours later than their usual times. The delay is also for staff at the district schools that are currently scheduled to dismiss at their usual times.

▪ Lexington 4: Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay to give buses, parents, staff, and students the opportunity to begin their drives during daylight hours. The remainder of the day will proceed on normal schedule.

▪ Richland 1: District schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Friday. Start times are: 9:30 a.m. (elementary schools); 10:45 a.m. (middle schools); and 10 a.m. (high schools). While breakfast will not be served to students Friday, lunch will available. After-school programs, activities and events will proceed as normal.

▪ Richland 2: District schools will open on a 2-hour delay on Friday, meaning both students who ride the bus should report to their bus stops two hours later than usual and car-riders should report to their schools two hours later as well. Employees should report to work 2 hours later than usual.

This story was originally published January 23, 2025 at 1:47 PM.

Noah Feit

The State

803-771-8435

Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription