‘Freezing rain’ a danger in ice storm warning as winter storm nears Columbia
A winter storm warning remains in effect for Columbia as freezing rain is expected to pile more than a quarter-inch of ice across the area, according to the National Weather Service.
A winter storm is anticipated to roll into the Midlands beginning Saturday night into Sunday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Chris Rohrbach. The storm is forecast to bring a tenth to two tenths of an inch of freezing rain, which, amid freezing temperatures, will cause ice to accumulate on roads and trees.
“The biggest concern, of course, is going to be freezing rain, leading to hazardous travel tonight into Sunday morning, possibly Sunday afternoon, and also power outages from ice on trees which fall onto power lines, causing power outages,” Rohrbach said.
Travel is expected to be most dangerous beginning Sunday morning, especially north of I-20, which has the highest potential for a significant ice storm, according to Rohrbach.
Minimum temperatures for Columbia are forecast at 26 degrees and 16 degrees Sunday and Monday, respectively, according the weather service.
Gusty winds could also be seen Sunday afternoon, although the greatest threat will be on Monday at 25-35 mph, as the storm leaves the area, Rohrbach said.
South Carolina Gov Henry McMaster, who requested a Federal Emergency Disaster Declaration on Thursday, will hold a media briefing Saturday afternoon with state emergency management officials, advising on the latest expected potential impacts from the storm.
