Columbia braces for bone-chilling temperatures this week. Here’s what to expect
The first round of Winter Storm Fern left a thin layer of ice on much of the Midlands overnight Saturday — but it could have been worse, according to the National Weather Service.
That said, more rain is in the forecast Sunday afternoon into the evening in the Columbia area of South Carolina . If temperatures get cold enough that could lead to another round of freezing rain and slick streets, NWS Meteorologist Chris Rohrbach told The State. Conditions could be especially dangerous on bridges and overpasses.
An ice storm warning is already in effect for most of the Midlands, including Richland and Lexington counties. The warning is scheduled to run through 1 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service said.
Precipitation is expected to begin about 3 p.m. Sunday and then continue into the night, before moving out of the area at about 8 p.m., Rohrbach said.
Anywhere from a quarter- to half-an-inch of freezing rain could fall late Sunday, which could result in another quarter inch accumulation of ice in the Columbia area, the NWS said.
The counties along and north of the Interstate 20 corridor are most likely to feel the greatest impact of any freezing rain, according to Rohrbach.
“Lancaster, Fairfield, Saluda and Newberry counties may see things get worse,” Rohrbach said.
Columbia could be spared more ice — if temperatures are able to stay just above the freezing point, according to Rohrbach.
As of 12:45 p.m., it was 35 degrees in Columbia, and the forecast showed the temperature rising when the rain starts. If conditions are close to 40 degrees overnight, Rohrbach said that should alleviate concerns about a refreeze.
The Midlands didn’t get as much ice as originally forecast Saturday night because of a dry, cold air mass that moved into the Columbia area, according to Rohrbach. The northern portion of the Midlands got more than an inch of combined freezing rain and sleet, but overall the amounts were less than originally expected overnight, Rohrbach said.
Driving conditions are expected to still be potentially hazardous Monday morning, as slick spots could still be on roads in the Columbia area.
A high of 44 degrees is possible Monday in Columbia, the forecast shows. But overnight Monday temperatures could drop to 16 degrees.
While there’s no precipitation in the forecast at the beginning of the week, it will be well below freezing every night this week. That could lead the National Weather Service to issue a cold weather advisory for the Midlands, Rohrbach said.
Dangerously cold
That type of extreme cold is very dangerous.
— One danger is hypothermia, which can develop indoors when homes are inadequately heated, especially for older adults and babies, the South Carolina EMS Association said. Early signs may include uncontrollable shivering, confusion, extreme fatigue, or slurred speech. Without prompt care, hypothermia can progress rapidly and affect the heart, lungs, and brain.
— Cold temperatures also place added strain on the heart, which can increase the risk of a cardiac emergency, including heart attack, according to the South Carolina EMS Association. Breathing cold, dry air can also worsen lung conditions such as asthma and COPD.
— Frostbite is also a threat from prolonged exposure to the cold, according to the National Weather Service. Anyone without adequate shelter or clothing is at highest risk of injuries that are potentially fatal.
— The freezing conditions also present a threat to unprotected outdoor plumbing, according to meteorologists. To prevent water pipes that are not properly insulated from freezing then bursting, wrap or drain them, or allow them to drip slowly
Any pets also should be brought indoors, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
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