Wind chills could make it feel like 9 degrees as freezing cold hits the Midlands

Freezing rain stopped falling in the Midlands over the weekend, and now residents of the Columbia area of South Carolina have to endure freezing cold temperatures.

A cold weather advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service as temperatures are forecast to drop well below freezing in the Midlands. The cold weather advisory will go into effect at 10 p.m. Monday. It is scheduled to run to 10 a.m.

The forecast shows that a low temperature of 15 degrees is possible overnight in Columbia. As bitterly frigid as that is, conditions could seem colder as wind chills could make it feel like 9 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Richland County, Lexington County and all the Midlands are included in the advisory.

It won’t be much warmer Tuesday morning. It will be a bitterly cold start to the day, with conditions remaining “chilly despite abundant sunshine,” the National Weather Service said.

The brutally cold temperatures could even cause more headaches for drivers, who have endured a weekend of treacherous conditions on South Carolina roads.

All the freezing rain and sleet that accumulated in recent days is expected to completely melt Monday. But an overnight chill could cause any wet spots to refreeze, creating the potential for slick and hazardous roads.

Clear and sunny conditions during the days will see Columbia area temperatures rise into the 40s, the forecast shows. But when the sun sets, thermometers also will drop as temperatures will be well below freezing every night this week.

Lows are expected to be in the 20s until next weekend, according to the forecast. Beginning Friday, overnight temperatures could again fall into the teens. The cold spell won’t break — into the 50s — until next week, the forecast shows.

Beware the 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.

Emergency shelters have opened across South Carolina.

“Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves,” the National Weather Service said.

People are the only things that require protective covering.

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, the National Weather Service said.

Any pets also should be brought indoors, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.

Additionally, a hard freeze poses a threat to vegetation.

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