How much snow fell in the Midlands? And what’s the weather forecast, road conditions?
The first snow in years for Columbia wasn’t just a couple flurries that melted away.
The National Weather Service reported 2 inches of snow at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in Cayce early Saturday morning. Most of the snow fell before midnight, it said.
The overnight snow was the first time any measurable amount has fallen on Columbia since 2017, the weather service said. Columbia hasn’t had more than inch of snow since 2014.
The National Weather Service of Columbia asked Midlands residents to send photos of snowfall accumulation to its social media accounts.
Across the Midlands, people reported between less than an inch and nearly 3 inches of snow.
Precipitation moved out of the Columbia and Lexington areas Saturday morning but cold weather could keep road slicks, forecasters said. The afternoon will bring sunnier skies and warmer temperatures.
Black ice and snow-covered road, especially in rural areas, should still be a concern for drivers, safety and highway officials have warned. Drivers should stay off the roads if possible and plan for slower trips if travel is necessary.
A few collision were reported on Midlands roads Saturday morning. A couple of wrecks happened on Interstates 20 and 77. A crash on Old Percival Road in northeast Columbia left at least one injured, the South Carolina Highway Patrol reported.
Temperatures were expected to be in the low 20s on Saturday night and into Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
With precipitation moved out of the Midlands, the threat of slippery roads will be lesser by Sunday and into next week, safety officials said. But periodic freezing temperatures mean that roads could still be slick in places. Cautious driving is still being urged.
During the day Sunday, temperatures are expected to reach the 50s then dip into the upper 20s at night, the weather service said on Saturday afternoon. After Monday warms up, temperatures aren’t expected to get below freezing again during the week. Lows in the mid to upper 30s and highs in the 50s can be expected from Monday until Wednesday.
This story was originally published January 22, 2022 at 10:01 AM.