What to expect ahead of the winter storm

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – Our First Alert Weather team is predicting that a wintry mix – a mix of rain and snow – is likely headed for central South Carolina Friday afternoon.

Starting with cloudy skies in the morning, the mix of rain, freezing rain and sleet is expected to hit the Midlands around 8am.

Weather forecasts

The weather on Friday means the rain and snow will be cold enough to stick around, according to WIS meteorologist Von Gaskin.

“It’s definitely cold enough to get some snow to stick,” she said.

However, this will be mostly a freezing rain event for central South Carolina.

Gaskin said it only takes one or two degrees of temperature change in your area for the ice or snow to stick.

North of the Columbia, the weather on Friday is expected to be a “snow event,” Gaskin said. South of Columbia, Bishopville and Darlington residents will likely see more rain freeze at contact.

“It will cause some problems. There will be some tree limbs stronger than others. Weaker trees will fall faster,” she said.

Friday around 19:00 to 21:00 the weather will be mostly wet, especially in areas south of the Columbia.

“That line of freezing and thawing is lifting to the south,” she said.

Even if it doesn’t accumulate, all Midlands residents should expect to see some form of freezing precipitation.

Dive deeper into the weather forecast

Changes in the school schedule

Midland school districts have announced schedule changes due to the weather.

Home guidance

With freezing temperatures and cold weather, it is important to winterize your home to keep yourself and your property safe.

The National Weather Service notes that you should run water with a drip in all pipes during extreme cold as well as open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.

Residents are also advised to keep the thermostat at the same temperature throughout the day and night and to turn off space heaters if they leave a room or go to bed. Be sure to keep anything flammable (such as paper, clothing or furniture) at least three meters away from these heaters to avoid fire hazards.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) said you should also prepare alternative heat sources. If you have a fireplace, you are advised to gather a good supply of dry and seasoned wood. They also encourage homeowners to keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone in the home knows how to use them.

They also noted some important things not to do:

• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
• Never use a generator in your home.
• Don’t forget your pets. Bring them inside!

Dominion Energy has released some tips for homeowners facing freezing temperatures:

• Adjust your landscape sprinklers so they don’t turn on below freezing.
• Those who have installed tankless water heaters outside should insulate water lines coming in and out of the heater, as the heater will not function without adequate water flow.
• Be aware of potential black ice on roads, driveways and walkways.

On the road

With freezing precipitation coming to the Midlands on Friday, our First Alert Weather team predict there could be some slick spots on the road.

When roads become slippery due to cold weather, it is recommended to avoid traveling if at all possible. Doctors note that the majority of emergency calls they receive in bad weather are for traffic accidents. You should especially avoid traveling if the National Weather Service issues a warning.

If you must drive, be sure to drive slowly and carefully and be sure to avoid sharp steering maneuvers that could cause you to lose control of the vehicle if you hit ice. Put some distance between you and vehicles in front of you and make sure to leave plenty of room to brake to a stop.

SCEMD noted that if you are involved in a minor non-injury collision, move your vehicle off the road and call your local law enforcement agency or dial *47 for assistance.

Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and roadways that are not used frequently, as these types of roadways tend to freeze first.

If you want to warm up your vehicle by running it before you leave, make sure you never drive it in an enclosed area like a garage to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Governor McMaster signed an executive order on pre-winter weather transportation exemptions to ease restrictions on vehicles set to assist with weather emergencies.

Stay safe outside

If you are traveling in cold weather, it is important to remember some important tips:

• Wear layers of light, warm clothing such as coats, mittens, scarves and waterproof boots.
• If you come across icy patches on the pavement or road, sprinkle them with cat litter or sand.
• Be aware of the signs of hypothermia: chills, slurred speech, drowsiness and lack of coordination. Call 911 in an emergency.
• The basic treatments for hypothermia involve going to a warm room, warming the center of the body first (chest, neck, head, groin). Stay dry and wrapped in warm blankets.
• Be aware of signs of frostbite: numbness, white or greyish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.
• The basic treatments for frostbite involve going to a warm room, soaking in warm water, using body heat to warm. Be sure not to massage or use a heating pad.

Shelters across the Midlands

Various locations around the Midlands are offering shelter to homeless people who want to stay warm ahead of the winter weather.

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