South Carolina Winter Storm Winds Down as Snow Shifts East, Icy Travel Risks Persist Into Late Night
SOUTH CAROLINA — A significant winter storm that brought widespread snow and hazardous travel conditions across much of South Carolina is now gradually winding down, according to the latest late-evening update from the National Weather Service. While the heaviest snow bands have shifted east, pockets of moderate snow and widespread flurries continue, with impacts expected to linger through the night.
Snow Tapering Off, But Not Over Yet
Meteorologists report that snowfall intensity has decreased across much of the region as the storm’s core moves eastward. However, light to moderate snow remains ongoing in several areas, particularly across the Midlands and parts of the Upstate and Pee Dee regions.
Snow is expected to gradually taper through the evening, with most locations seeing precipitation end shortly after midnight. Even as snowfall diminishes, lingering bands on the backside of the storm system could still add light accumulations over the next few hours.
Moderate Snow Pockets Still Active
Radar imagery shows a main area of lingering moderate snow extending from parts of the western Midlands through central South Carolina. Cities including Columbia, Newberry, Chester, Union, and York have remained under steady snowfall this evening, though rates are slowly decreasing.
Forecasters caution that snowfall rates in isolated pockets may still reach up to 0.5 inches per hour, especially where bands briefly intensify before weakening overnight.
Travel Conditions Remain Hazardous
Despite the storm weakening, travel conditions remain dangerous across much of South Carolina. Snow-covered roads, combined with rapidly falling temperatures, are leading to widespread icy surfaces.
Officials strongly advise residents to avoid travel overnight unless it is an emergency. As snow ends, untreated roads and bridges are expected to refreeze quickly, increasing the risk of black ice and accidents.
Wind chills are also dropping sharply, adding another layer of danger for anyone stranded or traveling late.
What to Expect Overnight
- Light snow and flurries lingering into late evening
- Snow ending shortly after midnight for most areas
- Rapid refreezing of roads as temperatures fall
- Persistent travel issues through early morning hours
Emergency managers urge drivers to use extreme caution early Sunday, even if snowfall has stopped, as road conditions may remain treacherous well into the morning commute.
Bottom Line
While South Carolina’s winter storm is clearly losing strength, its impacts are far from over. Snow may be ending, but icy roads, dangerous wind chills, and lingering travel hazards will continue to affect much of the state overnight.
Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads, monitor local advisories, and allow road crews time to improve conditions as the storm finally exits the region.
Have you been dealing with snow or icy roads where you live? Did travel conditions improve overnight, or are issues still lingering in your area? Share your local updates and experiences in the comments, and stay connected with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for ongoing winter weather coverage and timely alerts.