Alert archive / South Carolina / Winter Storm Warnings in 2026
Winter Storm Warning 1, NWS Columbia, SC
NWS Columbia, SC issued this winter storm warning at Jan 30, 2026, 1:22 AM EST for 18 counties in South Carolina; 5 counties in Georgia. It took effect at Jan 30, 2026, 10:00 PM EST. It was in force for 35 hr. 60 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Jan 30, 2026, 1:22 AM EST (06:22 UTC)
- In effect from
- Jan 30, 2026, 10:00 PM EST
- Expired
- Feb 1, 2026, 8:43 AM EST
- In force
- 35 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Columbia, SC
All 23 counties
Burke County, GA, Columbia County, GA, Lincoln County, GA, McDuffie County, GA, Richmond County, GA, Aiken County, SC, Bamberg County, SC, Barnwell County, SC, Calhoun County, SC, Chesterfield County, SC, Clarendon County, SC, Edgefield County, SC, Fairfield County, SC, Kershaw County, SC, Lancaster County, SC, Lee County, SC, Lexington County, SC, McCormick County, SC, Newberry County, SC, Orangeburg County, SC, Richland County, SC, Saluda County, SC, Sumter County, SC
The radar
The Columbia radar (KCAE), 22 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 06:22 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 31, 11:45 AM EST | SNOW 1.5 | 5 Sse Indian Land, SC | Report showing measurement of 1.5 inches of snow near the intersection of Highway 521 and Jim Wilson Rd south of Indian Land. |
| Jan 31, 12:26 PM EST | SNOW 1.5 | 2 S Irwin, SC | Emergency manager reports a measurement of 1.5 inches of snow in southwestern Lancaster County. |
| Jan 31, 12:53 PM EST | SNOW 2 | Indian Land, SC | Public report showing a measurement of 2 inches of snow in Indian Land, SC. |
| Jan 31, 1:52 PM EST | SNOW 1.5 | 4 Ssw Elgin, SC | Broadcast media member relayed report of 1.5 inches of snow south of Elgin. |
| Jan 31, 1:55 PM EST | SNOW 1.3 | Kershaw, SC | Trained spotter measured 1.25 inches of snow in Kershaw. |
| Jan 31, 2:05 PM EST | SNOW 1 | 7 Ssw Winnsboro Mills, SC | Public report of 1 inch of snow near Winnsboro with snowfall continuing. |
| Jan 31, 2:05 PM EST | SNOW 1.5 | 1 N Newberry, SC | Amateur Radio operator reports a measurement of 1.5 inches of snow in Newberry. |
| Jan 31, 2:48 PM EST | SNOW 1 | 1 Nw Columbia, SC | Public report estimating 1 inch of snow has fallen near Finlay Park in Columbia. |
| Jan 31, 3:01 PM EST | SNOW 1.3 | 1 Ssw Chapin, SC | Report from a trained spotter showing a measurement of 1.25 inches of snow in Chapin. |
| Jan 31, 3:13 PM EST | SNOW 1.7 | 4 Nw Evans, GA | Public report of 1.70 inches of snow in Evans, near Parkway Elementary School. |
| Jan 31, 3:17 PM EST | SNOW 3 | Chesterfield, SC | Public report estimating 3 inches of snow in Chesterfield. |
| Jan 31, 3:28 PM EST | SNOW 2 | 2 N White Rock, SC | Measurement of 2 inches of snow from NWS employee east of Chapin. |
| Jan 31, 3:31 PM EST | SNOW 2.3 | Batesburg, SC | Report of 2.25 inches of snow measured in Batesburg near Highway 23. |
| Jan 31, 3:37 PM EST | SNOW 2.8 | 2 S Irwin, SC | Corrects previous snow report from 2 S Irwin. Emergency manager now reports a measurement of 2.75 inches of snow in southwestern Lancaster County. |
| Jan 31, 3:37 PM EST | SNOW 3.8 | Indian Land, SC | Emergency manger reports 3.75 inches of snow in Indian Land with steady snow continuing. |
| Jan 31, 3:45 PM EST | SNOW 2 | 5 Nnw Aiken, SC | Broadcast media member showed 2 inch snow measurement near Aiken. |
| Jan 31, 3:47 PM EST | SNOW 3 | 1 E Buford, SC | Emergency manager reports Buford community has seen 3 inches of snow. |
| Jan 31, 3:49 PM EST | SNOW 1.3 | 2 S Camden, SC | Amateur radio operator report of 1.25 inches south of Camden. |
| Jan 31, 3:49 PM EST | SNOW 1.3 | Bishopville, SC | Amateur Radio report of 1.25 inches of snow in Bishopville. |
| Jan 31, 3:49 PM EST | SNOW 1.4 | 8 E Camden, SC | Amateur Radio report of 1.4 inches near Antioch in Kershaw County. |
| Jan 31, 3:50 PM EST | SNOW 1.8 | 1 Nne Aiken, SC | Emergency manager measured 1.75 inches of snow near downtown Aiken. |
| Jan 31, 3:50 PM EST | SNOW 4 | Pomaria, SC | Emergency manager relayed report from employee of 4 inches of snow in Pomeria. |
| Jan 31, 4:11 PM EST | SNOW 3 | 5 Sse Indian Land, SC | Updates previous snow report from 5 SSE Indian Land. Report showing measurement of 3 inches of snow near the intersection of Highway 521 and Jim Wilson Rd south of Indian Land. |
| Jan 31, 4:17 PM EST | SNOW 1.8 | 3 Wnw Red Bank, SC | 1.75 inches of snow reported by broadcast media member in Lexington off of Barr Rd. |
| Jan 31, 4:18 PM EST | SNOW 2 | Gilbert, SC | SCDES meteorologist reported a measurement of 2 inches of snow in Gilbert. |
| Jan 31, 4:21 PM EST | SNOW 1.5 | 4 Ssw Thomson, GA | Spotter measured 1.5 inches of snow in Thomson GA. |
| Jan 31, 4:21 PM EST | SNOW 2.1 | 4 Ene Blythewood, SC | Spotter measurement of 2.125 inches near Blythewood. |
| Jan 31, 4:30 PM EST | SNOW 2.5 | 6 W Blythewood, SC | COOP observer measured 2.5 inches of snow in Cedar Creek. |
| Jan 31, 4:31 PM EST | SNOW 2 | Lincolnton, GA | Spotter measurement of 2 inches of snow in Lincolnton GA. |
| Jan 31, 4:48 PM EST | SNOW 2.3 | 4 Wnw Evans, GA | HAM radio relayed report of 2.25 measured on snow board. |
| Jan 31, 4:48 PM EST | SNOW 3.1 | 2 S Irwin, SC | Measurement of 3.125 inches of snow in southwest Lancaster County. |
| Jan 31, 4:49 PM EST | SNOW 2 | 5 Ssw Blythewood, SC | HAM radio reported two inch measurement off Mount Valley Road in Blythewood. |
| Jan 31, 4:51 PM EST | SNOW 2.3 | Irmo, SC | HAM radio relayed report of 2.25 inches along Chatford Road and Whitby Road in Irmo. |
| Jan 31, 4:59 PM EST | SNOW 2 | Lugoff, SC | Amateur Radio operator reported 2 inches of snow in Lugoff. |
| Jan 31, 4:59 PM EST | SNOW 2.1 | 3 Wsw Red Bank, SC | Measured 2.1 inches along Longs Pond Road. |
| Jan 31, 5:03 PM EST | SNOW 2 | 5 Ssw Dreher Island Sp, SC | Spotter measurement showing 2 inches of snow near Lake Murray. |
| Jan 31, 5:15 PM EST | SNOW 2.4 | 4 Ne Sesquicentennial S, SC | Spotter measured 2.4 inches of snow near Pontiac. |
| Jan 31, 5:25 PM EST | SNOW 3.3 | 3 Sw Lake Murray Dam, SC | Public reported on Facebook 3.25 inches of snow in Lexington near Yachting Rd. |
| Jan 31, 5:39 PM EST | SNOW 3 | Elgin, SC | Broadcast media member relayed report of an estimated amount of 3 inches of snow in Elgin. |
| Jan 31, 5:39 PM EST | SNOW 3 | Irmo, SC | Broadcast media member relayed report of around 3 inches of snow near Irmo. |
| Jan 31, 5:39 PM EST | SNOW 3.9 | Chapin, SC | Broadcast media member relayed report of just under 4 inches of snow in Chapin. |
| Jan 31, 5:43 PM EST | SNOW 2.8 | 4 W Evans, GA | Spotter measured 2.75 inches of snow near Bartram Trail Golf Course in Evans. |
| Jan 31, 5:56 PM EST | SNOW 2.9 | Lugoff, SC | Amateur Radio operator reported just under 3 inches of snow in Lugoff. |
| Jan 31, 5:56 PM EST | SNOW 3.5 | Winnsboro, SC | Broadcast media member gave report of 3.5 inches of snow in Winnsboro. |
| Jan 31, 6:00 PM EST | SNOW 3.5 | Dearing, GA | Public reported on Facebook with picture of 3.5 inches of snow in Dearing, GA. |
| Jan 31, 6:07 PM EST | SNOW 2.1 | Camden, SC | Reporter from local news station measured just over 2 inches of snow in Camden. |
| Jan 31, 6:55 PM EST | SNOW 4.3 | 2 S Irwin, SC | Updates previous snow report from 2 S Irwin. Measurement of 4.25 inches of snow in southwest Lancaster County. |
| Jan 31, 6:56 PM EST | SNOW 3.5 | Jefferson, SC | Co-Op observer measured 3.5 inches of snow in Jefferson. |
| Jan 31, 7:05 PM EST | SNOW 2 | 3 Nne Gaston, SC | Measurement of 2 inches of snow north of Gaston. |
| Jan 31, 7:31 PM EST | SNOW 1 | 2 Nw Orangeburg, SC | Spotter measured 1 inch of snow northwest of Orangeburg. |
| Jan 31, 7:50 PM EST | SNOW 4.5 | Lincolnton, GA | Updates previous snow report from Lincolnton. Spotter measurement of 4.5 inches of snow in Lincolnton GA. |
| Jan 31, 8:16 PM EST | SNOW 2 | 2 Ssw Mulberry, SC | Emergency manager measured 2 inches of snow near the Sumter County Courthouse. |
| Jan 31, 8:58 PM EST | SNOW 6.4 | Jefferson, SC | Updates previous snow report from Jefferson. Co-Op observer measured 6.4 inches of snow in Jefferson. |
| Jan 31, 9:15 PM EST | SNOW 3 | 3 Wsw Lexington, SC | NWS Employee backyard measurement. |
| Jan 31, 9:16 PM EST | SNOW 4.5 | Winnsboro, SC | Updates previous snow report from Winnsboro. Broadcast media member gave report of 4.5 inches of snow in Winnsboro. |
| Jan 31, 9:23 PM EST | SNOW 5.5 | Grovetown, GA | Social media post showing measurement of 5.5 inches of snow in Grovetown GA. |
| Jan 31, 9:45 PM EST | SNOW 7.3 | Jefferson, SC | Updates previous snow report from Jefferson. Co-Op observer measured 7.3 inches of snow in Jefferson. |
| Jan 31, 10:00 PM EST | SNOW 3.4 | Batesburg, SC | Updates previous snow report from Batesburg. Report of between 3.25 and 3.5 inches of snow measured in Batesburg near Highway 23. |
| Jan 31, 10:05 PM EST | SNOW 3.3 | 3 Wsw Red Bank, SC | Updated previous snow report from 3 WSW Red Bank. Measured 3.25 inches along Longs Pond Road. |
| Jan 31, 10:09 PM EST | SNOW 2.6 | 3 Nne Gaston, SC | Updates previous snow report from 3 NNE Gaston. Measurement of 2.6 inches of snow north of Gaston. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Charleston AFB, SC (KCHS), launched 00:00Z, 6.4 hours before the alert went out and 160 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1537 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 73 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 18 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 28 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
960 WWUS42 KCAE 300622 WSWCAE URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Columbia SC 122 AM EST Fri Jan 30 2026 GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ018-025-030-035-041-135>137-310630- /O.UPG.KCAE.WS.A.0002.260131T0000Z-260201T1800Z/ /O.NEW.KCAE.WS.W.0001.260131T0300Z-260201T1500Z/ Lincoln-McDuffie-Columbia-Richmond-Burke-McCormick-Edgefield- Aiken-Barnwell-Bamberg-Northwestern Orangeburg-Central Orangeburg- Southeastern Orangeburg- Including the cities of Elloree, Lincolnton, Martinez, McCormick, Williston, Holly Hill, Bamberg, Aiken, Clarks Hill, Branchville, Bowman, Springfield, Edgefield, Santee, Murphys Estates, Johnston, Evans, Thomson, Brookdale, North Augusta, Eutawville, Blackville, Denmark, Neeses, North, Waynesboro, Augusta, Barnwell, and Orangeburg 122 AM EST Fri Jan 30 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia and central South Carolina. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ SCZ016-020>022-026>029-031-037-038-115-116-310630- /O.UPG.KCAE.WS.A.0002.260131T0000Z-260201T1800Z/ /O.NEW.KCAE.WS.W.0001.260131T0300Z-260201T1500Z/ Chesterfield-Newberry-Fairfield-Kershaw-Saluda-Lexington-Richland- Lee-Sumter-Calhoun-Clarendon-Northern Lancaster-Southern Lancaster- Including the cities of Cayce, Carolina Commons Shopping Center, Saluda, Lexington, West Columbia, Lancaster Mill, Lugoff, Cheraw, Winnsboro, Oak Grove, Andrew Jackson State Park, Manning, Van Wyck, Summerton, Springdale, Indian Land, Pageland, Elgin, Community of Almond Glen, St. Matthews, Sumter, Lancaster, Bishopville, Seven Oaks, Columbia, Winnsboro Mills, Ridge Spring, Camden, Newberry, Batesburg-Leesville, and Red Bank 122 AM EST Fri Jan 30 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...A portion of central South Carolina. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ CJR
6 follow-up statements
242 WWUS42 KCAE 301717 WSWCAE URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Columbia SC 1217 PM EST Fri Jan 30 2026 GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ018-025-030-035-041-135>137-311215- /O.CON.KCAE.WS.W.0001.260131T0300Z-260201T1500Z/ Lincoln-McDuffie-Columbia-Richmond-Burke-McCormick-Edgefield- Aiken-Barnwell-Bamberg-Northwestern Orangeburg-Central Orangeburg- Southeastern Orangeburg- Including the cities of Bowman, Denmark, Brookdale, Holly Hill, Evans, Thomson, Barnwell, Springfield, Williston, Augusta, Bamberg, Martinez, Neeses, Edgefield, Johnston, North Augusta, Eutawville, McCormick, Clarks Hill, Blackville, Elloree, Aiken, Lincolnton, Santee, Waynesboro, Murphys Estates, North, Orangeburg, and Branchville 1217 PM EST Fri Jan 30 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia and south central South Carolina. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ SCZ016-020>022-026>029-031-037-038-115-116-311215- /O.CON.KCAE.WS.W.0001.260131T0300Z-260201T1500Z/ Chesterfield-Newberry-Fairfield-Kershaw-Saluda-Lexington-Richland- Lee-Sumter-Calhoun-Clarendon-Northern Lancaster-Southern Lancaster- Including the cities of Columbia, Cayce, Bishopville, Winnsboro, West Columbia, Van Wyck, Andrew Jackson State Park, Carolina Commons Shopping Center, Cheraw, Ridge Spring, Camden, Summerton, Batesburg-Leesville, Indian Land, Newberry, Saluda, Lancaster Mill, Pageland, Sumter, Red Bank, Winnsboro Mills, Elgin, Lexington, St. Matthews, Springdale, Manning, Lugoff, Community of Almond Glen, Seven Oaks, Oak Grove, and Lancaster 1217 PM EST Fri Jan 30 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 9 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...A portion of north central South Carolina. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ CRL
704 WWUS42 KCAE 310629 WSWCAE URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Columbia SC 129 AM EST Sat Jan 31 2026 GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ018-025-030-035-041-135>137-010630- /O.CON.KCAE.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260201T1500Z/ Lincoln-McDuffie-Columbia-Richmond-Burke-McCormick-Edgefield- Aiken-Barnwell-Bamberg-Northwestern Orangeburg-Central Orangeburg- Southeastern Orangeburg- Including the cities of Edgefield, Lincolnton, Santee, Orangeburg, Evans, Williston, Bowman, Johnston, Thomson, Brookdale, Murphys Estates, Holly Hill, Denmark, Bamberg, Eutawville, Blackville, North Augusta, Springfield, Augusta, Branchville, Clarks Hill, Barnwell, Neeses, McCormick, North, Aiken, Waynesboro, Martinez, and Elloree 129 AM EST Sat Jan 31 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches expected. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia and central South Carolina. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ SCZ016-020>022-026>029-031-037-038-115-116-010630- /O.CON.KCAE.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260201T1500Z/ Chesterfield-Newberry-Fairfield-Kershaw-Saluda-Lexington-Richland- Lee-Sumter-Calhoun-Clarendon-Northern Lancaster-Southern Lancaster- Including the cities of Cheraw, Summerton, Lancaster Mill, Indian Land, Community of Almond Glen, Winnsboro Mills, Springdale, Batesburg-Leesville, St. Matthews, Red Bank, Oak Grove, Lugoff, Pageland, Sumter, Seven Oaks, Camden, Winnsboro, Cayce, Elgin, Columbia, Newberry, Manning, West Columbia, Bishopville, Lexington, Ridge Spring, Andrew Jackson State Park, Lancaster, Van Wyck, Saluda, and Carolina Commons Shopping Center 129 AM EST Sat Jan 31 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 9 inches expected. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...A portion of central South Carolina. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ CJR
330 WWUS42 KCAE 311816 WSWCAE URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Columbia SC 116 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026 GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ018-025-030-035-041-135>137-011500- /O.CON.KCAE.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260201T1500Z/ Lincoln-McDuffie-Columbia-Richmond-Burke-McCormick-Edgefield- Aiken-Barnwell-Bamberg-Northwestern Orangeburg-Central Orangeburg- Southeastern Orangeburg- Including the cities of Holly Hill, Eutawville, Edgefield, Augusta, Denmark, Brookdale, Branchville, North, North Augusta, Neeses, Elloree, Williston, Santee, Bamberg, Murphys Estates, Clarks Hill, Waynesboro, Johnston, Lincolnton, Barnwell, Orangeburg, McCormick, Thomson, Martinez, Blackville, Aiken, Springfield, Evans, and Bowman 116 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia and central South Carolina. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions and low visibilities. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ SCZ016-020>022-026>029-031-037-038-115-116-011500- /O.CON.KCAE.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260201T1500Z/ Chesterfield-Newberry-Fairfield-Kershaw-Saluda-Lexington-Richland- Lee-Sumter-Calhoun-Clarendon-Northern Lancaster-Southern Lancaster- Including the cities of West Columbia, Winnsboro Mills, Ridge Spring, Lexington, Winnsboro, Lancaster Mill, Sumter, Pageland, Carolina Commons Shopping Center, Camden, Manning, Community of Almond Glen, Seven Oaks, Springdale, Indian Land, Van Wyck, Cayce, Newberry, Saluda, Bishopville, Batesburg-Leesville, Lancaster, St. Matthews, Cheraw, Columbia, Red Bank, Summerton, Andrew Jackson State Park, Lugoff, Oak Grove, and Elgin 116 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...A portion of central South Carolina. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult with loss of traction on roadways and low visibilities. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ CRL
979 WWUS42 KCAE 010004 WSWCAE URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Columbia SC 704 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026 GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ018-025-030-035-041-135>137-011200- /O.CON.KCAE.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260201T1500Z/ Lincoln-McDuffie-Columbia-Richmond-Burke-McCormick-Edgefield- Aiken-Barnwell-Bamberg-Northwestern Orangeburg-Central Orangeburg- Southeastern Orangeburg- Including the cities of Thomson, Johnston, Santee, Springfield, Brookdale, Edgefield, McCormick, Barnwell, Branchville, North Augusta, Martinez, Orangeburg, Aiken, Neeses, Lincolnton, Bamberg, Evans, Waynesboro, Bowman, Augusta, Williston, North, Clarks Hill, Denmark, Elloree, Blackville, Holly Hill, Eutawville, and Murphys Estates 704 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations up to 3 inches. * WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia and central South Carolina. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ SCZ016-020>022-026>029-031-037-038-115-116-011200- /O.CON.KCAE.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260201T1500Z/ Chesterfield-Newberry-Fairfield-Kershaw-Saluda-Lexington-Richland- Lee-Sumter-Calhoun-Clarendon-Northern Lancaster-Southern Lancaster- Including the cities of Winnsboro, St. Matthews, Oak Grove, Ridge Spring, Lugoff, Lancaster Mill, Springdale, Summerton, Newberry, Manning, Bishopville, Cheraw, Seven Oaks, Indian Land, Lexington, Carolina Commons Shopping Center, West Columbia, Saluda, Batesburg-Leesville, Community of Almond Glen, Pageland, Red Bank, Van Wyck, Camden, Columbia, Cayce, Sumter, Andrew Jackson State Park, Lancaster, Winnsboro Mills, and Elgin 704 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. * WHERE...A portion of central South Carolina. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ SL
713 WWUS42 KCAE 011029 WSWCAE URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Columbia SC 529 AM EST Sun Feb 1 2026 GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ016-018-020>022-025>031-035-037-038-041-115- 116-135>137-011500- /O.CON.KCAE.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260201T1500Z/ Lincoln-McDuffie-Columbia-Richmond-Burke-Chesterfield-McCormick- Newberry-Fairfield-Kershaw-Edgefield-Saluda-Lexington-Richland- Lee-Aiken-Sumter-Barnwell-Calhoun-Clarendon-Bamberg-Northern Lancaster-Southern Lancaster-Northwestern Orangeburg-Central Orangeburg-Southeastern Orangeburg- Including the cities of West Columbia, Augusta, Van Wyck, North Augusta, Orangeburg, Blackville, Lancaster Mill, Bishopville, Evans, Cheraw, Seven Oaks, Brookdale, Indian Land, Clarks Hill, Carolina Commons Shopping Center, Manning, North, Saluda, Neeses, Andrew Jackson State Park, Lancaster, Batesburg-Leesville, Elloree, Ridge Spring, Aiken, Pageland, Columbia, Cayce, Branchville, Sumter, Oak Grove, Barnwell, Santee, Lugoff, Bowman, Red Bank, Winnsboro, Edgefield, Summerton, Johnston, Community of Almond Glen, Waynesboro, Bamberg, Eutawville, Lexington, McCormick, Springfield, Martinez, St. Matthews, Lincolnton, Winnsboro Mills, Holly Hill, Denmark, Springdale, Thomson, Williston, Murphys Estates, Elgin, Camden, and Newberry 529 AM EST Sun Feb 1 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Snowfall ending over the region. Area roadways remain icy and hazardous travel is expected through the morning. * WHERE...Portions of east central Georgia and central South Carolina. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST this morning. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ CJR
261 WWUS42 KCAE 011343 WSWCAE URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Columbia SC 843 AM EST Sun Feb 1 2026 GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ016-018-020>022-025>031-035-037-038-041-115- 116-135>137-011445- /O.CAN.KCAE.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260201T1500Z/ Lincoln-McDuffie-Columbia-Richmond-Burke-Chesterfield-McCormick- Newberry-Fairfield-Kershaw-Edgefield-Saluda-Lexington-Richland- Lee-Aiken-Sumter-Barnwell-Calhoun-Clarendon-Bamberg-Northern Lancaster-Southern Lancaster-Northwestern Orangeburg-Central Orangeburg-Southeastern Orangeburg- Including the cities of Community of Almond Glen, Lancaster, Augusta, Carolina Commons Shopping Center, Winnsboro Mills, Red Bank, Pageland, North Augusta, Edgefield, Manning, Bamberg, Branchville, Orangeburg, Waynesboro, Blackville, Springfield, Santee, Saluda, Indian Land, Sumter, Denmark, Bishopville, Andrew Jackson State Park, Holly Hill, Batesburg-Leesville, Murphys Estates, Lincolnton, Cheraw, Lancaster Mill, North, Elgin, McCormick, Williston, Bowman, Neeses, Seven Oaks, Cayce, Columbia, Aiken, Elloree, Eutawville, Brookdale, Oak Grove, Thomson, Lexington, Clarks Hill, Winnsboro, Newberry, Martinez, Springdale, Ridge Spring, Camden, Summerton, Van Wyck, Barnwell, Lugoff, Evans, St. Matthews, West Columbia, and Johnston 843 AM EST Sun Feb 1 2026 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED... $$ CAL
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this winter storm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Columbia, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before this winter storm warning went out at Jan 30, 12:33 AM EST, 49 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- 1) A Winter Storm Watch is in effect as a major snow storm is possible to impact the area this weekend.
- 2) Well-below normal temperatures likely continue into early next week. An Extreme Cold Watch now in effect Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Area forecast discussion, Jan 30, 12:33 AM EST, 49 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Columbia SC
1233 AM EST Fri Jan 30 2026
.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Aviation discussion updated for 06z TAF issuance.
&&
.KEY MESSAGES...
- 1) A Winter Storm Watch is in effect as a major snow storm is possible
to impact the area this weekend.
- 2) Well-below normal temperatures likely continue into early next
week. An Extreme Cold Watch now in effect Saturday night into
Sunday morning.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE #1: A Winter Storm Watch is in effect as a major snow storm is
possible to impact the area this weekend.
Model guidance overall has tended to converge on a solution for he
500mb trough that has been mentioned as the main feature to watch
for the potential for significant snow across the area. Models
continue to favor a deepening trough to the west which favors
increasing snow totals across the forecast area as the trough moves
from positively tilted to neutral and finally negatively tilted.
This will allow moisture to pull in from the Atlantic as a low
deepens off the coast of the Carolinas. This is a favorable
climatological setup for our most notable historical snowfall events
with cold air in place and upper troughing over the eastern US,
reinforced by the much colder air mass to the west moving into the
area. As a result, unlike last week, this expected to be a mostly
snow event (although at the onset some brief mixing is possible
which will quickly turn to all snow). Strong frontogenesis expected
just north of this upper low and the accompanying 850mb low pressure
system will lead to some stronger banding of snow leading to higher
rates and thus more accumulation. While it is likely that much of
the area will receive accumulating snow reaching Winter Storm
Warning criteria (2 inches), have opted to maintain the watch,
mainly because impacts will likely not start until Saturday morning,
giving us more than 24 hours.
Highest confidence in major impacts from accumulating snow remain in
the northern portion of the area with 5-8 inches in the forecast and
higher amounts not out of the question at least in part of the area
with the aforementioned banding. Another thing to note is that
typically our climatology snow-to-liquid ratio is around 8:1 but
with the cold air moving in, blended guidance is favoring SLR closer
to 15:1 to maybe even 20:1 which means that the snow will be a lot
fluffier than we typically see. This means that less rainfall will
attribute to more snow accumulation. With the strengthening low off
the coast, wind gusts above 30 mph will be possible which would
lead to blowing snow and reduced visibilities as well as very
cold wind chills (mentioned more in key message 2). While there
remains a bit more uncertainty in the snowfall amounts in the
southern portion of the forecast area, still think it is likely
that the entire forecast area sees at least 2 inches of snow.
Timing: Snow is expected to begin late Friday night into
Saturday, although a mix is possible at the onset when
precipitation will be light. A transition to all snow is
expected Saturday morning with snow continuing through Saturday
and into Saturday night for much of the area.
KEY MESSAGE #2: Well-below normal temperatures likely continue into
early next week. An Extreme Cold Watch now in effect Saturday night
into Sunday morning.
Ahead of the incoming winter system, troughing is expected to
continue over the area with below normal temperatures as overnight
lows tonight and tomorrow night likely fall into the 20s. The main
concern with this extended period of cold weather is the reinforcing
shot of cold air that moves in behind this weekends winter storm.
With the increasing likelihood that snow will be on the ground
Saturday night into Sunday morning and gusty winds between 25-35
mph, a frigid night is expected. Blended guidance currently sits
near the NBM 75th percentile for overnight lows (in the mid to upper
teens) but even the 50th percentile brings lows down into the low
10's to mid teens, which seems more likely. With the breezy winds in
place as well, wind chills between 0F to 5F will be possible across
the area, with spots dipping as low as -3F. Due to this, an Extreme
Cold Watch is now in effect Saturday evening, continuing into Sunday
morning. Another night with temperatures into the low 10s, to mid
teens is possible Sunday night and into Monday where cold weather
products will likely be needed again.
Overall, prolonged cold weather persists into this weekend, but cold
weather products are not likely tonight or Friday night. A Extreme
Cold Weather watch is in effect for the whole FA Saturday evening
and into Sunday morning where another product could be needed Sunday
night and into Monday morning. Problems with poorly insulated pipes
can be expected and be sure to minimize time outside for people and
pets in these very cold conditions.
&&
.AVIATION /06Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
VFR conditions anticipated through most of the TAF period, with
MVFR conditions potentially moving in at the end.
High clouds are expected to stream over the area in the next few
hours, with ceilings gradually lowering through the TAF period
due to an incoming system,. Ceilings are expected to be on the
lower end of the VFR category at the end of the TAF period,
possibly reaching MVFR at the western terminals. Precipitation
is expected to hold off until after this TAF issuance. Winds
remain light and variable to calm through about 15z, then become
east to southeasterly around 5 kts. Winds then shift to
northeasterly and increase to 6-8 kts after about 00z.
EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...Impactful aviation weather becomes more
likely early Saturday morning into Saturday night as a low
pressure system moves into the region with wintry precipitation
likely.
&&
.CAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SC...Winter Storm Watch from this evening through Sunday afternoon
for SCZ016-018-020>022-025>031-035-037-038-041-115-116-
135>137.
Extreme Cold Watch from Saturday evening through Sunday
morning for SCZ016-018-020>022-025>031-035-037-038-041-
115-116-135>137.
GA...Winter Storm Watch from this evening through Sunday afternoon
for GAZ040-063>065-077.
Extreme Cold Watch from Saturday evening through Sunday
morning for GAZ040-063>065-077.
&&
DISCUSSION...96
AVIATION...29The office that day
Everything else NWS Columbia, SC issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 30, 11:44 AM EST | Extreme Cold Warning | CAE | Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon and 12 more | 46 hr |
Nearby
Winter Storm Warnings in South Carolina, 2026Winter Storm Warnings in Georgia, 2026Every winter storm warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.