Columbia Unlikely to Break 1973 Snow Record This Weekend

Despite forecasts of up to 9 inches, the city's snowfall record stands at 16 inches from a 1973 storm.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:55am

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As the Midlands region of South Carolina braces for Winter Storm Gianna to bring up to 9 inches of snow this weekend, meteorologists say it is highly unlikely to break the area's all-time snowfall record of 16 inches, set during a massive storm in February 1973.

Why it matters

The 1973 "Great Southeastern Snowstorm" was a historic weather event that caused widespread damage and disruption across the region, underscoring how rare and impactful heavy snowfall can be in an area more known for its mild winters.

The details

In February 1973, a powerful winter storm dumped 15.7 inches of snow on Columbia within a 24-hour period, part of a total of 16 inches that fell on the city over two days. This was part of a larger storm system that brought over 2 feet of snow to parts of the Carolinas, Alabama, and Virginia, causing more than 200 building collapses, stranding thousands of travelers, and resulting in at least 11 weather-related deaths.

  • From February 9-10, 1973, a total of 16 inches of snow fell on Columbia.
  • The 'Great Southeastern Snowstorm' occurred in February 1973.

The players

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

The state agency that provided the climatology data on the 1973 snowstorm.

National Weather Service

The federal agency that tracked and reported on the impacts of the 1973 "Great Southeastern Snowstorm" across the region.

Ann Weaver

A Columbia resident who recalled the 1973 snowstorm as a "once in a lifetime" event.

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What they’re saying

“Never have seen a snow like that one here since ... once in a lifetime I hope!”

— Ann Weaver

The takeaway

While the Midlands region may see significant snowfall this weekend, it is highly unlikely to approach the historic levels seen during the 1973 "Great Southeastern Snowstorm" that caused widespread damage and disruption across South Carolina.