Bitter Cold Lingers Tonight, Black Ice Likely

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After a widespread winter weather event that brought 2-4 inches of snow across the Midlands, with locally higher amounts over 5 inches in parts of the eastern Midlands, the region is now facing bitterly cold temperatures and the threat of black ice overnight. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect, and travel conditions are expected to be poor overnight and during the Monday morning commute.

Why it matters

The bitter cold and black ice pose significant risks to public safety, with the potential for dangerous driving conditions and power outages. The weather event also highlights the need for local authorities to be prepared to respond to winter storms and their aftermath.

The details

As skies clear tonight, temperatures will quickly drop into the upper single digits and lower teens, with Columbia forecast to reach around 11 degrees by Monday morning. Any snowmelt from earlier today will refreeze tonight, leading to the development of black ice on bridges, overpasses, shaded roads, parking lots, and neighborhood streets. Travel conditions are expected to be poor overnight and during the Monday morning commute, with the potential for black ice causing hazardous driving conditions.

• As of Sunday afternoon, many locations reported 2–4 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts over 5 inches in parts of the eastern Midlands, including Camden and Sumter.
• A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 PM Sunday through 9 AM Monday.
• Overnight lows will drop into the upper single digits and lower teens, with Columbia forecast to reach around 11 degrees by Monday morning.
• Any snowmelt from earlier today will refreeze tonight, leading to the development of black ice.
• Poor travel conditions are expected overnight tonight and during the Monday morning commute.

What’s next

Conditions should slowly improve Monday afternoon as temperatures climb above freezing, and any remaining snow is likely to melt away, aside from shaded areas which could see the snow stick through midweek.