Winter Weather Set to Move across Midlands this Weekend

Richland County residents are asked to stay alert of changing weather conditions as winter weather moves across the Midlands this weekend.

Richland County is not under a winter weather watch or advisory as of Thursday afternoon, though several surrounding counties have been issued alerts for ice or freezing rain. The weather outlook for Richland County for the next few days is as follows:

• Thursday afternoon/evening: Showers will arrive after sunset. No problems are expected.

• Thursday night/Friday morning: Rain will set in. Temperatures will fall to near 34 degrees by daybreak Friday. There are concerns for freezing rain early in the morning in northern Richland County and in colder, rural areas of the County.

• Friday: All day rain; breezy. Temperatures may peak at 37 degrees for the daytime high with 1 to 2 inches of rainfall expected; flooding of rivers and streams should be monitored. A wintry mix is possible for northern Richland County during the day.

• Friday night: Rain will end before midnight with snow developing before daybreak Saturday.

• Saturday: Snow is expected Saturday morning. It is too early to determine amounts. Temperatures will warm to near 40 degrees by afternoon.

• Sunday morning: A hard freeze is expected with temperatures in the mid-20s. Black ice will be an issue. Otherwise it will be sunny with a high of 49 degrees.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is advising residents living in areas of the state that will be affected by winter weather this weekend to prepare a winter weather kit that includes the following items:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered NOAA weather radio and a portable AM/FM radio
• Extra food and water, such as non-perishable/high-energy foods and snacks
• Extra medication
• Extra baby items, especially if you have infants or small children
• Basic first aid supplies
• Blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothing for warmth

Winter weather safety tips include preparing for possible power outages and frozen pipes, charging cell phones, avoiding contact with downed power lines and ensuring generators are used outside of homes in well-ventilated areas.

For continued Richland County weather news and updates, visit www.rcgov.us and follow Richland County on social media. Twitter: @RichlandSC, Facebook: Richland County, SC