Winter storm warning causes closings throughout SC
The first day of school will have to wait.
USC closed its Columbia campus for Monday in an announcement late Sunday night. The University was echoed by the city of Columbia, Richland County government, all state government offices and public school districts in Lexington and Richland Counties. The closures came as Columbia residents braced for a walloping snowstorm Sunday evening, and weather officials predicted slick roads and nasty conditions Monday. A forecast late Sunday predicted the snow and icy drizzle to last all day Monday.
The city of Columbia said salt and sand trucks are prepared for the snow, and all public safety departments will have additional staff Monday, according to the city.
Jeff Linton, a forecaster for the National Weather Service, said January and February prove to be the coldest months of the season for South Carolina and advises everyone to take special precaution on the roads today.
"If you don't have to drive, don't — and be prepared for a wintertime emergency," he said. "Make sure to bring warm clothes in case you happen to get stuck. The city is preparing the best it can."
Students traveling back to school last night had to plan accordingly for the iced roads. Second-year chemistry student Christine Hsieh had to leave early from her Irmo home, about 20 minutes away.
"It's just a short drive, but I'm heading back early before the storm starts," Hsieh said Sunday.
But after classes were canceled, students erupted over Facebook and Twitter, reveling in the news.
Some wanted to know what bars were open on a Sunday night. Others pledged to build a snowman. A few students from northern states expressed shock at the closure.
But all had one thing in common: They weren't complaining.
