A dreamlike winter scene in Aiken County following the recent storm.
A winter storm hit Aiken County, South Carolina, on January 10, 2025, bringing snow, freezing rain, and ice. The storm led to school closures and power outages while creating a stunning winter wonderland for residents to enjoy, despite travel difficulties. Community safety measures included warming shelters and proactive preparations for future weather challenges.
On January 10, 2025, Aiken County, South Carolina, braced for a chilling winter storm that brought with it snow, freezing rain, and a layer of ice that transformed the landscape into a glimmering spectacle. Despite the picturesque scenery, this icy weather brought along its share of challenges for residents.
As anticipation for the storm grew, the Aiken County Public School District made the proactive decision to close schools before 7 a.m. on the day of the storm, prioritizing the safety of students and staff. Alongside the school closures, several government offices in Aiken County and neighboring North Augusta also decided to shut their doors early, ensuring workers could safely return home before the worst of the weather hit.
Weather forecasters noted that this wintry mix was quite uncommon for the area, with Southern Aiken County experiencing approximately 0.1 to 0.5 inches of freezing rain and snow. Areas such as Augusta and North Augusta reported even more, with totals reaching up to 1.5 inches. Residents woke up to find their plants and trees encased in a layer of sparkling ice, creating a stunning winter scene that was perfect for making snowmen.
However, the beauty of the ice-capped trees came with some woes. Because of the hazardous conditions on the roads, local officials advised residents to stay put if they could. Reports of multiple accidents surfaced, prompting the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office to respond to various calls for help involving stuck vehicles. Thankfully, the South Carolina Department of Transportation reported no road closures related to the storm by noon on January 11.
The storm did lead to some power outages, with Dominion Energy indicating a small number of affected customers. Meanwhile, Aiken Electric Cooperative Inc. reported around 104 outages that impacted over 6,000 customers due to fallen trees and limbs that made their way onto power lines. Fortunately, by 3 a.m. on January 11, most outages had been resolved after overnight repairs.
Despite the travel difficulties and power interruptions, many residents took advantage of their day off from school and work by stepping outside to enjoy the winter festivities. Children paired up with their families to build charming snowmen and engage in various outdoor activities. Nearby, a warming shelter was also set up in Augusta as part of the community’s safety measures against the extreme cold.
As the storm moved on, forecasting experts were already assessing additional winter weather possibilities. A mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain is predicted for parts of South Carolina, with authorities urging residents to remain cautious and keep tabs on the weather. Brining operations have been initiated on key routes, which is an attempt to keep them navigable as Aiken County and surrounding regions prepare for potential slippery conditions through Saturday morning.
As Aiken County surveys the aftermath of this winter blast, residents are advised to stay informed about any changes in weather conditions and prepare for any possible outages or hazardous travel scenarios. It’s a time to be cautious but to also enjoy the magical winter landscape that nature has gifted this part of South Carolina.
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