Winter Weather Advisory Closes Schools and Offices in Aiken County

News Summary

Aiken County experienced a winter weather advisory on January 10, 2025, resulting in closures of schools and local government offices due to hazardous road conditions. The National Weather Service warned of sleet and snow accumulations, prompting several schools to switch to e-learning or close early. Emergency officials urged residents to stay off roads amidst reports of traffic accidents. As communities banded together to address the weather’s impact, local agencies prepared for potential additional snowfall in the coming days.

Winter Weather Advisory Hits Aiken County: Schools and Offices Close on January 10, 2025

Residents of Aiken County woke up to a winter wonderland on January 10, 2025, but it wasn’t all snowflakes and holiday cheer. Instead, they were greeted with a treacherous mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow that turned roads into slippery slides and left many wondering how to navigate the day ahead. As the chill settled in, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Columbia got the ball rolling by issuing a Winter Weather Advisory that would last from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. the next day.

What to Expect: Conditions and Advisories

The advisory brought concerning forecasts of total snow and sleet accumulations potentially reaching up to half an inch, while ice might coat the landscape with about two-tenths of an inch. Sounds pretty harmless? Not quite! With black ice forming on bridges and overpasses, the roads became hazardous. As the day wore on, multiple traffic accidents were reported, prompting the Aiken County Emergency Management team to strongly urge residents to keep off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Schools Take Precautions

In light of these unsafe conditions, the Aiken County Public School District made a quick decision to close all schools for the day. Initially planning only for a two-hour early dismissal, administrators updated their plans shortly before 7 a.m. to ensure student safety. Similarly, Horse Creek Academy pivoted to a full e-learning day to keep students on track despite the snowy drama outside. Nearby, St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School announced an early closure for 1 p.m., reflecting the caution spreading throughout the region.

Meanwhile, Edgefield County Schools joined in, switching gears to an e-learning day out of an abundance of caution as well. Everyone in the educational community had one shared goal: to prioritize student and staff safety.

Municipal Measures Amid the Chill

As the white stuff piled up, municipal employees kept busy, even taking down a Christmas tree in Teague Park while battling the elements. Meanwhile, local government offices, including the City of Aiken, closed their doors early around 10:15 a.m., further encouraging people to stay cozy at home.

Community Preparations: A Unified Effort

Aiken County wasn’t alone in this winter struggle. Cities and counties across the region geared up for the storm’s impact, with agencies in both South Carolina and neighboring Georgia mobilizing resources and crews to tackle the snowy mess. State agencies took proactive measures to treat roads and ensure public safety, showing how much communities come together during challenging weather events.

Looking Ahead: More Weather on the Horizon

As the day progressed, the NWS warned residents to brace for possible additional snowfall and rain moving into January 11. Luckily, temperatures weren’t expected to dip below freezing, which meant things could actually start clearing up sooner rather than later. Still, the community was encouraged to remain cautious as all eyes sat on the forecast.