The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Extreme Cold Watch for central South Carolina and east central Georgia, warning residents to brace themselves for dangerously cold temperatures from Sunday evening until Monday morning.
According to NWS forecasters, an Arctic air mass will move into the region late Sunday, dropping nightly wind chills to around 11 degrees in Richland, Lexington, Aiken, Orangeburg, Barnwell, Sumter, Burke, and Richmond counties. Officials caution that extended freezing conditions could lead to water pipe ruptures, especially in homes that haven’t prepared for severe temperature drops.
According to NWS meteorologists, the coldest window will occur from late Sunday night into early Monday, with temperatures dropping far below freezing as winds intensify. Communities surrounding Columbia, Augusta, Orangeburg, and Sumter should expect the most substantial freeze-related impacts, and residents should immediately take precautions.
Utility providers and emergency officials advise homeowners to wrap or insulate exposed pipes, let faucets drip slowly, and make sure pets and livestock have access to warm shelter. Residents who must be outside should dress in layers, including hats, gloves, and face coverings, to avoid frostbite.
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