**Winter Winds and Icy Threats Prompt Lake Wind Advisory Across South Carolina**
Key Takeaways:
- South Carolina under a lake wind advisory due to strong winds and falling temperatures
- Wintry mix and freezing rain threaten parts of the Midlands and Pee Dee regions
- Cold fronts forecast to drop temperatures 20° below average through Friday
Columbia, South Carolina — A “lake wind advisory” is trending this week as back-to-back cold fronts sweep through South Carolina, ushering in a dangerous combination of subfreezing temperatures, gusty winds, and wintry precipitation. The advisory follows official warnings from the National Weather Service, highlighting hazardous travel conditions and potential power impacts due to gusts exceeding 25 mph.
Back-to-Back Cold Fronts Trigger Hazardous Weather Conditions
The first of two cold fronts began pushing through the state late Wednesday into early Thursday, bringing *freezing rain* and *strong north winds*. Gusts of up to **25 mph** have been recorded across the Midlands and coastal counties, prompting the National Weather Service to declare a broad Lake Wind Advisory across several regions.
By early Thursday morning, freezing rain had already started forming across the **northern Midlands** and **Pee Dee** regions. This freezing layer—coupled with recent rainfall—has created patches of black ice and the threat of slick roads during the morning commute. Accumulated moisture lingering from earlier showers is expected to generate flurries across parts of the **Upstate**, while the **Lowcountry** could see precipitation well into Thursday afternoon.
Temperatures are shockingly low for early January. On Thursday and Friday, *highs* are projected to remain **15–20 degrees below average**, struggling to rise above the **mid-30s** in the central state and capping around the **low-40s** along the coast. These already frigid air temperatures will feel significantly colder due to persistent wind gusts, which could reach up to **30 mph** on Friday across **Columbia**, the **Lowcountry**, and portions of the **Upstate**.
Winter Weather Timeline: What’s Driving the Advisory?
According to meteorologists at the National Weather Service Columbia office, two consecutive cold fronts are responsible for the deterioration in weather conditions. The first front entered the state Wednesday night, fueling overnight downpours and subsequent freezing rain. A second front is rapidly approaching and is expected to push through by **Friday night into early Saturday**, ensuring cold air remains entrenched across South Carolina into the weekend.
The **lake wind advisory**, in particular, was issued due to inconsistency in surface pressure between high-pressure systems to the north and the pushy cold fronts sweeping in from the west. This pressure gradient created rapid wind speeds that can agitate surface water on lakes and pose hazards to small craft vessels, including kayaks and fishing boats. The advisory is specially important for expansive bodies like **Lake Murray**, **Lake Marion**, and **Lake Hartwell**, where open water and low visibility magnify danger.
Wednesday evening saw isolated heavy rain across the **Pee Dee**, which continued eastward during the night. As temps dropped into the **upper 20s** and **low 30s** by morning across most of the Midlands and Upstate, freezing rain became more widespread. Thursday afternoon brought continued overcast skies and snow flurries over isolated areas as winds from the north remained steady and temperatures stubbornly cold.
What’s Ahead: From Frigid Mornings to Possible Weekend Warm-Up
Friday morning will be especially cold, with temperatures bottoming out in the **upper 20s** throughout the Midlands, Pee Dee, and Lowcountry. Gusts reaching **30 mph** will push wind chills far below freezing, making early commutes brutal and, in some regions, possibly icy. The worst of the wind is expected late Thursday into Friday morning, particularly around **Columbia**, **Greenville**, and **Charleston**.
However, a shift in wind direction could offer brief relief. By late Friday into Saturday, winds will turn southwesterly, allowing a temporary rebound in daytime temperatures. Highs on Saturday may climb to the **mid-50s**, with southeastern sections of the state nearing **60°F**. Despite that, another cold front and its associated low-pressure system could bring rain and more clouds by early Saturday.
Weather officials caution residents not to be misled by Saturday’s brief warm-up. A quick return to high pressure on Sunday means winds will calm, and temperatures will drop again, before gradually rising next week. Local school districts and businesses are advised to monitor local forecasts for possible delays or closings related to morning icing and wind risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is lake wind advisory trending?
A: Cold fronts have triggered severe wind gusts across South Carolina, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a lake wind advisory affecting much of the state.
Q: What happens next?
A: Strong winds and freezing temperatures will continue through Friday, with some warming expected by Saturday before another front moves in.
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