Update: Snowfall totals increase as closings and delays announced

Clarendon County and surrounding areas remain on track for a significant winter weather event this weekend, with updated forecasts calling for several inches of snow, strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.

Latest projections show total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches in Clarendon County, with higher amounts possible north and northeast of the area. Snow is expected to develop overnight and continue through Saturday night before tapering off early Sunday.

• Tonight: Chance of rain and snow transitioning to snow and sleet after midnight. Low near 25 degrees. Little accumulation expected.
• Saturday: Snow develops, with highs near 29 degrees. Little or no ice accumulation expected. 1–3 inches possible during the day.
• Saturday night: Snow continues into the evening before ending overnight. Lows near 15 degrees, with wind chills as low as zero. An additional 3–5 inches of snow possible.
• Sunday: Clearing skies, cold and breezy. High near 31 degrees.
• Monday: Sunny and improving, with a high near 40 degrees.

Officials continue to urge residents to limit travel, especially Saturday night into early Sunday, when conditions may be most hazardous. Drivers who must be on the roads should keep emergency supplies in their vehicles and check conditions by calling 511.

CLOSINGS AND SCHEDULE CHANGES

Several local businesses and organizations have announced closures or postponements due to the forecast:

• Clarendon County School District Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2, has been postponed to Tuesday, Feb. 10.
• Clarendon County Administration offices will open at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2.
• Holiday Market, Jen & Cissy’s, and Manning Feed Mill will be closed Saturday, Jan. 31.
• Francis Marion University canceled Saturday’s Family STEM Day; Friday’s STEM events will proceed as scheduled.
• The Grill announced it will be closed Saturday and Sunday.
• East Clarendon High School's Dancing With the Stars event scheduled for Saturday has been postponed to Saturday, Feb. 7.

As of Friday afternoon, Laurence Manning Academy (LMA) and Clarendon County School District (CCSD) had not yet announced decisions regarding Monday schedules.

Despite the forecast, Lowe’s grand opening events scheduled for Saturday are still expected to proceed, according to organizers.

Residents are encouraged to dress in layers, protect pets and pipes, check on elderly neighbors, and use heaters safely. Officials warn that prolonged cold temperatures could lead to burst pipes and increased fire risk if heating equipment is misused.

Businesses or organizations with additional closings, postponements, or adjusted hours are encouraged to email updates to manningsctimes@gmail.com or comment on The Manning Times Facebook post so information can be shared with the community.