It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Robert Mills House and Gardens gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Columbia, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ruth's Chris Steak House or visit Historic Columbia, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Columbia, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Columbia, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Columbia, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A winter weather advisory has been issued in parts of the Midlands as snow could fall in South Carolina.Both Kershaw and Lee counties are included in the winter weather advisory that will go into effect at 11 a.m. Wednesday as the northern and eastern portions of the Midlands are most likely to...
A winter weather advisory has been issued in parts of the Midlands as snow could fall in South Carolina.
Both Kershaw and Lee counties are included in the winter weather advisory that will go into effect at 11 a.m. Wednesday as the northern and eastern portions of the Midlands are most likely to feel the greatest impact of the storm, according to the National Weather Service. The advisory is scheduled to run through 5 a.m. Thursday.
Although the Columbia area isn’t currently included in the advisory, and no other watches or warnings have been issued, the forecast shows that there’s a slight chance of snow showers occurring in South Carolina’s capital region.
The National Weather Service said that rain will precede any possible snow — or a wintry mix that could also include freezing rain and sleet.
Rain will move into the Midlands on Wednesday morning, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a briefing. Temperatures will drop near, or below, freezing over the course of the day, leading to the potential wintry mix in the afternoon into the evening, according to the briefing.
There’s still the potential for snow showers again Thursday morning, the National Weather Service said. The forecast shows that before 11 a.m. Thursday is when snow would be most likely to fall in Columbia.
Not much accumulation is expected, but even the possibility of a tenth-of-an-inch of ice on roads could lead to hazardous driving conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses, according to the briefing. Sidewalks could also become dangerously slippery, the National Weather Service said.
The hazardous conditions could affect both the Wednesday night and Thursday morning commutes.
“Slow down and use caution while traveling,” said the National Weather Service.
The ice could also form on trees and potentially bring down limbs, which creates the chance of downed power lines and outages, according to the advisory.
While the precipitation is forecast to end Thursday morning, the cold weather is expected to stick around longer. In fact, it’s forecast to get colder Thursday, when overnight temperatures could drop well below freezing and a low of 19 degrees is possible overnight in Columbia, the forecast shows.
The continued cold could lead to a refreeze, with black ice potentially forming.
Daytime temperatures are predicted to rise from the 40s on Thursday and Friday to the 50s over the weekend, as dry conditions are forecast to continue into next week.
But there will be a heat wave by early next week, when a high temperature of 71 degrees is possible on Tuesday, according to the forecast.
But warm clothes will be needed before making plans to wear shorts and T-shirts.
Should there be snow, it would be the third snowstorm of 2025 in the Midlands, an area where any freezing precipitation is considered rare.
There was a Jan. 10 winter storm that included some snow, sleet and freezing rain.
On Jan. 22, there was more significant snowfall in the Midlands. Nearly an inch of snow was recorded at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, while unofficial totals of 1-1.5 inches of snow were reported in Lexington County, and the highest snow accumulation in the Midlands was in the Bowman area of Orangeburg County where about 4 inches was recorded, the National Weather Service said.
Prior to those storms, the last time there was snow on the ground in the Columbia area was January 2022 when up to 3 inches of snow was recorded during that winter storm, according to the National Weather Service.
This story was originally published February 19, 2025 at 9:59 AM.
The State
Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999.
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Should it pass in the General Assembly, a local watchdog organization says a new bill to be introduced would help increase competition across South Carolina’s energy sector.A group known as the “Palmetto Industrial Energy Association” as well as Senators Wes Climer of Rock Hill and Tom Fernandez of Summerville are advocating for what’s known as “Limited Retail Choice” through a new report prepared by “Daymark Energy Advisors.”Currently, PIEA is made up ...
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Should it pass in the General Assembly, a local watchdog organization says a new bill to be introduced would help increase competition across South Carolina’s energy sector.
A group known as the “Palmetto Industrial Energy Association” as well as Senators Wes Climer of Rock Hill and Tom Fernandez of Summerville are advocating for what’s known as “Limited Retail Choice” through a new report prepared by “Daymark Energy Advisors.”
Currently, PIEA is made up of eight large manufacturers and employers including Alpek Polyester, Amick Farms, Cooper River, Fitesa, Domtar, Century Aluminum, DSM, and Swiss Krono.
“Right now large manufacturers, companies that employ thousands of hard working South Carolinians are forced to buy power from single providers,” says Fernandez.
Currently, corporations are restricted to using the energy provider closest to them — such as Dominion Energy or Santee Cooper.
The report finds that LRC would open up more cost saving possibilities for large industrial customers whose average monthly usage of electricity is five megawatts or higher.
“Limited Retail Choice will change that by giving businesses the ability to shop for competitive rates, drive down costs, and reinvest in their workers and in our communities,” says Fernandez.
Current versions of retail choice already exist in 19 other states including Georgia, Virginia, and Texas.
However, a current energy supplier believes changing the law would not be in the best interest of the state.
In a statement to ABC Columbia’s Lee Williams, Rhonda O’Banion with Dominion Energy says, “Dominion Energy does not believe deregulating the energy industry in South Carolina – in any form – is in the best interest of the state or our customers. The integrated, regulated energy market in South Carolina provides extensive accountability and rigorous third-party oversight from state and federal regulators. This is critical to our ability to provide the reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day. In doing so, Dominion Energy has an obligation to serve all customers in our service area – not just those who are profitable to serve. Unlike in a deregulated market, the rates we charge customers, including the company’s rate of return, are set by regulators after considering input from stakeholders. While deregulation makes many promises, several states have learned lessons when those promises have failed to materialize. Our focus is on further securing South Carolina’s energy grid by increasing generation capacity and modernizing our current generation fleet to meet all our customers’ needs.”
Climer pushed back on that idea at Tuesday’s press conference, saying, “Furthermore, it’s worth noting that all of the utilities who are fighting so vigorously against Limited Retail Choice participate in a measure of choice themselves. They are all a part of something called SEAM, the Southeastern Energy Market.”
Stan Faryniarz and Melissa Whitten with Daymark Energy Advisors say LRC will also help South Carolina face its ever growing need for more energy.
“There will be more players out there, it will attract other power suppliers, developers, and others, so it’ll be a win-win over time for all of South Carolina’s economy,” says Faryniarz.
Senators will introduce a bill on LRC at the Statehouse in the coming weeks.
There’s a possibility of winter weather in the Columbia area of South Carolina this week, according to the National Weather Service.A wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow is possible Wednesday, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a Tuesday morning briefing.A low pressure system is forecast to move along the coast, causing precipitation in the Midlands o...
There’s a possibility of winter weather in the Columbia area of South Carolina this week, according to the National Weather Service.
A wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow is possible Wednesday, National Weather Service meteorologists said in a Tuesday morning briefing.
A low pressure system is forecast to move along the coast, causing precipitation in the Midlands on Wednesday and into that night, according to the briefing.
As the system approaches and moves east of the area, sub-freezing air is forecast to slowly push into the northern counties of South Carolina, the National Weather Service said.
There’s a much greater chance of a wintry mix in the northern part of the Palmetto State, and up into North Carolina, according to the briefing.
Because Wednesday’s temperature in the Midlands remains in question, it’s less likely that there will be the same wintry mix in the Columbia area, the National Weather Service said.
If the temperatures are too warm, then only rain would likely occur in the Columbia area, according to the briefing. The current forecast shows the temperature could drop below freezing, with a low of 30 degrees possible on Wednesday night, when there’s a 30% chance of precipitation.
Less than half an inch of any precipitation is expected Wednesday, according to the forecast. Only a tenth of an inch of the wintry mix is currently predicted, according to the briefing. Localized amounts in other areas could be higher.
But a longer period of the freezing rain, sleet, snowfall is possible if the temperature is cold enough, the National Weather Service said.
Any wintry mix could cause issues for drivers and create traffic delays, according to the briefing.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation said crews are starting to spray salt brine, or salting the roads. Crews will begin with interstate and primary routes and will work their way into secondary roads, especially in the Upstate.
While the precipitation is forecast to end Wednesday night, the cold weather is expected to stick around longer. In fact, it’s forecast to get colder on Thursday and Friday, when overnight temperatures could drop into the 20s. A low of 20 degrees is possible overnight Thursday, the forecast shows.
The continued cold could lead to a refreeze, with black ice potentially forming.
Daytime temperatures are predicted to rise from the 40s on Thursday and Friday to the 50s and 60s over the weekend, as dry conditions are forecast to continue into next week.
Should there be snow, it would be the third snowstorm of 2025 in the Midlands, an area where any freezing precipitation is considered rare.
There was a Jan. 10 winter storm that included some snow, sleet and freezing rain.
On Jan. 22, there was more significant snowfall in the Midlands. Nearly an inch of snow was recorded at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, while unofficial totals of 1-1.5 inches of snow were reported in Lexington County, and the highest snow accumulation in the Midlands was in the Bowman area of Orangeburg County where about 4 inches was recorded, the National Weather Service said.
Prior to those storms, the last time there was snow on the ground in the Columbia area was January 2022 when up to 3 inches of snow was recorded during that winter storm, according to the National Weather Service.
This story was originally published February 18, 2025 at 8:53 AM.
The State
Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999.
Temperatures will warm next week. Highs on Monday will be in the middle 60s.COLUMBIA, S.C. — An area of low pressure will bring widespread rain on Wednesday, with the potential for wintry precipitation in the northern Midlands and Pee Dee Wednesday. A winter weather advisory is in effect for Kershaw and Lee Counties from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday.For those reasons, News19 has also issued a Weather Impact Alert for Wednesday through early Thursday morning.Wednesday’s Possible Wintry Mix...
Temperatures will warm next week. Highs on Monday will be in the middle 60s.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — An area of low pressure will bring widespread rain on Wednesday, with the potential for wintry precipitation in the northern Midlands and Pee Dee Wednesday. A winter weather advisory is in effect for Kershaw and Lee Counties from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday.
For those reasons, News19 has also issued a Weather Impact Alert for Wednesday through early Thursday morning.
Wednesday’s Possible Wintry Mix
A developing low-pressure system in the central and southern Plains will move eastward, increasing moisture levels in the Midlands by Wednesday morning. Widespread rain is expected by late Wednesday morning or early afternoon, but areas in the northern Midlands and Pee Dee could see a mix of wintry precipitation.
Credit: WLTX
Despite the strong cold high-pressure system moving into the region, temperatures at the onset of the precipitation are expected to remain above freezing in most areas. However, colder air filtering in Wednesday evening could allow for a brief period of freezing rain or sleet along the SC/NC border. Accumulations are expected to be light, but some slick spots may develop, particularly in northern counties. The Columbia metro area should see only rain.
Credit: WLTX
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory Tuesday afternoon for Lee and Kershaw Counties which is in effect from 11 a.m. Wednesday until 5 a.m. Thursday. Those areas are at risk for freezing rain, but accumulations are only supposed to be a light glaze. However, the National Weather Service said those conditions could lead to slippery sidewalks, roads, and bridges. That could lead to hazardous conditions for the Wednesday evening commute.
Credit: WLTX
Bitter Cold Returns for Late Week
Some models suggest isolated snow showers with a secondary front early Thursday, but the dry air mass in place makes this unlikely. However, this is something to watch.
Credit: WLTX
Highs on Thursday will struggle to reach the low-to-mid 40s, which is 15-20 degrees below normal for this time of year. Lows will plummet into the low 20s Thursday night.
Looking Ahead: A Gradual Warm-Up
The cold air will linger into the weekend, with Friday morning potentially being as cold as Thursday morning. However, a slow warming trend is expected early next week, with temperatures returning to the middle 60s by Monday.
The clouds will increase today. Temperatures will be a little warmer than yesterday. We are still watching the potential for rain with a wintry mix possible Wednesday. Here is the forecast.
Posted by Daniel Bonds on Tuesday, February 18, 2025
COLUMBIA — A food hall featuring multiple restaurants and retail space is the latest eating spot to be announced for the BullStreet District redevelopment.GATHER COLA will be a 32,000-square-foot, multi-level dining hall with space for nine restaurants and food vendors, pop-up retail spots aimed at area micro-retailers and two bars — including one on the building’s rooftop, according to a press release.There will also be 8,500 square feet of office space, private event space and an outdoor area with seating an...
COLUMBIA — A food hall featuring multiple restaurants and retail space is the latest eating spot to be announced for the BullStreet District redevelopment.
GATHER COLA will be a 32,000-square-foot, multi-level dining hall with space for nine restaurants and food vendors, pop-up retail spots aimed at area micro-retailers and two bars — including one on the building’s rooftop, according to a press release.
There will also be 8,500 square feet of office space, private event space and an outdoor area with seating and space for live entertainment.
“We could not be more excited about our partnership to bring the GATHER concept to Columbia,” Frank Cason, president of Cason Development Group, said in a press release. “There is nothing like GATHER in the market today. This project will bring a diversity of food offerings and a vibrant energy to the already active BullStreet project. This is a project for all of Columbia to enjoy!”
The dining hall is a joint project of Cason Development Group, Four Oaks Property Group and Hughes Development Corporation.
GATHER COLA will sit at the corner of Sabal and Freed streets in the BullStreet District, across from the neighborhood’s Starbucks and REI stores.
The hall will be built adjacent to The Lawn, a one-acre common space and Charleston pizza chain designed to anchor the neighborhood and repurpose the remains of the historic Williams Building in the massive redevelopment.
Site work has already begun at the future food hall’s location, and an opening date is scheduled for late 2025, according to the release.
The project is patterned after GATHER GVL, a similar food hall concept in downtown Greenville created and developed by Charlotte-based Four Oaks Property Group.
The retail space included in the Columbia hall will be an addition not present in the original Greenville iteration, Cross said.
“The GATHER concept has evolved,” Cross said in the release, “and we wanted to be more intentional about some retail space and some office space alongside the food and beverage.”
The food hall will be part of the Hughes-helmed, decades-long redevelopment of the 181-acre BullStreet District, formerly the South Carolina State Hospital which operated from 1857 to the early 2000s.
The former mental asylum campus is now home to Segra Park and various upscale apartments and businesses housed in new construction and several former hospital buildings.
The development will also be home to the University of South Carolina’s $300 million Health Sciences Campus. The first phase of the campus, USC’s new School of Medicine Columbia, is scheduled to be completed in August 2027.
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