Aiken County, February 1, 2026
Aiken County has been hit by a significant winter storm, leading to dangerously cold temperatures, hazardous driving conditions, and multiple warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution on the roads, with predicted snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches and strong wind gusts creating risky conditions. Despite the storm warning expiring, officials recommend remaining vigilant as icy conditions may linger. The situation underscores the importance of safety measures during severe winter weather, including maintaining emergency supplies in vehicles.
Aiken County Braces for Winter Storm Impacts, Advises Caution on Roads
Aiken County experienced a significant winter storm over the past 48 hours, with residents urged to exercise extreme caution on roadways due to snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. A Winter Storm Warning, issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia, was in effect for Aiken County from Friday, January 30, at 10 p.m. until Sunday, February 1, at 10 a.m.. This was accompanied by an Extreme Cold Warning that remained in effect from Saturday, January 31, at 7 p.m. EST until Sunday, February 1, at 10 a.m. EST.
Hazardous Driving Conditions Persist Amid Snowfall and Frigid Air
The winter weather brought hazardous travel conditions across the county, impacting major routes including Interstate 20 and Wire Road. Forecasters predicted snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches for Aiken County, with total snow accumulation reaching 4 to 6 inches in some areas. Reports indicated a total of 4.29 inches of snow on Saturday, January 31. Strong wind gusts up to 35 mph were also expected, contributing to rapidly deteriorating road conditions and potential blowing snow.
Temperatures plunged to dangerously low levels, with lows around 13 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit. As of Sunday, February 1, the temperature in Aiken County was 21 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius), feeling like 12 degrees Fahrenheit (-11 degrees Celsius). Highs for Sunday were expected to be in the mid-30s. These frigid conditions mean that any lingering moisture on roads could refreeze, maintaining slick surfaces even after visible snowfall subsides. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) lists Winter Weather (1-30-2026) as an active condition, generally advising against travel during inclement weather.
Official Warnings and Safety Recommendations
Throughout the storm, officials strongly advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel. The National Weather Service urged those who must travel to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles in case of emergencies. The cold temperatures and hazardous road conditions were a concern for all drivers, with warnings about rapidly deteriorated road conditions and slick surfaces.
Beyond the immediate dangers on the road, the severe winter weather also presented risks of power outages due to downed trees and power lines, though specific outages in Aiken County within the last 48 hours were not detailed in available reports. The broader region, including North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, also faced widespread winter storm warnings and emergency declarations, with snow accumulations expected to range from 3 to 8 inches and wind gusts up to 55 mph.
Looking Ahead: Gradual Improvement and Lingering Cold
As the Winter Storm Warning expired on Sunday morning, February 1, Aiken County can expect gradual improvement in driving conditions, particularly on main roads as temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-30s. However, secondary roads and bridges may remain slick, especially in shaded areas, as temperatures will continue to be very cold overnight. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant about road conditions and continue to exercise caution. The Extreme Cold Warning, which was in effect until Sunday, February 1, at 10 a.m. EST, highlights the ongoing need for protective measures against the cold.
State-level Traffic Fatalities Overview
While recent data for Aiken County specific traffic fatalities within the last 48 hours were not reported, statewide figures provide a broader context on road safety during winter conditions. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) reported three persons killed on South Carolina roadways from January 23 to January 25, 2026. Additionally, seven persons were killed on South Carolina roadways during the New Year’s holiday travel period, which spanned from Wednesday, December 31, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026. During this New Year’s period, Aiken County recorded zero fatalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary weather warning for Aiken County over the past 48 hours?
A Winter Storm Warning was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Columbia for Aiken County from Friday, January 30, at 10 p.m. until Sunday, February 1, at 10 a.m..
What other weather warning was in effect for Aiken County?
An Extreme Cold Warning was in effect from Saturday, January 31, at 7 p.m. EST until Sunday, February 1, at 10 a.m. EST.
How much snow did Aiken County receive?
Forecasters predicted snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches for Aiken County, with total snow accumulation reaching 4 to 6 inches in some areas. Reports indicated a total of 4.29 inches of snow on Saturday, January 31.
What were the driving conditions like in Aiken County?
The winter weather brought hazardous travel conditions across the county, impacting major routes including Interstate 20 and Wire Road. Driving conditions were slippery and rapidly deteriorated due to snow, ice, and frigid temperatures.
What advice did officials give to residents?
Officials strongly advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Those who had to travel were urged to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles in case of emergencies.
What were the temperatures in Aiken County during the storm?
Temperatures plunged to dangerously low levels, with lows around 13 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit. As of Sunday, February 1, the temperature in Aiken County was 21 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius), feeling like 12 degrees Fahrenheit (-11 degrees Celsius).
Were there any broader impacts across the region?
The severe winter weather presented risks of power outages due to downed trees and power lines. The broader region, including North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, also faced widespread winter storm warnings and emergency declarations, with snow accumulations expected to range from 3 to 8 inches and wind gusts up to 55 mph.
Key Features of the Aiken County Winter Storm (January 30 – February 1, 2026)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Weather Warning | Winter Storm Warning (Jan 30, 10 PM – Feb 1, 10 AM) |
| Additional Warning | Extreme Cold Warning (Jan 31, 7 PM EST – Feb 1, 10 AM EST) |
| Snow Accumulation | 3 to 6 inches predicted, with total snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches in some areas. 4.29 inches reported on Jan 31. |
| Wind Gusts | Up to 35 mph in Aiken County |
| Temperatures | Lows around 13 to 16°F. Current (Feb 1) 21°F (-6°C), feels like 12°F (-11°C). Highs in mid-30s on Feb 1. |
| Driving Conditions | Hazardous, slippery, rapidly deteriorated. SCDOT lists “Winter Weather (1-30-2026)” as active. |
| Official Advice | Avoid unnecessary travel; carry emergency supplies in vehicles if travel is essential. |
| Potential Impacts | Possible power outages due to downed trees and power lines. |
| State-level Traffic Fatalities (Jan 23-25, 2026) | Three persons killed on South Carolina roadways. |
| State-level Traffic Fatalities (Dec 31, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026) | Seven persons killed on South Carolina roadways, zero in Aiken County. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aiken Braces for Winter Weather: Fluffy Snow and Extreme Cold Ahead
Hilton Head’s Historic Snowfalls and Community Resilience
Swift Action Secures Aiken Elementary
Aiken Shines: Celebrating Community Spirit
Aiken & Midlands Prepare for Possible Winter Storm
Dangerously Frigid Temperatures Affect Millions Across the U.S.
Aiken County Addresses Water Quality Concerns
Widespread Freezing Rain Disrupts Travel Across CSRA
Aiken, South Carolina Experiences Rare Snow Day and Its Aftermath
Aiken Arrests Signal Ongoing Battle Against Child Sexual Abuse Material
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
