November snow earliest in recorded history

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - The snow that fell in the Midlands on Saturday morning is the earliest in recorded history.

Since 1880, there has never been a snowfall in Columbia before this date, according to the National Weather Service. How rare is this event? The first freeze doesn't normally happen until November 10.

Some areas reported 2-3 inches of the white stuff. The snow stayed mostly to the north and to the west of Columbia. Areas in Lexington county experienced the largest accumulations.

Gilbert reported the highest total at 3.5 inches and Pelion got about 2 inches, according to preliminary numbers from the National Weathers Service.

Interstate 20 in western Lexington County was closed for a time because icy conditions prohibited truckers from driving on a hill near Calks Ferry Road.

Thousands were without power in Lexington County due to high winds and downed tree limbs.

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