Good morning, good morning midlands, we are going to be expecting a lot of warm temperatures but we are still going to have to start with the cold temperatures this morning. 30 for degrees in winnsboro as well as columbia, 35 lexington, sumter 37, manning starting off at 234. We do have a little bit of fog issues right now. Visibility and columbia, 2 m iles, camden lately improved for miles, less than three in bishopville, and to in manning. When the kids had out to the bus stop they will need their winter jacket. A little bit of fall, 33 degrees. We are going to warm up with a lot of sunshine today. We will hit a high of 62 degrees. It will be windy. Overnight tonight 32 degrees. A little bit of fog in the morning, by tomorrow that sunshine will warm us up to a high of 66 degrees. As we get ready for our friday morning commute, heading looking at i 26 this is over by st. Andrews and piney grove, traffic is moving along. It is light right now but we do expect it to be picking up later on throughout the morning. No accidents reported anywhere on the interstates. From springdale and casey a little bit of a slow go from 321 as you are going north on slick road. Outside of that, not dealing with any accidents fortunately. If you are traveling from lake murray boulevard to the willie b, five minutes, from the airport to downtown a nine minute commute. We will take a look at that beautiful sevenday forecast. I have that coming up in just a few minutes. We have another Traffic Alert to tell you about this morning before you hit the roads. The right lane on i20 westbound between the 378 and bush river road exit is closed again this morning. It is expected to reopen in less than an hour 7 oclock. Flood recovery this morning, the three remaining disaster he recovery recovery they are at the Richland County library on garners ferry road. Central Carolina Technical College in sumter and one in Williamsburg County. They will close this evening at 6 p. M. Many Services Available at disaster he Disaster Recovery centers. You can also call the fema helpline. That number can be found on our website wltx. Com. Some potentially good news for farmers affected by octobers flood. The house ways and means chairman brian white, is proposing a plan that would give some of the states surplus money to help farmers survive last years losses instead of waiting around for lawmakers to pass a budget. He has not proposed an amount yet, that bill advanced to a full committee. Agriculture commissioner, hugh weathers, said the flood wiped out 330 million worth of crops at harvest time, and an additional 45 million was lost because farmers cannot plan their winter cro plant their winter crops. Continue to get help area recently, amish and mennonite volunteers traveled from pennsylvania, right here to the palmetto state and are using their carpentry skills to fix some of the homes in Sumter County that were damaged in the flood. The groups partnered with united ministries of sumter and started working on seven different homes in january. Reporter its awesome. Can you imagine traveling that stranger with a stinky, smelly house . T hat is the best ever. I told everybody about them. One of my neighbors said send them down when they are finished. [ laughter] everybody is just an off that they would take their time for a complete stranger, in a completely different state. The groups say they will continue to help until the end of may and are beginning construction on their eight homes today. Yesterday lawmakers discussed how to keep teachers senators think financial assistant for teacher cadet of programs will convince teachers to stay in these rural school districts. For whatever reason, teachers seem to be leaving these districts at a very fast rate now. They might have a missionary deal for it, but they get there, and they discover that is so different from what they are used to. They dont feel like they can be successful there. Low teacher pay, in general, might be a factor in that high turnover rate. Senators said once above the wants a budget is that they will have a better idea what incentives will look like for hundreds of veterans already walked the halls at midlands technical college. Now, theres an initiative to their education. News 19s Jenny Frazier shows us more. Ultimately i ended up with a traumatic brain injury. Civilian life is kind of hard. Dont hire a veteran because of ptsd. Reporter we spoke with several veterans, who agree, returning to civilian life is not easy. You always carry a weapon with you, wherever you have to go, basically when you transition you have to forget a lot of the stuff you learned and a lot of the stuff is imprinted into your subconscious. Reporter army veteran, matthew templin, served in iraq and is now pursuing an automotive degree at midlands technical college. Air force vet, david peacock, is doing the same. He suffered a traumatic brain injury during his years of service, and said going back to school is an easier way for veterans to transition. If youve got the Broad Knowledge that you want from the military, and then you can apply it in the civilian sector by going to a tech school to get your degree, then you have the best of both worlds coming together. Reporter the college seems to tech is putting aside 100,000 in scholarships, just for veterans. Our veterans are important to us, because they provided services to our nation. We want to make sure they have all the resources they need after returning. Reporter the transition back is a little easier slowly, but surely eases you through. And then you are able to make that transition into a job back in the future is more secure. Jenny frazier, news 19 wltx. Midlands tech will have a veterans resource fair next wednesday, that is happening at the northeast campus from 6 p. M. Till 8 p. M. Thats will have an opportunity to learn about all the Resources Available to them. Its our mom of the daytime, carolyn powers, she is the mother of three was nominated by her sun, quentin ball prayed quentin tells quinton tells us his mom raised three boys while their father family. Big job there. She is very softspoken, and reserved but has always been the backbone of the family. She deserves way more than we can ever give her, but this will brighten her day. I bet it well. Congratulations to you. If you would like to nominate a mom for mom of the day, head on over to our website wltx. Com and click on the banner to send in your nomination. Time for our word of the day, todays word is up trapper is, its an additive that means noisy, unruly, difficult to control, hooligan. I was going to volunteer myself for the noisy part of that. I was going to volunteer you, too, i thought maybe he is too new, maybe it too soon. Im glad we have that report. We are here. Coming up, youve probably you probably heard of the zika virus by now. Its getting lots of attention as it spreads quickly across the world. Is concerned grows, we are going to break down exactly what it is and what it means for you, right after the break. Or you just need to be reminded lots of sunshine, we are talking zika virus at 6 12. The cdc has issued travel notices for close to 20 countries because of the zika virus. Health Organization Says the zika virus is spreading explosively in the americas. What is a . According to the cdc, zika virus is spread through affected mosquito bites. The travel alert comes because what began in brazil has spread to 24 countries. So far no cases of local transmission of zika virus in the continental united states. But there have been some cases among returning travelers. Kind of a concern here. South carolina does have the mosquito that carries the virus, but there are no known cases of it here. Does that have traveled abroad in the countries affected by the virus, doctors say there are some symptoms you should be on the lookout for. First, fever, then a rash, joint pain and red eyes. Although doctor say about 80 of those infected show no symptoms. Doctors are also saying zika virus may be extra dangerous for pregnant women, because that could cause birth effects on their babies. We are on your side this morning getting your questions answered. About his fax, not fear. We like to give you the facts before cause also causes all of this panic. We have doctor Samantha Morton with the carolina womens physicians at lexington medical center. We are hoping you can help us shed some light on this, what exactly is the zika virus . Like you said before, zika virus is transmitted by a mosquito that has previously bitten someone that has a virus. You also mentioned that this virus is not yet here in South Carolina, as far as no patients that have been diagnosed with the virus have actually gotten this virus from any mosquitoes that have bitten them here in this country. We do know that the mosquito that can carry it, is here, but like you said there are no cases of it here. How can it impact a moms health . That is the main concern here. Men, there is no concern for men, but mainly pregnant women. There is some evidence that responsible for causing birth defects and on the baby as the baby is developing in the mother. That is currently being looked at at Great Lengths in brazil. Primarily, right now, and with the cdc here in this country. So far, we do not have a definitive link to tween this particular virus, and the birth effects. How do we write the line between panicking about this, and making sure we are p rotected . Right now, the only people that need to be concerned are the people that have traveled to the areas that are endemic for this particular virus. If you have symptoms, and the symptoms that you mentioned, you need to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They will then take it and do the testing that needs to be done, and the monitoring, as far as the baby is concerned what countries, travel, are the concern for pregnant women . Right now, the cdc has a wonderful list if you go to their website. That are around brazil, north of argentina, through the upper part of south america, and Central America and mexico. To say a pregnant woman had planned to go to one of these places, vacation, whatever, what do you advise them against at this point . Yes. There has been a travel advisory for these women, and a lot of the airlines, i understand, are actually refunding some of the money or giving vouchers so that they can reschedule their traps. This is something that we are hearing for the first time, a lot of people at home are hearing for the first time. How long has this virus been around . The virus is not a new virus, it has been in southeast asia, some of the Pacific Islands for many years. This is the first time that we have actually noticed that there is a possibility that it is causing birth defects in babies. Wise is ready so quickly . Mosquito borne process . Yes, once the mosquito bite someone that has this particular virus, the mosquito can turn around and bites of videos. Can you see the potential complications from enduring a prenatal ultrasound . Yes. Most of the time, the particular birth defect that is of concern right now is called microcephaly, and this is where the brain is enduring, and the developing baby, is actually arrested, thus, the head size is smaller than babies of comparison age. So, we would see that, typically, and most ultrasounds. Depending on the severity of the problem. Doctor martin, we think you so much for being with us here today. It was great to meet you. Great to have you in. Again, this fact, not fear, very important to make sure people are educated about this. We appreciate your help with that. For now we are going to send it over to efran afante thank you ms. Savannah levins, some of our communities are dealing with fog this morning, but it is greatly improved improved. Still a little bit of fog possible in columbia, three mile visibility, bishopville under 3 miles, and 2. 5 out in manning. We are starting off cold, nevertheless 87 saluda, 34 lexington and columbia. Bishopville and sumter each at 37 degrees, many still pretty here in columbia, 30 for degrees, the winds out of the southwest a 6mile per miles per hour. Just like 29 degrees right now. The setup we have brought throughout this day, clear skies and a little bit of cloud coverage in the pee dee region. A week Conference Starting to come in from appalachians. When the kids get out of school today it will be sunny and warm, but it will be windy starting definitely a day to in the upper 50s down to the lower 60s. With a lot of sunshine throughout the day, 62 for a high in columbia, will be windy out of the west at about 1 015 miles per hour. We could be doing with fog to my money, it will be chilly, rather cold, 32 degrees for our low in columbia as all of our those will be in the upper 20s down into the lower 30s. This cold front will be coming through, but it is a week conference, not part not expecting any precipitation behind it. Behind it will bring cool, dry air but instead of dropping our temperatures, it will shift more to the east, and underneath it where we are we will warm up. Its going to be an absolutely spectacular weekend. Winds out of the South Southwest five10 miles tomorrow. Tomorrow 56, sunday 68 degrees with a lot of sunshine, a weekend for outdoor activities. We will get even warmer as we get into monday, 70 degrees, then a little bit of cloud coverage with a cold front coming through we could be shower activity late in the afternoon on tuesday getting up to 72. But then as a cold front comes through, we are expecting showers and thunderstorms on wednesday. A high of 68 degrees, once the cold front is out of here, a lot of sunshine on thursday a high of only 50 for degrees. Plan accordingly for this weekend, definitely a weekend to go outside and do a lot of stuff and enjoy the weather. As far as our roads are concerned, heading to school, or work, i 26 over at mile marker 75, traffic is light right now, has been picking up. We havent seen any accidents, at all. All throughout our map right now, there is no incidents being reported. If you are heading out from lexington, right now, no issues as you are on a gust of road crossing over i 20 and heading into west columbia. No issues on sunset all of our heading past Mineral Springs and connecting to i 20. If youre coming from clemson to downtown, 12 minutes, and from looking at six minutes. No traffic conditions, you will need your sunglasses for this bright and sunny. Welcome back, the unc Womens BasketballTeam Continues to hold onto their perfect record 20zero now. The gamecocks managed to cruise past old 8162. The texas a and m on sunday the men are not doing too bad, they will be back in the palmetto state this weekend. They take on alabama tomorrow at the Colonial Life arena. The gamecocks are 18two with one of those losses at the hands of alabama two weeks ago. Tip offer for that game is at 6 oclock. The new book detailing clemsons historic 2015 football season, is now on sale. The 128 page book called, return to glory, is the inside story of clemsons 2015 football season. It features photographs, stories, analysis and commentary. The book is on sale online at amazon for 14 and 95 cents. The super bowl is nine days away, the counter the countdown is on, panthers fans are getting pretty excited. You might want to meet one guy whos feeling a little blue. This is ricky woods, he lives in charlotte, you may notice he is planed painted blue. He bet coworkers that the panthers will not make it to the super bowl. Of course, that did not go as streets to honor his word. You would think he would stop making bets, but he has another one, savanna, listen to this one if carolina wins, the big game, he will stand out in front of bank of America Stadium wearing a two to. Remember, the only place to watch super bowl 50 is right here wltx on sunday, february 7 area. That is so funny. I would love to see that. The iconic barbie has a new look now, and is much more diverse. We will show you her makeover and talk about what it break. Good friday morning, thank you for joining us. Time now 6 30, and it is going to be a beautiful weekend. It is a little chilly outside, still more fog, meteorologist, efran afante looking out at all. Good morning midlands, some of us dealt with really dense fog earlier this morning but it is starting to get a little bit better. Especially up in camden where the visibility was zero. Right now it has greatly improved. A little bit of fog in columbia, visibility 3 miles, 3. 5 miles in bishopville, and demanding 2. 5mile visibility. 30 for degrees here in the capital city, winds are 6 miles an hour, feels more like 29 degrees. We got clear skies. When the kid set out to the bus, they will need their winter jackets. 33degrees as they head out to hour by hour, other than the fog we may have, 46 degrees by 10 oclock, lots of sunshine and 55 by lunchtime. As we get into the afternoon, the sunshine will continue. It will be windy as we get to 62 degrees by 3 oclock area and then as the winds tartu calmed down, 55 degrees as the windsor winds start to calm down. 55degrees this afternoon. I 26 at mile marker 105 you see the traffic picking up both directions between st. Andrews and piney grove road. No accidents reported on the interstate. Our map shows no incidents anywhere as you had around columbia. No slow go heading straight down i 26 as you head towards a malfunction junction. Coming in from lake murray to the Williams Brice stadium a five minute commute. Airport to downtown about nine minutes. We will take a look at that before we can forecast him a we are going to take a look now at some coverage we are continuing to follow. An earlymorning and Apartment Fire has now left to families homeless. This information coming into our newsroom just this morning. Columbia fire crews receive the received a call around for 30 a. M. Flames at the Hunters Ridge apartments on springhouse drive and columbia near broad river road. Once on the scene, smoke and fire were visible from the roof upon the time firefighters got there. We are told the fire is under control. You can see, this video, the firefighters putting their gear on and everything. They have it all under control. No injuries reported, and again two families were displaced. Lets talk a little usa today, shall we . We have our new