Storms bring high winds, little rain to Rock Hill area

Thunderstorms brought high winds but not so much rain to parts of York and Chester counties Wednesday, but forecasters say nicer weather is in store for later in the week.

The storm system formed over the Spartanburg area and moved east Wednesday morning, said Doug Outlaw, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Greenville.

While the system dropped less than an inch of rain in Rock Hill, wind gusts at the Rock Hill/York County Airport peaked at 45 mph shortly after noon.

“This was a potent line of thunderstorms that came through and caused a lot of wind damage in many areas,” Outlaw said.

Chester County schools canceled after-school activities Wednesday due to the weather.

A tornado watch issued by the weather service for the Charlotte region, including York and Chester counties, expired at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The S.C. Highway Patrol reported several trees and utility poles down on York County roads late Wednesday morning.

About 10 trees fell on roadways countywide, according to Chuck Haynes, director of York County Emergency Management.

The city of Rock Hill had about 2,700 customers without power due to trees down Wednesday morning. About 370 customers were still without power at 4 p.m.

About 3,000 Duke Energy customers were without power in Mecklenburg County as of midday Wednesday.

Sunny but cooler weather is in the forecast Thursday and heading into the weekend, Outlaw said, with highs in the lower 50s Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“It’s going to be a little cool, but it’s going to be nice,” Outlaw said.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 2:19 PM with the headline "Storms bring high winds, little rain to Rock Hill area."