Icy winter storm barrels toward Rock Hill: Possible treacherous roads, power outages
Roads could be treacherous and power outages are possible as the Rock Hill region prepares for ice from a winter storm Friday and Saturday.
York, Chester, and Lancaster counties could see snow, freezing rain and sleet — or a combination of all three. The National Weather Service said in its forecast there is a 100% chance of winter weather starting Friday afternoon and has issued a winter storm warning that lasts through Saturday morning.
The Rock Hill area — from Lake Wylie east to Indian Land and Fort Mill — could see about an inch of snow and .3 inches of ice, the NWS said. That ice amount could cause roads to freeze and trees and power lines to be knocked down, officials said.
“Snow and ice accumulations will make many roads treacherous and impassable,” the weather service said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
The official winter storm warning — upgraded from a watch — is issued when “a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent,” according to the NWS web site.
Area schools have already decided to close or have remote classes Friday and have canceled extra-curricular activities.
Roads a major concern
Emergency officials have issued a travel advisory urging people to stay off the roads from Friday until icy conditions abate.
“Travel is probably going to be our biggest issue,” said York County Emergency Management Director Chuck Haynes. “Overnight Friday into Saturday, it really has a chance to get dangerous.”
Temperatures Saturday even as skies clear are not expected to rise much over 40 degrees, with lows Saturday night around or below 20 degrees. That means areas that remain wet could refreeze Saturday night into Sunday, said Darren Player, Lancaster County emergency management director.
Officials said even if main roads such as I-77, U.S. 21 and U.S. 521 are clear, secondary roads can be hazardous because they receive less traffic and direct sunlight after a storm passes.
Power, utility outages
Freezing rain on trees and power lines can cause widespread problems, officials said.
“The weight of the snow and ice on tree limbs and power lines could produce numerous outages,” the weather service said.
If there are power outages, people can check online maps that are updated freqquently by Duke Energy, York Electric Cooperative, and the city of Rock Hill Utilities.
For problems or information, York County officials suggest using these numbers:
▪ Duke Energy 800-769-3766.
▪ York Electric Cooperative 866-374-1234
▪ Rock Hill Utilities 803-329-5500
▪ Comporium 888-403-2667
▪ York County Natural Gas 866-201-1001
This story was originally published January 10, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
