Winter storm hits Rock Hill: Icy roads, 1,700+ without power in York, Chester counties
A winter storm that crashed through the Carolinas over the weekend hit the Rock Hill area Sunday, icing roads, closing schools on Monday, and leaving more than 1,700 customers without power.
Yet officials warned treacherous road conditions will remain as part of a National Weather Service ice storm warning that continues through midday Monday.
Sunday night: Power outages in York, Chester
As of 6 p.m. Sunday there were more than 1,800 ustomer power outages in York, Chester, and Lancaster counties, according to the three main utilities serving the area.
Duke Energy had more than 1,700 of those outages in York County areas south of Rock Hill into eastern Chester County, and more in the city of York, according to Duke’s outage map.
The city of Rock Hill Utilities showed no customers without service, its map showed.
York Electric Cooperative had fewer than 20 customers without power, the utility’s map showed.
People are advised to check outage maps for updated outage locations where service has been disrupted, and potential times of restoration. Duke Energy’s outage map did not show an estimated time for restoration of service to affected customers.
The utilities said before the storm stated they had crews on stand-by to restore power, with expected assistance from crews that came from unaffected states.
Roads: Icy, and Monday, too
Roads in York, Lancaster and Chester counties had a covering of frozen precipitation Sunday, said Master Trooper Hannah Davidson of the S.C. Highway Patrol.
“We expect it to get worse,” Davidson told The Herald.
Emergency officials reported I-77 remained open Sunday with light traffic, according to officials and S.C. Department of Transportation cameras along the interstate.
Anyone who does not have to drive should stay home if possible, Davidson said.
Forecast: Worse before it gets better
Ice accumulations are expected to increase through the afternoon into Sunday evening, the National Weather Service said in its forecast. Conditions will linger “through at least Monday,” according to the weather service.
“Ice covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable,” a Sunday afternoon statement from the NWS said.
An ice storm warning from Winter Storm Fern issued by the NWS remains in effect until Monday afternoon.
The NWS also warned that “significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages.”
Cold temperatures after the storm passes through are forecast for most of the week ahead, the NWS said.
Shelters in York, Chester
York County opened two shelters Saturday night for people in need. One is in Rock Hill at Northside Recreation Center, 900 Annafrel St. and one is in York at 21 White Rose Lane.
People are asked to bring any medications needed and use caution if traveling to the shelters.
Chester County government announced it has opened shelters at Chester Middle School, 1014 McCandless Road, Chester; and the Great Falls War memorial Building, 401 Dearborn St., Great Falls.
Schools, parks, government
All four York County school districts and those in neighborng Lancaster and Chester counties have already closed campuses for Monday and changed to e-learning because of the possibility of frozen roads.
York County officials decided Sunday afternoon to close its offices and facilities on Monday, citing treacherous road conditions.
Rock Hill has closed all city parks, trails and recreation campuses until further notice, city spokesperson Katie Quinn said. The city has also cancelled a “Parade of Champions” planned for Monday to honor state championship athletic teams, and cancelled municipal court for Monday.
This story was originally published January 25, 2026 at 8:51 AM.
