UPDATE: Ice storm warning issued for the Rock Hill region ahead of weekend cold
Estimated ice accumulations continue to edge up as the Rock Hill area braces for two days of snow, sleet and freezing rain, according to the National Weather Service.
On Friday morning, ice storm warnings were issued from 1 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Monday for a large region that includes York, Lancaster and Chester counties.
The warning anticipates significant icing and impacts from accumulated sleet. Combined snow and sleet could reach 2 inches, with ice up to three-quarters of an inch in York and Chester counties. Lancaster County, which gets forecasts from a separate office, could see up to an inch of sleet and half an inch of ice.
“Ice and snow covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable,” the warning for York and Chester counties said. “Widespread power outages are likely due to the weight of the ice and snow on tree limbs and power lines. The outages could last for days in some areas.”
Ice is likely to begin accumulating Saturday afternoon and evening, but will increase more rapidly on Sunday, according to the forecast. The warnings covering all three counties note travel is “strongly discouraged.”
Early Friday morning, forecasters predicted anywhere from a quarter of an inch to 0.67 of an inch of ice could form on surfaces between 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Monday.
Snow was far less likely, with an inch or less expected for Rock Hill, while up to two inches could fall to the west in Spartanburg and Greenville.
The arrival time of the storm on Saturday also continues to change, with projections now calling for sleet to start later in the afternoon, forecasters say.
“This is subject to change as we get closer to the event due to the transition line between snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain,” the National Weather Service says.
“The biggest concern is the ice threat as the current forecast supports a crippling ice storm for a good portion of the area. Ice covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable. Widespread power outages are likely due to the weight of the ice on tree limbs and power lines. The outages could last for days in some areas. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.”
Rock Hill has a 30% chance of precipitation during the day Saturday, and it will rise to 100% after sunset.
Sleet will start falling around 5 p.m. Saturday, with wind gusts of around 23 mph. It will transition to freezing rain around 8 p.m. and the “sleet could be heavy at times,” forecasters say. The low will be around 20.
On Sunday, there is a 100% chance of freezing rain and sleet, and it will continue through the night. The high will be 32 degrees and the low will be around 20 degrees, forecasters say.
Monday will be rain free, but cold, with a high of around 36 degrees and a low near 6.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for both Carolinas, and Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency for South Carolina.
The order activates the state’s Emergency Operations Plan, allowing state agencies to quickly mobilize resources to begin coordinating response efforts.
People in the area should delay travel and drive only if necessary, the weather service said in a Friday morning notice. And if they do, they should use extreme caution.
“Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing,” the notice said. “Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”
Cold weather to last into next week
Once the wintry mix clears out Monday, forecasts still expect very cold temperatures and low wind chills. Cold Weather Advisories may be needed Monday night and again on Wednesday night.
“These temperatures will be especially dangerous due to the possibility of extended power outages resulting from this weekend’s storm,” the weather service said in an update Friday morning. Roads likely will remain icy and treacherous through early next week.”
This story was originally published January 23, 2026 at 6:27 AM.