Snow falling in York, Chester, Lancaster; officials urge travel caution through Friday
Snow fell Thursday afternoon across York, Chester and Lancaster counties in a winter weather event that could hamper travel through Friday morning, officials said.
The snow that could reach two inches could make for a messy commute, and also has the potential for freezing into black ice on roads, bridges and overpasses into Friday, officials said.
The storm impacted Thursday evening’s commute and could have impact Friday, according to the York County Office of Emergency Management. As of Thursday afternoon, roads were wet but clear, said Chuck Haynes, York County emergency management director.
“We are seeing wet roads but have not seen any major increase in traffic or hazards,” Haynes said. “We still urge caution for drivers. Our people, and law enforcement, are monitoring conditions.”
A York County crash on southbound Interstate 77 near mile marker 79 was reported around 5 p.m, according to the S.C. Highway Patrol.
Chester County was seeing widespread snow around 6 p.m. but roads are clear, said Eddie Murphy, emergency management director.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for York and Lancaster counties.
The advisory states, “The precipitation will begin as rain, or as a mix of sleet, rain, and snow in many areas, but should steadily transition to snow throughout the day.”
Temperatures dropped Thursday and will reach the high 20s by Friday morning, according to the weather service and WBTV, The Herald;’s news partner.
“Roads will initially be warm and wet, but with slippery conditions developing as temperatures drop throughout the day,” officials said.
Weather concerns prompted York, Lancaster and Chester County schools to cancel after-school activities for Thursday. Schools are opening on a delay Friday.
The City of Rock Hill canceled Thursday’s Black History Month Celebration event due to weather concerns. The event has been postponed to Feb. 27 at City Hall Council Chambers at 155 Johnston Street in Rock Hill.
Check back for updates.
This story was originally published February 20, 2020 at 10:42 AM.
