News Summary
York County and parts of Central Pennsylvania experienced severe thunderstorms on Tuesday, leading to heavy rains, strong winds, and flash flooding. The National Weather Service issued multiple alerts, warning residents of wind gusts up to 60 mph and localized flooding. With many areas experiencing power outages and impassable roads, residents are advised to stay safe and informed as stormy weather continues in the region.
York County Faces Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding
Residents of York County and parts of Central Pennsylvania experienced a wild ride on Tuesday evening, as severe thunderstorms swept through the area, bringing with them heavy rains, gusty winds, and some hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) kept folks in the loop by issuing several alerts, ensuring everyone was aware of the storm’s potential dangers.
Weather Alerts in Effect
It all kicked off around 4:47 p.m., when the NWS issued a thunderstorm alert for York County. This warning predicted winds gusts up to 50 mph until 5:30 p.m. Radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Kings Mountain State Park, moving northeast at 20 mph, which affected areas such as Gastonia, South Gastonia, Clover, Dallas, and the park itself. The NWS warned that these thunderstorms were producing heavy rain, raising the alarm about localized flooding and water ponding.
Fast forward to 9:08 p.m., when another alert was issued stretching until 9:45 p.m. This time, wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph, and the Doppler radar had picked up on a significant storm system near York at 9:07 p.m.. The storm was moving northeast at a brisk 30 mph. Residents in towns like Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Belmont, Tega Cay, Clover, Newport, and Cramerton were all on alert as lightning strikes were possible within a 10-mile radius of the storm.
Impact of the Storm
The thunderstorms brought with them not just rain, but also frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. In fact, around 25 million lightning strikes occur across the U.S. every year, claiming about 20 lives annually. It’s essential for residents to be cautious when thunderheads roll in, as the chance of strikes peaks when a storm is directly overhead.
As the storms progressed, the NWS also issued severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood warnings for the region. And just when it seemed like things couldn’t get worse, a storm warning popped up for southern York County, predicting even stronger winds up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail by 6:15 p.m.
As night fell, power outages began to affect residents. About 2,245 customers in areas stretching from New Providence to Quarryville found themselves in the dark due to the storm. With restoration times shifting between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., many were left wondering when their lights would come back on.
Flooding and Safety Concerns
As heavy rain continued to pour in the area, the NWS issued a flash flood warning for northern Lancaster County, estimating rainfall totals of up to 2 inches. Urban areas, highways, and low-lying locations in Lancaster County reported significant flooding, with numerous roads becoming impassable. Residents were advised to exercise caution while driving and heed safety recommendations.
Additionally, reports began to roll in about trees falling and high-water rescues being undertaken in various counties, highlighting the severity of the situation. In the borough of Manheim, the flooding was deemed critical due to already saturated ground from previous storms, prompting calls for heightened awareness and safety practices.
Stay Safe, York County!
With stormy weather forecasted for the next few days, residents are urged to stay alert, and prioritize safety. It’s always better to be cautious when the skies darken and thunder rolls in.
Let’s look out for one another during these severe weather events and make sure to get updates from credible sources. Keep umbrellas and flashlights handy, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe!
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- York Daily Record
- Google Search: Thunderstorms York County
- Fox43
- Google Scholar: York County Weather
- York Dispatch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- WGAL
- Google News: York County Severe Weather
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
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