York and Chester Counties, South Carolina, August 17, 2025
News Summary
Residents of York and Chester Counties in South Carolina are advised to prepare for severe thunderstorms expected this Saturday. The National Weather Service issued alerts for strong winds reaching 40 mph and potential pea-sized hail. Areas including Chester, Rock Hill, and Richburg should take precautions as the storm approaches. Motorists are cautioned about the risks of hydroplaning on wet roads. With a 100% chance of rain anticipated for Sunday, community members are reminded to stay safe and informed during severe weather events.
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Hit York and Chester Counties in South Carolina
Heads up, folks in York and Chester Counties! It looks like Mother Nature is about to make some noise in your backyard. On Saturday, just after 3:45 p.m., the National Weather Service sent out an alert about strong thunderstorms brewing up until 4:15 p.m. Who knew the sky could throw such a party?
If you’re in and around areas like Chester, Rock Hill, Richburg, Catawba, Lesslie, and Edgemoor, it’s time to take precautions. This storm is packing a punch with possible gusts reaching up to 40 mph and, yes, you guessed it, even some pea-sized hail—that’s about 0.25 inches, just to give you a feel for it!
The Storm Is Coming for You!
At the time of the alert, Doppler radar showed a particularly feisty thunderstorm rolling in just 7 miles south of Rock Hill and around 6 miles southwest of Lesslie. It’s moving south at about 10 mph, so consider it like an uninvited guest that’s a little late to the party. With gusty winds this strong, there’s a chance for downed tree limbs and a scattering of unsecured items—so if you have a patio set out, you might want to bring it in.
Minor hail damage could also occur, affecting things like outdoor furniture or maybe even your beloved flower pots. So try to keep your outdoor objects safe and sound!
What You Should Do
Just a friendly reminder: if you happen to be outside when the storms come through, the best thing to do is to seek shelter inside a building. Safety first, right?
As a bit of a weather fact, did you know that about 25 million lightning strikes occur every year in the U.S., particularly during the summer months? Lightning can be quite the show, but it also brings risk, resulting in around 20 fatalities each year. As thunderstorms approach, the probability of lightning strikes definitely goes up, reaching its peak when the storm is directly overhead.
Once the storm moves away, the risk decreases, but always be cautious. If you find yourself driving in these conditions, be aware of hydroplaning, which happens when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads. That can bring some serious trouble if you’re not prepared!
What to Expect Ahead
Looking ahead to Sunday, the forecast is predicting a *100% chance of showers* with gusts hitting up to 36 mph and a pleasant high temperature around 75 degrees. After that, get ready for sunny to mostly sunny skies sticking around into the following week with highs swinging between the low 60s and the upper 70s. Just enough variation to keep it interesting!
On a side note, the weather has been particularly lively lately, with additional alerts issued for scattered thunderstorms and even a few tornado warnings rolling in from the Georgia mountains. The potential for a strong tornado is on the table—yikes! So stay tuned to updates, especially if you live in areas marked for severe weather.
Stay Safe and Be Prepared!
Whether you’re cautiously watching the clouds or getting your umbrella ready, it’s always best to be informed and prepared. Keep an eye on the weather, and, as always, stay safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What areas are affected by the severe thunderstorm alert? The alert covers York and Chester Counties, including Chester, Rock Hill, Richburg, Catawba, Lesslie, and Edgemoor.
- What should I do during a thunderstorm? If you’re outdoors, seek shelter inside a building and stay away from windows.
- What is hydroplaning? Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to water pressure building up in front of its tires.
- What are common impacts of severe thunderstorms? Impacts may include strong winds, hail, downed trees, and localized flooding.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for Local Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued in South Carolina
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Severe Thunderstorms Expected in South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Devastation in Metro Atlanta
Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flood Warnings in Lancaster County
Thunderstorm Alerts Sound an Alarm in South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Coastal Georgia and South Carolina
Austin Jared Radel Arrested on Hilton Head Island
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Upstate South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WBTV
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Safety
- WGAL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- QC News
- Google News: Thunderstorm Alert
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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