News Summary
Severe thunderstorms and a possible tornado have impacted Rock Hill, SC, prompting warnings from the National Weather Service. Residents in York, Union, and Chester counties are urged to seek shelter as storm conditions including hail and high wind gusts are expected. Flood watches are also in effect due to anticipated excessive rainfall. Continued vigilance and preparedness are essential as the storm system moves through the area.
Severe Thunderstorms and Possible Tornado Warning in Rock Hill Area, SC
The skies over Rock Hill, South Carolina, are turning wild as severe thunderstorms and a possible tornado strike the area. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg issued an updated alert on Friday at 6:53 p.m., warning residents to stay on their toes until 7:45 p.m. This alert covers York, Union, and Chester counties, so if you’re in the area, it’s time to pay attention!
What to Expect
As these storms roll in, locals can expect pea-sized hail along with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. That’s enough to knock down tree limbs and toss around any loose items you might have left outside! The NWS has pinpointed these storms traveling southeast at a brisk 25 mph, causing quite a stir along a path from 8 miles southeast of Rock Hill all the way to 15 miles west of Lancaster.
Where is it Happening?
If your home is near Chester State Park, Richburg, Leeds, Cornwell, Edgemoor, Great Falls, Chester, Lesslie, Catawba, or Lockhart, you are definitely in the storm’s path. With the potential for hail and strong winds, it’s advised to seek shelter if you’re outdoors. Remember, storms can intensify quickly, so it’s best to be prepared.
Lightning Safety
Did you know that the U.S. experiences approximately 25 million lightning strikes every year? Surprisingly, lightning is responsible for around 20 fatalities annually. As these thunderstorms approach, the likelihood of lightning increases. Make sure to stay indoors when you see a storm brewing—your safety comes first!
Tornado Alert
In addition to thunderstorms, a potential tornado was reported near Brattonsville by a viewer who witnessed it causing damage to a barn, playset, and several trees. Tornado warnings were previously in effect for parts of Lancaster and Chesterfield counties around 3:45 p.m. While those warnings expired about 30 minutes later, danger still loomed, and residents are urged to take caution.
Flood Warnings in Effect
Flooding concerns are also present, with flood watches issued for York and surrounding counties starting at 7 p.m. Friday and continuing until 5 a.m. Saturday. This is due to the possibility of excessive rainfall, particularly in low-lying areas. The NWS predicts that we could see 1 to 2 inches of additional rainfall on Friday night into Saturday morning. Thankfully, the drought situation in York County has improved, with only 47% of the area currently facing moderate drought—a significant drop from 76% at the beginning of May.
The Weekend Ahead
Looking ahead, Friday features a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m., with highs around 76°F. Saturday, however, is shaping up to be a soggy one, with a 90% chance of rain and highs dipping to around 68°F. Thankfully, Sunday offers a reprieve with mostly sunny skies and temperatures bouncing back to the upper 70s. Those longing for sunny weather will be delighted to see highs reaching up to 86°F by Wednesday!
Staying Prepared
It’s important to know the difference between a tornado watch (be prepared) and a tornado warning (take action). Updated tornado watches were released at 9:25 p.m. on Friday and are in effect until midnight on Saturday for Lancaster and York counties. Take time to create a communication plan with your family, find safe shelter, and keep in touch through local news or the NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed.
Stay safe and keep an eye on the sky, Rock Hill! You don’t want to miss anything, especially Mother Nature’s dramatic show.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Weather Hits South Carolina and Maryland
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Affect York and Chester Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Charleston and Nearby Counties
Hilton Head Braces for Severe Thunderstorms This Weekend
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Hit Greenville and Nearby Counties
Severe Weather Alert for Upstate SC: Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Expected
Snow Flurries Blanket Upstate South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Alert in Central South Carolina
Brace For the Chill: Polar Vortex Hits the U.S.
Severe Storms and Flooding Impact Southeastern U.S.
Additional Resources
- WCNC: Possible Brief Tornado in York County, SC
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- York Dispatch: York County Under Flood Watch
- Google Search: York County Flood Watch
- PennLive: Tornado Watch for Pennsylvania
- Google Scholar: Tornado Watches and Warnings
- Evening Sun: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Adams County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- Herald: Weather News
- Google News: Severe Weather Alerts
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