Rock Hill Prepares for Icy Weather Impact
Rock Hill is bracing itself for a winter storm that promises to bring treacherous road conditions and potential power outages starting Friday afternoon. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the forecast indicates a 100% chance of winter weather, comprising a mix of snow, freezing rain, and sleet. The warning is in effect through Saturday morning, and folks in York, Chester, and Lancaster counties should be prepared for some rough weather ahead.
What to Expect
As bad news often ushers in a wave of caution, the NWS reports that our fair city could see around one inch of snow and roughly 0.3 inches of ice. This combination poses a real risk for roadways, leading to hazardous travel conditions. The NWS has made it clear that, due to the potential snow and ice accumulations, “many roads will be treacherous and possibly impassable.”
Emergency officials are taking the situation seriously, issuing a travel advisory that discourages people from going on the roads from Friday until conditions improve. Chuck Haynes, the York County Emergency Management Director, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Travel is probably going to be our biggest issue.” He emphasized that the time from overnight Friday into Saturday is crucial as conditions could become especially dangerous.
School Closures and Activities
In light of the impending weather, many local schools have made the decision to cancel classes on Friday or shift to remote learning. All extracurricular activities have also been called off. If you have kiddos in school, be sure to check the latest updates to stay informed on any changes. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Forecast for the Weekend
Even as we move into Saturday, forecasts show that temperatures are not expected to exceed the low 40s, with chilly lows hovering around or below 20 degrees at night. This means that areas still wet from the storm could potentially refreeze overnight, posing additional hazards for travelers attempting to navigate their way around the region.
While major routes such as I-77 and U.S. 21 might receive more attention from plow crews, secondary roads, which receive less traffic and sunlight, could still be extremely hazardous. Yolanda Harris, an expert in asphalt conditions, mentioned that “the weight of the snow and ice on tree limbs and power lines could lead to widespread outages.” So, stay alert!
Power Outages
In the unfortunate event of power outages, residents can turn to several resources for updates. Duke Energy, York Electric Cooperative, and Rock Hill Utilities all provide online maps that are frequently updated with outage information. For direct assistance, if you encounter any issues, please contact these numbers:
- Duke Energy: 800-769-3766
- York Electric Cooperative: 866-374-1234
- Rock Hill Utilities: 803-329-5500
- Comporium: 888-403-2667
- York County Natural Gas: 866-201-1001
Staying Safe
As Rock Hill gears up for this winter storm, it’s essential to remain cautious and stay informed. Keep warm, stock up on essential supplies, and check in on your neighbors, especially the elderly or those who might need assistance. Let’s all come together as a community and look out for one another during this wintry spell!
Stay safe and stay warm out there, Rock Hill!
