Rock Hill Faces Challenges After Tropical Storm Helene
ROCK HILL — Residents of Rock Hill are navigating some unexpected changes as the community continues to address the effects of Tropical Storm Helene, which recently swept through York County. Although sun and clouds are gracing the forecast with a pleasant high of 83°F and a low of 69°F, the storm left a significant impact on local institutions and the daily lives of many.
Winthrop University Adjusts Academic Calendar
In a surprising announcement, Winthrop University informed students that the scheduled fall break, originally set for October 11-14, has been officially canceled. Instead of a four-day weekend, students will have classes on both October 11 and 14. This decision comes in light of the storm’s disruption, which forced a week-long cancellation of classes from September 30 to October 4.
President Edward Serna explained, “Missed classes must be made up, per our accrediting body, and with limited days available in the academic calendar, fall break was a better choice than impacting Thanksgiving or pushing the semester farther into December.” It’s a tough break for the 4,700 students at Winthrop, who were looking forward to some time off, but the administration is committed to maintaining the integrity of the academic schedule.
Challenges with Internet Access
As the storm left many without power, the university opted against remote learning. “A large area of our state is still without power, and connectivity in those areas and others remains spotty,” Serna noted. In fact, around 580 Winthrop students are from regions severely impacted by Helene, and staff have been reaching out to these individuals to provide support and resources in the wake of the storm. “In some cases, we don’t even know if our messages are reaching them,” he added.
Additionally, the campus has faced challenges of its own. Several trees and power lines were downed during the storm, leaving most of the campus without power from September 27 to September 29. One of the residence halls, Thomson Hall, was still without power as of October 1, pending the arrival of a replacement transformer.
Cancellation of Family Day
The university also had to cancel its annual Family Day, which was initially scheduled for October 5. Administrators are currently considering possibilities for rescheduling this long-awaited event, and families will be eagerly anticipating updates.
Other Institutions Resuming Operations
While Winthrop University is still in recovery mode, other educational institutions in York County are back to their regular schedules. York Technical College and Clinton College both resumed classes on October 1, showcasing resilience in the face of weather-related disruptions.
Community Resilience
Despite the ups and downs, the Rock Hill community is coming together. Local businesses and organizations are stepping up to help those affected by the storm, organizing supply drives and offering support to ensure residents can get back on their feet.
The road to recovery is just beginning, but with bright skies ahead and a determined spirit, Rock Hill is sure to emerge stronger. For students and residents alike, staying connected, supporting one another, and embracing the sunny days ahead will be key as they rebuild and reclaim normalcy in their lives.
