News Summary
Chester County faced severe thunderstorms with potential for hail; power outages affected thousands. Safety measures were advised amidst chaotic weather conditions. The situation remains critical as residents prepare for further storms.
Chester County Braces for Severe Thunderstorm Chaos
This past Friday, residents of Chester County experienced quite a spectacle as the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg issued a weather alert for fierce thunderstorms expected to last until 4 p.m. The skies darkened, lightning crackled, and the air buzzed with anticipation as storms rolled in from the south at an impressive speed of 40 mph.
Hail and Lightning in the Forecast
As the storm approached, Doppler radar picked up strong thunderstorms forming a line stretching from 8 miles south of Rock Hill to 9 miles south of Chester. Weather experts warned residents to remain vigilant as the storms brought the potential for nickel-sized hail, approximately 0.88 inches in diameter. This increased the chances for “minor hail damage” especially to outdoor objects—a crucial note for anyone with an outdoor event planned.
Where Storms Struck
The alert affected several locations within Chester County, including Richburg, Cornwell, Edgemoor, Fort Lawn, Great Falls, Blackstock, and the Fishing Creek Reservoir. Residents were advised to seek shelter indoors if they happened to be outside when the storms rolled through. With around 25 million lightning strikes occurring in the U.S. annually, the risk of being struck increases dramatically when thunderstorms are near, peaking when the storm is overhead.
Staying Safe During the Storm
Safety remained a top priority, as experts offered advice on how to stay safe during thunderstorm activities. The NWS provided essential information on avoiding accidents related to hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle slides across wet roads due to water building up in front of the tires. Taking precautions like maintaining proper tire pressure and adjusting vehicle speed can help keep drivers safe.
Severe Effects on Chester County
As if that was not enough, Chester County faced a stormy week, with another alert issued earlier on Wednesday morning. Tornado warnings were reported in both Chester County and Union County, NC, raising alarms across the area. With winds gusting up to an alarming 46 mph, the storms caused chaos in nearby regions, resulting in downed trees and widespread power outages.
Initial reports indicated that approximately 71,000 customers were left without power in Chester County, with that number soaring to over 55,000 following yet another storm’s onslaught. The PECO Emergency Response Organization was called into action, as mutual assistance crews rallied together to help restore service and assess the extensive damage.
Chester County’s Impact vs. Nearby Areas
Interestingly, nearby Delaware County experienced a less severe storm, with only about 2,500 customers suffering power outages. Fortunes definitely varied in the region. Thankfully, Chester County did not report any serious injuries or significant flooding, but roughly 10 auto accidents were noted as roads became slick with the rain.
Post-Storm Live Updates
With reports emerging, the Kennett Square Police Department was running on generator power due to outages but handled the situation without major emergencies. PECO customers were encouraged to keep an eye on the company’s website for real-time updates about power restoration efforts.
The Continued Threat and Everyone’s Safety
As the day wound down, Chester County residents braced themselves for another cruel twist of weather. The advisory regarding thunderstorms extended until 9 p.m., suggesting continued risks for damaging winds of up to 60 mph, along with large hail. By the time the clock read 9:45 p.m., around 1,000 residents were left in the dark once again after the chaotic storms rolled through, resulting in extensive damage, including trees falling and incidents like a small airplane tipping over at the Chester County Airport.
With everyone feeling the pressure of Mother Nature’s wrath, the public was once again reminded to seek shelter whenever tornado warnings are active and to remain prepared for the possibility of more power outages ahead.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- WBTV
- MyChesco
- Delco Times
- NBC Philadelphia
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Google Search: Chester County Weather
- Google Scholar: Chester County Thunderstorm
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Google News: Chester County Thunderstorm
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York 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 Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. 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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