News Summary
Residents of York and Lancaster Counties are bracing for severe thunderstorms and flash flooding as intense weather hits the region. With wind speeds up to 60 mph, hail, and heavy rain predicted, authorities have issued warnings for potential urban flooding. Areas are urged to stay vigilant, especially as cleanup efforts begin after power outages affecting thousands. Community safety remains a priority as winds and storms continue to pose risks throughout the evening. Stay indoors if possible and exercise caution when traveling.
Heads Up, York and Lancaster Counties! Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding are Here!
Residents of York and Lancaster Counties, brace yourselves! An intense weather system has arrived, and it’s not pulling any punches. On Thursday evening, June 26, 2025, York County was hit with a severe thunderstorm warning that lasted until 6:15 p.m., with forecasts suggesting that the worst was yet to come.
What’s Happening?
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) based in State College, this powerful storm is packing some serious punch with winds reaching speeds of up to 60 mph and pockets of quarter-sized hail. The storm is moving southeast at a brisk pace of 20 mph, posing threats to several towns including Hanover, Codorus, Shrewsbury, Glen Rock, and Jacobus.
But that’s not all! Another thunderstorm warning was issued for York County that extends until 9:45 p.m.. Residents can expect wind gusts up to 40 mph — certainly not ideal for a calm evening!
Take Cover, Folks!
Things are getting wild with Doppler radar detection showing a strong thunderstorm near York around 9:07 p.m., projecting northeast at 30 mph. It’s essential for everyone to stay indoors as the storm brings not only high winds but also frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. Remember, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from a thunderstorm, so safety comes first!
Heavy rainfall is also making its mark, with estimates suggesting up to 2 inches could fall from these ongoing thunderstorms. This can lead to urban flooding and hazardous driving conditions. If you’re planning to hit the roads, extra caution is a must! Roads may become dangerously flooded with ponding water.
Flood Warnings in Place
A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for northern Lancaster County until 7:30 p.m., so it’s crucial for residents in those areas to stay vigilant. The storm activity has already caused substantial disruptions, leaving an estimated 2,245 residents without power between New Providence and Quarryville. Although power restoration efforts are underway, outages may not be completely resolved until around 12:30 a.m.
As of 5 p.m., reports show that remaining power outages have dropped to fewer than 500. The NWS is also providing updates on troubling flooding in places like Lancaster, Ephrata, and Columbia. If you live in those areas, keep your eye on conditions and stay safe!
Inspect Your Surroundings
There are reports of significant tree damage in places like Bethel Township and North Annville Township, caused by the intense winds. Rescue operations are ongoing in certain areas that have experienced terrifying high waters. In the spirit of community, the Carlisle Borough Government is stepping in to coordinate storm cleanup efforts — rallying together to ensure safety and recovery.
Stay Smart on the Roads
As conditions worsen, remember that the risk of hydroplaning significantly increases when water layers build up on road surfaces. The NWS strongly suggests that everyone adopts safety measures during this tumultuous weather. If you can stay indoors, do so! If you must drive, be exceptionally cautious.
For perspective, over the past year, the U.S. has seen a staggering 25 million lightning strikes, resulting in about 20 unfortunate fatalities. Clearly, the approach of storms elevates your risk. Keep your melt together, and let’s navigate through this wild weather together!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Issued for South Carolina Regions
Severe Thunderstorm Caution Issued for Chester and York Counties
Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Greenville-Spartanburg Area
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Cherokee and Spartanburg Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Henderson County
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Laurens County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits Mecklenburg County
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for York County
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit York County
Additional Resources
- York Daily Record
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Fox43 News
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Warnings Lancaster York Counties
- WGAL News
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorms
- PennLive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet
- Google News: York Lancaster Counties Thunderstorms
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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