Rock Hill, South Carolina, January 22, 2026
Rock Hill, South Carolina is preparing for a significant winter storm this weekend, anticipated to bring a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon, with potential hazardous conditions including ice accumulation, dangerous travel, and possible power outages. Residents are advised to stay safe by preparing for treacherous roadways and expecting school and business closures. This storm is part of a broader weather system affecting much of the eastern United States.
Rock Hill Prepares for Significant Winter Weather This Weekend
Rock Hill, South Carolina, is under a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 7:00 AM EST until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST, as a significant winter storm is forecast to impact the region.
Forecasted Conditions
The National Weather Service anticipates a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing through Sunday. Accumulations of 1-3 cm of snow are expected, transitioning to sleet and freezing rain in the afternoon. The storm is projected to bring hazardous conditions, including:
- Significant ice accumulation
- Dangerous travel conditions
- Potential power outages
Impacts and Precautions
Residents are advised to prepare for:
- Treacherous roadways
- Widespread power outages
- School and business closures
Local authorities recommend staying updated with weather forecasts and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety during the storm.
Background
This winter storm is part of a broader system affecting the eastern United States, with similar conditions expected from New Mexico to the Carolinas. The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories and warnings to approximately 100 million people, predicting dangerous conditions including heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and wind chills as low as -50°F in the Northern Plains. The storm, expected to begin Friday and continue through the weekend, may down trees and power lines, with over half an inch of ice possible in areas such as Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Memphis, and Charlotte may experience severe travel disruptions. Preparations include snow and ice removal efforts by cities like Chicago with 330 snowplows, Nashville with 45, and Memphis operating 15 trucks. Some southern cities, like Jackson, Mississippi, lack snowplows altogether and depend on alternative equipment and salt-spreading trucks. Texas has over 1,000 pieces of winter weather equipment, and Arkansas stockpiled 78,000 cubic yards of salt for road treatment. Residents are urged to wear multiple clothing layers and exercise caution amid life-threatening conditions.
Weather Forecast
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy, 42°F (5°C)
Friday, January 23: Chilly with occasional rain and drizzle, High: 46°F (8°C), Low: 32°F (0°C)
Saturday, January 24: Colder with considerable cloudiness; 1-3 cm of snow changing to sleet and freezing rain in the afternoon; threat of significant damage from a major ice storm, High: 36°F (2°C), Low: 21°F (-6°C)
Sunday, January 25: Sleet and freezing rain, mainly early; remaining cloudy and cold; ice can cause dangerous travel, tree damage and power outages, High: 32°F (0°C), Low: 25°F (-4°C)
Key Features of the Winter Storm
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Winter Storm Watch | In effect from Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 7:00 AM EST until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST |
| Forecasted Precipitation | Mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain; 1-3 cm of snow accumulation expected |
| Potential Impacts | Significant ice accumulation, dangerous travel conditions, potential power outages |
| Recommended Precautions | Stay updated with weather forecasts, prepare for hazardous conditions, exercise caution during the storm |
| Broader Impact | Part of a larger system affecting the eastern U.S., with similar conditions expected from New Mexico to the Carolinas |
| Weather Forecast | Chilly temperatures with occasional rain and drizzle on Friday; significant winter weather expected Saturday and Sunday |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Winter Storm Watch for Rock Hill, SC?
Rock Hill, South Carolina, is under a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 7:00 AM EST until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST, as a significant winter storm is forecast to impact the region.
What weather conditions are expected during the storm?
The National Weather Service anticipates a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing through Sunday. Accumulations of 1-3 cm of snow are expected, transitioning to sleet and freezing rain in the afternoon. The storm is projected to bring hazardous conditions, including significant ice accumulation, dangerous travel conditions, and potential power outages.
What precautions should residents take?
Residents are advised to prepare for treacherous roadways, widespread power outages, and potential school and business closures. Local authorities recommend staying updated with weather forecasts and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety during the storm.
What is the broader impact of this winter storm?
This winter storm is part of a broader system affecting the eastern United States, with similar conditions expected from New Mexico to the Carolinas. The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories and warnings to approximately 100 million people, predicting dangerous conditions including heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and wind chills as low as -50°F in the Northern Plains. The storm, expected to begin Friday and continue through the weekend, may down trees and power lines, with over half an inch of ice possible in areas such as Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Memphis, and Charlotte may experience severe travel disruptions. Preparations include snow and ice removal efforts by cities like Chicago with 330 snowplows, Nashville with 45, and Memphis operating 15 trucks. Some southern cities, like Jackson, Mississippi, lack snowplows altogether and depend on alternative equipment and salt-spreading trucks. Texas has over 1,000 pieces of winter weather equipment, and Arkansas stockpiled 78,000 cubic yards of salt for road treatment. Residents are urged to wear multiple clothing layers and exercise caution amid life-threatening conditions.
What is the weather forecast for Rock Hill, SC?
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy, 42°F (5°C)
Friday, January 23: Chilly with occasional rain and drizzle, High: 46°F (8°C), Low: 32°F (0°C)
Saturday, January 24: Colder with considerable cloudiness; 1-3 cm of snow changing to sleet and freezing rain in the afternoon; threat of significant damage from a major ice storm, High: 36°F (2°C), Low: 21°F (-6°C)
Sunday, January 25: Sleet and freezing rain, mainly early; remaining cloudy and cold; ice can cause dangerous travel, tree damage and power outages, High: 32°F (0°C), Low: 25°F (-4°C)
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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.
