Rain, high winds forecast for York, Chester, Lancaster counties in SC. Tornadoes possible

Heavy rain and gusty winds are expected to lash York, Chester, and Lancaster counties in South Carolina on Tuesday, with the possibility of thunderstorms and a tornado, according to the National Weather Service forecast and emergency officials.

The severe weather Tuesday has the chance of peaking during the afternoon commute, said Chuck Haynes, York County Emergency Management Director. Haynes urged anyone on the road Tuesday afternoon during severe weather to use extra caution.

“All day is expected to be rainy and windy, but there is a chance that the late afternoon hours could see the worst of it,” Haynes said Monday.

Rain forecasts for the Rock Hill area are from 1 to 2 inches with the possibility of more, according to the Weather Service. Winds are expected to be 20-30 miles per hour, with guts of 45 MPH, the forecast shows.

The area has a wind advisory and a flood watch for Tuesday. That means there’s a potential for flash flooding, according to the Weather Service.

All four York County school districts and the Lancaster County school district have switched to virtual school for Tuesday in preparation for the weather.

While the rain could be heavy, the wind is especially concerning for the roads, said Darren Player, emergency management director for Lancaster County.

The severe weather has the possibility of tornadoes, mainly south of Interstate 85, according to the Weather Service. I-85 skirts the western edge of York County.

“We are going to have breezy conditions in the morning then after lunch winds will be even higher,” Player said Monday afternoon. “Wind gusts that could reach 45 miles per hour are enough to buffet vehicles on the road.”

Both Haynes and Player said high winds combined with rain bring the possibility of downed trees and power lines.

“Drivers need to be aware of debris on the road,” Player said.