Tropical Storm Chantal forms off the South Carolina coast, threatening heavy rainfall and potential flooding as it moves toward the Carolinas this weekend.
At a Glance
- Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday, July 5, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph.
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from the South Santee River, South Carolina, to Cape Fear, North Carolina.
- The storm is expected to make landfall or move across the coast on Sunday morning.
- Heavy rainfall of 2-4 inches, with local amounts up to 6 inches, could cause flash flooding across the coastal Carolinas.
Tropical Storm Chantal Forms Off SC Coast
A tropical depression off the coast of South Carolina has strengthened into the third named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. As of Saturday morning, Tropical Storm Chantal was located about 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, moving slowly north at 2 mph with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the coast from the South Santee River, South Carolina, to Cape Fear, North Carolina. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Edisto Beach to the South Santee River.
Forecast Track and Intensity
Forecasters at the NHC predict that Chantal will turn north-northwest before its center moves across the South Carolina coast on Sunday morning. Some slight strengthening is possible before landfall.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 70 miles from the storm’s center, meaning coastal communities will begin to feel the effects long before the center arrives.
The Primary Threats: Flooding and Rip Currents
The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall and dangerous coastal conditions to the Carolinas over the holiday weekend. “The biggest impacts from Chantal will be the heavy rain and the threat for flash flooding, especially in those low-lying, flood-prone areas,” a forecaster told CBS News.
Widespread rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with localized amounts up to 6 inches, is expected through the weekend. The National Weather Service warns this could cause flash flooding, particularly in areas east of Interstate 95.
In addition, life-threatening rip currents and breaking waves up to six feet are expected at all regional beaches, making swimming extremely dangerous. As noted by USA Today, small craft advisories are in effect for all coastal waters, and mariners are advised to remain in port.
