Tropical Storm Chantal develops near the coast of South Carolina

Tropical Storm Chantal Develops Off South Carolina Coast

A tropical storm named Chantal has formed off the coast of South Carolina as of Saturday morning. This development has led to a tropical storm warning for some beaches in the region. The storm is expected to dissipate by the end of the holiday weekend.

Chantal’s winds have reached 40 mph so far, moving north at about 2 mph and located approximately 150 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm is anticipated to strengthen a bit throughout Saturday before making landfall on the northern South Carolina coast early Sunday morning.

“The most significant impact will likely be intense local rainfall. The storm’s center is expected to reach Folly Beach late tonight, probably before or just after sunrise on Sunday,” a meteorologist mentioned. “It’s quite a broad center at this point.”

Tropical storm warnings are active from the South Santee River in South Carolina up to Cape Fear in North Carolina. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Edisto Beach to the South Santee River.

Winds associated with the tropical storm are expected from Saturday evening into Sunday morning, with gusts potentially reaching 40-45 mph. However, these gusts shouldn’t cause significant structural damage or major power outages. “The real concern is the rain,” the expert noted, highlighting increased wave action and rip currents along South Carolina’s beaches, especially near Wrightsville.

Heavier rainfall is also predicted to impact the Carolina coastal plains on Monday, with amounts of 2-4 inches expected in many areas. Some isolated spots could see up to 6 inches, according to the NHC.

Chantal is likely to bring minor storm surges to parts of the Carolinas. “The combination of storm surge and tide is expected to flood low-lying areas near the coast as water rises inland,” the NHC explained.

Peak surges could reach 1-3 feet in the tropical storm warning area and 1-2 feet in the watch area. Additionally, the beaches facing Chantal could pose hazards with heavy surf and life-threatening rip currents.