News Summary
Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall near Litchfield Beach, SC, with strong winds and heavy rains. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect as residents prepare for hazardous weather, including dangerous surf and potential tornadoes. Coastal areas may see 2 to 6 inches of rain, complicating travel and outdoor activities. Residents are advised to stay informed and take safety precautions while storm conditions continue through the weekend.
Tropical Storm Chantal Makes Landfall in South Carolina, Bringing Heavy Rain and Dangerous Surf Conditions
Charleston, SC – Tropical Storm Chantal has officially made landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, at 4 a.m. EDT on Saturday, July 5, 2025. The storm intensified from a tropical depression earlier that morning, boasting maximum sustained winds of 50 mph upon landfall.
A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the coastline from South Santee River, South Carolina, to Cape Fear, North Carolina. Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch is in place extending to Edisto Beach, South Carolina. Coastal communities are bracing for hazardous weather conditions, including gusty winds and a high risk of dangerous rip currents throughout the weekend.
Chantal is currently located approximately 150 miles southeast of Charleston, with maximum sustained winds recorded at 40 mph prior to landfall. With the forecast indicating that the storm will continue to affect northeastern South Carolina and North Carolina through the weekend, residents in these areas should prepare for heavy rainfall that could total between 2 to 4 inches, with localized totals possibly reaching up to 6 inches.
Storm Impact and Conditions
Despite Beaufort County being outside the direct path of Chantal, residents can still expect increased chances of rainfall and heavy downpours near the coast. Ongoing conditions from Chantal are projected to linger through Sunday morning, further complicating travel and outdoor activities.
The coastal waters are experiencing elevated hazards, including life-threatening surf and rip currents that pose risks from northeastern Florida up to the Mid-Atlantic states. Video footage from Myrtle Beach displays substantial winds and rough surf conditions as Chantal makes its way through the region.
Additionally, there exists a risk of isolated tornadoes associated with the storm due to its tropical nature. Coastal hazards such as beach erosion and rough surf may still be present even far from the storm’s direct path.
Background on Chantal
Tropical Storm Chantal is the third named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. The hurricane season began on June 1 and extends through to November, when the majority of tropical storms and hurricanes occur in the Atlantic region.
Upon its tracking off the southeastern U.S. coast, Chantal was upgraded from a tropical depression on Saturday morning. As forecasters from AccuWeather predict, the primary impacts from the storm will stem from rain, wind, and coastal hazards, with wind gusts expected to range between 40-50 mph near the storm’s center.
Residents along the South Carolina and North Carolina coasts are urged to stay informed about storm updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety in light of these developing weather conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm
- WIS TV
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm Chantal
- AccuWeather
- Google News: Tropical Storm Chantal
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
