News Summary
Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall along the South Carolina coast with maximum winds of 50 mph. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous conditions, particularly in Charleston County where tropical storm warnings are in effect. Residents should prepare for potential flash flooding, strong gusts, and isolated tornadoes as Chantal moves northward. While it is predicted to weaken rapidly, it poses risks to beachgoers with rough surf and life-threatening rip currents. Preparedness is crucial as communities brace for the storm’s impact.
Charleston, South Carolina – Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall along the South Carolina coast early Sunday morning, packing maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. The storm developed from an area of low pressure meteorologists had been monitoring over the holiday weekend and formed off the coast of northeast Florida and Georgia on Saturday morning.
Chantal is expected to bring considerable rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous conditions to the affected areas as it moves northward after landfall. At 5 a.m. ET Sunday, Chantal was positioned approximately 70 miles east of Charleston and 85 miles southwest of Wilmington, North Carolina, and was moving north at a pace of 8 mph. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 115 miles from the storm’s center, creating potential hazards across the region.
Charleston County remained under a tropical storm watch as gusty winds were forecasted to reach between 39 and 73 mph Saturday night into Sunday morning. The city’s residents should prepare for heavy rainfall, with predictions estimating two to four inches across parts of the coastal plain through Monday, and localized amounts possibly reaching up to six inches. As a result of the expected rain, flash flooding risks have been heightened.
Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect for areas from the South Santee River in South Carolina to Surf City in North Carolina. Residents are advised to avoid driving on water-covered roads and to heed road closure warnings due to flooding. South Carolina’s Emergency Management officials have also pointed out the potential for isolated tornadoes and minor coastal flooding.
Reports from locations such as Apache Pier in South Carolina show recorded wind speeds of 45 mph. The storm surge is expected to reach between one to two feet from South Santee, South Carolina, to Surf City, North Carolina. With the storm making landfall on Kiawah Island early Sunday morning, residents on Hilton Head Island are likely to experience lesser impacts as Chantal advances north.
Following landfall, Chantal is anticipated to weaken rapidly, transitioning into a trough within 26 to 48 hours. Nonetheless, communities along the coast will experience rough surf and life-threatening rip currents, endangering beachgoers.
While Chantal is deemed a minor tropical cyclone and will be short-lived, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned that it contributes to an overall trend for 2025, with predictions indicating a 60% chance of an “above-normal” Atlantic hurricane season. They project between 13 to 19 named storms this season, with six to ten potentially intensifying into hurricanes.
For residents in areas affected by the storm, preparation is crucial as they brace for the impacts of Tropical Storm Chantal. The latest forecasts indicate the storm will not linger long but can cause significant issues in its wake. Communities are urged to stay informed through local updates and to ensure their safety as weather conditions evolve.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm Chantal
- CBS News
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Fox Weather
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storm Chantal
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storms
- Count On 2
- 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.
