News Summary
The National Hurricane Center has upgraded the likelihood of a new system developing into a named storm to 70%, potentially becoming Tropical Storm Chantal. Heavy rains are expected across Florida and the Carolinas, raising concerns of flash floods and dangerous rip currents. With maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, residents are advised to prepare for hazardous conditions as the system moves northward.
Tropical Depression 3 Develops Off the Southeastern U.S. Coast
Weather watchers, hold onto your hats! The atmosphere has been buzzing with activity lately, and guess what? The National Hurricane Center has just upgraded the odds of a system developing into a named storm to a whopping 70%. This means that we’re on the cusp of possibly welcoming Tropical Storm Chantal, the third named storm of the current Atlantic hurricane season, if this system decides to pick up strength!
Heavy Rain on the Horizon
Rain, rain, go away? Not this time! Regardless of whether this system gets a name, it has already begun to pour significant rainfall across Florida, raising the flags for increased flood risk. With countless families and friends planning to celebrate Independence Day outdoors, the mayhem of flash flooding is a recipe for concern. Portions of Florida and coastal Georgia are bracing themselves through Friday for potential flash floods as the storm moves its way up the coast.
What to Expect in the Carolinas
As we head into the weekend, the stormy threat will shift its focus toward the Carolina coast starting Saturday and rolling into Sunday. The National Hurricane Center predicts some areas along the coast may see rainfall totals surge past 3 inches! And if you think Florida has had enough, some spots could even see 6 inches of rain by the closing out of this holiday weekend. So, be prepared for some soggy celebrations!
Rainfall and Wind Warnings
The tropical moisture is going to make things really interesting, bringing localized downpours and a heightened risk of dangerous rip currents along the beaches. This system, known as Tropical Depression 3, has formed off the southeastern coast of the United States. As of late July 4, it was sitting about 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina and moving north at a leisurely pace of 2 mph.
Tropical Depression 3 is not just about rain. Maximum sustained winds are recorded at 35 mph, with gusts that may reach up to 40 mph. So, residents of South Carolina coastal areas should watch out—there’s a Tropical Storm Watch already on the table. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms look to be in the forecast for Central Florida, with potential for strong winds and even large hail. Sounds a bit tumultuous, doesn’t it?
South Carolina Awaits
By Sunday morning, mark your calendars as the storm is expected to draw closer to the South Carolina coast. If the system continues its strengthening trend, we might just see it upgraded to Tropical Storm Chantal as early as Saturday. And even if it doesn’t get a name, the system will still wreak some havoc with storm surges anticipated to be 1 to 2 feet above ground level, alongside rough surf to contend with.
The Big Picture for Hurricane Season
This is just the beginning! The NHC is predicting a total of 13 to 19 named storms this hurricane season, with expectations of about 6-10 storms potentially becoming hurricanes. With the Atlantic hurricane season stretching from June 1 to November 30, it’s safe to say we all need to stay informed and vigilant!
So, do yourself a favor: keep an eye on those weather updates if you’re in these areas—and prepare for a wet and wild holiday weekend. Stay safe and enjoy Independence Day responsibly as the skies may be showering us with more than just fireworks!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Wikipedia: Hurricane
- Orlando Sentinel
- Google Search: Tropical Depression 3
- Newsweek
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Season
- AccuWeather
- Google News: Florida hurricanes
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
