News Summary
Charleston, South Carolina, is gearing up for the arrival of Tropical Storm Chantal, expected to bring gusty winds and heavy rainfall early Sunday morning. While the storm is classified as minor, residents are advised to prepare for potential flash flooding and travel disruptions during one of the busiest weekends of the year. With wind speeds anticipated between 39 and 73 mph, Charleston County is under a tropical storm watch. Meteorologists caution everyone to stay informed and prioritize safety as the storm approaches.
Charleston, South Carolina Prepares for Tropical Storm Chantal
Hey, Charleston! It looks like we have a visitor coming in from the Atlantic. Tropical Storm Chantal formed early Saturday morning just off the coast of northeast Florida and Georgia. While this storm is creating a bit of buzz, meteorologists say it’s considered a relatively minor and short-lived storm. Still, residents and travelers alike should be preparing for some rough weather heading our way!
What’s Happening?
Tropical Storm Chantal is on track to make landfall north of Charleston, around Kiawah Island, early on Sunday morning. The storm is expected to bring in gusty winds, heavy rain, and even rip currents to our shores. In fact, Charleston County is currently under a tropical storm watch, which means we could see wind speeds between 39 and 73 mph as it moves in overnight.
In Beaufort County, things are looking a bit calmer with gusty winds expected at around 25 to 30 mph and less than an inch of rain. Lucky for them! However, for those of you planning to be in the Myrtle Beach area, you’re under a tropical storm warning, which signals that the weather could be a lot more intense.
The Storm’s Path
As of 11 p.m. Saturday, Chantal’s center was approximately 65 miles east of Charleston and moving north at about 8 mph. Predictions indicate that the storm will take a turn to the north-northwest through the night and shift northeastern by Sunday night. Its maximum sustained winds reached near 50 mph, with gusts even higher! Additionally, the tropical storm-force winds extend up to 140 miles from the storm’s center, meaning several areas could be affected.
Rainfall Concerns
But it’s not just the winds we need to worry about. Heavy rainfall is anticipated, with forecasts predicting two to four inches of rain, and in some spots, we could even see local amounts up to six inches. This heavy rain has raised concerns about possible flash flooding. The National Weather Service has even declared Sunday a First Alert Weather Day due to the anticipated downpours. Be mindful out there!
Travelers, Beware!
If you have travel plans this weekend, you’ll want to stay alert. This storm is swooping in during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With winds and rain expected, be prepared for potential delays or changes. The last thing you want is an unexpected detour or a delay in your plans!
Looking Ahead
As we approach the height of hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, forecasting between 13 to 19 named storms, with 3 to 5 possibly becoming major hurricanes. So, it’s a good idea to stay tuned in and be prepared, especially as we see storms like Chantal making their way through our area.
This weekend, let’s keep an eye on Tropical Storm Chantal. Stay safe, Charleston, and remember to check in with local weather updates as we brace ourselves for some windy and rainy weather!
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Tropical Storm Chantal Update
- WLTX: Tropical Storm Chantal Forecast
- ABC News 4: Tropical Storm Chantal Watch Issued
- Post and Courier: Tropical Storm Chantal Coverage
- The Weather Channel: Tropical Storm Chantal Forms
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Cyclone
- Google News: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storm Chantal
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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.
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