News Summary
Tropical Storm Chantal has formed off the coast of northeast Florida and Georgia, with a projected landfall near Charleston, South Carolina. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and hazardous rip currents. Charleston County is under a tropical storm watch with sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph predicted. Rainfall totals could reach up to 6 inches, leading to potential flash flooding. State emergency management is urging residents to stay informed and prepare for possible impacts from Chantal over the weekend.
Charleston, South Carolina – Tropical Storm Chantal formed in the early hours of Saturday off the coast of northeast Florida and Georgia and is projected to make landfall north of Charleston early Sunday. The storm is anticipated to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and hazardous rip currents to the region.
As of Saturday night, Chantal’s center was approximately 65 miles east of Charleston, moving north at 8 mph, with maximum sustained winds reaching about 50 mph. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outwards up to 140 miles from the center of the storm. Chantal is expected to make landfall on Kiawah Island early Sunday morning.
Charleston County is currently under a tropical storm watch, with forecasts predicting sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph from Saturday night into Sunday morning. Meanwhile, the Myrtle Beach area is under a tropical storm warning, indicating that tropical storm conditions are expected in that area. The warning covers regions from the South Santee River to Surf City in North Carolina.
According to state meteorological sources, Beaufort County may experience gusty winds between 25 and 30 mph, with rainfall totaling less than an inch. Meanwhile, Hilton Head is not expected to face significant impacts due to Chantal’s current trajectory.
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has issued warnings for heavy rain, with isolated flooding potential, and gusty winds throughout the area. Rainfall totals from Chantal could reach between 2 to 4 inches, with localized areas possibly receiving up to 6 inches of rain. Heavy rain is expected to persist overnight into Monday, leading to the possibility of isolated flash flooding.
Following Chantal’s landfall, rapid weakening is anticipated. The storm is expected to change direction overnight and head north-northwest before veering northeast by Sunday night. As a precaution, a tropical storm watch is currently in place from Edisto Beach to the South Santee River, indicating that tropical storm conditions could develop within the next 12 hours.
The ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, is expected to be notably active this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has projected a 60% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, estimating between 13 to 19 named storms, including potential hurricanes.
In summary, while Tropical Storm Chantal is set to impact South Carolina with heavy rain and gusty winds, it is expected to be relatively minor and short-lived, as indicated by local meteorological experts. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the storm’s progression and to remain vigilant regarding storm warnings issued by local authorities.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Count on 2 News
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storm Chantal
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Weather.com
- Google News: 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.
