Tropical Storm Chantal Forms Off Coast of Carolinas

Introduction to the Storm

Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the South Carolina coast Saturday morning with a warning extended northward to Surf City, N.C. The slow-moving storm, located 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, S.C. and 240 miles south-southwest of Wilmington, N.C., has top winds of 40 mph with stronger gusts and is traveling north at 1 mph, according to the 11 a.m. Saturday advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Current Status and Predictions

“A tropical storm watch has been upgraded to a tropical storm warning from the South Santee River, S.C. to Cape Fear, N.C.,” the advisory said. The center advised all interests long the southeast coast of the United States to monitor the storm’s progress. Chantel is expected to turn toward the north-northwest later Saturday, “followed by a turn to the northeast by Sunday night.”

Expected Path and Impact

“On the forecast track, the center of Chantal is expected to move across the coast of South Carolina Sunday morning,” the advisory said. The storm “is expected to produce heavy rainfall across portions of the coastal plain of the Carolinas through Monday,” with a total rainfall of 2 to 4 inches and local amounts reaching up to 6 inches “resulting in flash flooding.”

Regional Weather Forecast

Rain and thunderstorms are likely in South Florida into next week, according to the National Weather Service forecast. Heavy rain is expected particularly for the west-central and southwestern Florida coast through early Saturday, the NHC said. On Friday, South Florida experienced scattered thunderstorms in the morning that became more widespread in the afternoon. As the evening progresses, rain chances will decrease.

Hurricane Season Outlook

Colorado State University’s hurricane forecast for 2025 estimates 17 named storms, with nine of them becoming hurricanes. Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.

Conclusion

The formation of Tropical Storm Chantal off the coast of the Carolinas serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring weather conditions, especially during hurricane season. Residents and visitors in the affected areas should stay informed about the storm’s progress and follow any instructions from local authorities to ensure safety.

FAQs

• Q: What is the current status of Tropical Storm Chantal?
  • A: Tropical Storm Chantal is currently located off the South Carolina coast with top winds of 40 mph and is moving north at 1 mph.
• Q: What areas are under a tropical storm warning?
  • A: A tropical storm warning has been issued from the South Santee River, S.C. to Cape Fear, N.C.
• Q: What is the expected path of the storm?
  • A: The center of Chantal is expected to move across the coast of South Carolina Sunday morning and then turn toward the northeast by Sunday night.
• Q: How much rainfall is expected from the storm?
  • A: The storm is expected to produce 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, with local amounts reaching up to 6 inches, potentially resulting in flash flooding.
• Q: When does hurricane season end?
  • A: Hurricane season runs through November 30.
    Originally Published: July 5, 2025 at 7:17 AM EDT