Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the Southeast coast early Saturday morning, marking the third named system of the Atlantic hurricane season, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. Although Chantal is the first storm of the season to affect the United States, it is not currently deemed a significant threat to land. However, it may lead to heavy rainfall in parts of the Southeast and create hazardous beach conditions throughout the weekend.
As of Saturday morning, the center of Chantal was located approximately 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. The storm's clouds and weather influence stretch across the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. With sustained winds recorded at 40 mph as of 8 a.m. ET Saturday, slight strengthening is anticipated through Saturday night. Chantal is expected to make landfall as a tropical storm on Sunday morning in South Carolina.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for various sections of the South Carolina and North Carolina coasts. Chantal is currently moving northward at a sluggish pace of just 2 mph, with a continued slow north to northwest movement expected through Sunday morning. As the storm progresses, it is likely to generate multiple rounds of thunderstorms, which could deliver between 2 to 4 inches of rain in parts of the Carolinas, with isolated amounts potentially reaching up to 6 inches by Monday.
The system is also forecasted to produce a storm surge of 1 to 2 feet in regions experiencing onshore winds. Additionally, dangerous surf and rip current conditions are anticipated to affect much of the Carolina coastline through the holiday weekend. Beachgoers should exercise caution as the rough surf may pose significant risks.
In contrast to the storm-affected Southeast, most of the country is expected to enjoy ideal conditions for the July 4th weekend. Particularly in the Northeast and West, calm and mostly clear skies are predicted, making it a perfect time for outdoor celebrations. The Southeast region is likely to see improvement in weather conditions by Tuesday, allowing residents and visitors to return to normal activities.
Stay informed about Tropical Storm Chantal and its potential impacts by monitoring local weather updates and following guidance from emergency management officials. Your safety is paramount as this tropical storm develops.
