Tropical Depression Emerges in the Eastern Seaboard Waters
Tropical Depression Three, the third system of the Atlantic hurricane season, is currently moving northward at a slow pace of 2 mph, having formed off the Southeast coast. As of 5 p.m. Friday, the storm's sustained winds are 35 mph, and it is not posing a significant threat to land at present. However, rough surf and rip currents are persisting along the Carolina coastline through the holiday weekend, and the storm is expected to bring heavy rain and risky beach conditions.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts that the storm's motion will turn to the northwest on Saturday, and slight strengthening is expected this weekend, with the system projected to become Tropical Storm Chantal on Saturday. This development would mark the third named storm of the 2025 season.
Meanwhile, a separate low-pressure area is being monitored off the southeast U.S. coast, over Florida, or the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters have identified the potential for this system to gradually develop into Tropical Storm Chantal, which could impact Florida and the Southeast U.S. region around July 4, 2025.
The NHC notes that a frontal boundary is expected to stall and weaken off the southeast U.S. coast, potentially allowing this low-pressure area to form and linger with gradual tropical or subtropical development. While it is still too early to determine the exact impact, heavy rain is likely and could disrupt July 4 Independence Day plans, especially in Florida.
The current forecast indicates an active hurricane season, with 13 to 19 named storms expected, including 6 to 10 hurricanes and 3 to 5 major hurricanes with winds exceeding 110 mph.
Potential impacts of Tropical Storm Chantal in the Southeast include heavy rainfall and localized flooding, disruption of holiday plans and outdoor activities, and possible tropical storm winds affecting coastal areas. A tropical storm watch has been issued for much of the South Carolina coast from Edisto Beach to Little River Inlet.
In a separate incident, torrential rainfall in Texas has triggered deadly flooding early Friday morning, causing rivers to overflow and flood nearby campgrounds and homes. The state is expected to continue experiencing strong to severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail through the weekend.
As the situation develops, residents in the Southeast, especially Florida, should remain alert for updates and prepare accordingly. The Southeast is predicted to dry out by Tuesday, with most of the country, excluding the Southeast, experiencing ideal conditions for the July 4th weekend, with calm, mostly clear skies in the Northeast and West.
Scientists are closely monitoring a low-pressure area off the southeast U.S. coast, as it has the potential to develop into Tropical Storm Chantal, which could impact environmental-science studies due to heavy rain and flooding, especially in Florida. Meanwhile, the active hurricane season is expected to bring additional weather challenges, with 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes and 3 to 5 major hurricanes.
