Tropical Storm Chantal Originated Near South Carolina's Shoreline
Tropical Storm Chantal, which formed over the weekend, is currently moving northward and is expected to bring tropical storm conditions, heavy rain, and flash flooding risks to the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina starting this evening through Sunday and into Monday.
The storm, located approximately 105 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, is moving at about 3 mph with sustained winds of around 45 mph, according to the latest forecasts. Some additional strengthening is expected before Tropical Storm Chantal reaches the coast.
The storm is forecast to make landfall along the South Carolina coast overnight Saturday into early Sunday as a weak tropical storm. Minor storm surge of up to 3 feet is expected along parts of the Carolina coastline under Tropical Storm Warnings. Heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with localized amounts up to 6 inches, is expected across the South and North Carolina coastal areas, leading to flash flooding concerns through Monday, particularly in urban areas.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin affecting coastal warning areas from the South Santee River (SC) up to Surf City (NC) starting Saturday evening. Areas south of South Santee River also have a Tropical Storm Watch in effect. The storm’s structure remains steady, with moderate shear decreasing slightly tonight, and slight strengthening could occur before landfall, but weakening is expected after moving inland, with the system dissipating into a trough by Monday.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 until Nov. 30, is predicted to be above-normal this year, with NOAA officials predicting a 60% chance of an "above-normal" season. Between 13 to 19 named storms are expected during the season, with six to 10 of the named storms predicted to strengthen into hurricanes, and three to five of these hurricanes are expected to become major hurricanes.
Residents are urged to heed warnings and local official advice, especially concerning beach safety and flood preparedness. The storm’s slow movement and heavy rainfall could result in dangerous conditions, and it is important for everyone to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
Lucia Suarez Sang, an associate managing editor at ourNews.com, reported on the storm. She previously worked as the director of digital content at FOX61 News in Connecticut and has written for FoxNews.com, Fox News Latino, and the Rutland Herald.
The weather news indicates that Tropical Storm Chantal, currently moving northward, is forecast to bring heavy rain and flood risks to South Carolina and North Carolina coastal areas by this evening, sparking concerns in environmental-science about potential flash flooding through Monday, especially in urban areas. Additionally, meteorologists anticipate that the Atlantic hurricane season, which starts from June 1 and ends on Nov. 30, could be above-normal this year, with up to 19 named storms predicted, six to ten of which might strengthen into hurricanes, and three to five becoming major hurricanes.
