Tropical Storm Chantal weakens, now classified as a tropical depression.
Tropical Depression Chantal, which made landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina earlier today, is currently moving northward and is expected to weaken further over the next couple of days. As of 11 a.m. ET, the center of Chantal was about 80 miles west of Wilmington, North Carolina.
The current forecast indicates that Chantal has weakened from a tropical storm to a tropical depression, with maximum sustained winds around 30 to 35 mph. The system is moving at about 9 mph and is expected to turn northeast later today. By Monday, Chantal is expected to dissipate into a trough of low pressure while its remnant moisture moves northeastward along the U.S. East Coast through early Tuesday.
The main threat from Chantal now is heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the Carolinas, along with dangerous coastal surf conditions. Flood watches for parts of inland North Carolina have been extended until Monday, and flood watches remain in effect until Sunday night from Myrtle Beach to the west of Wilmington, North Carolina, and are expected to extend into parts of inland North Carolina, including Fayetteville and Raleigh.
Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across eastern and central North Carolina, with flash flood concerns especially in urban areas. Isolated to scattered flash flooding could occur due to this heavy rain. Residents are advised to stay informed and heed any flood warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.
Life-threatening surf and rip currents are also expected along the U.S. East Coast beaches from northeastern Florida through the Mid-Atlantic states, and are expected to persist during the next day or so. Beachgoers are advised to follow local safety guidance and lifeguard warnings.
Winds have decreased to tropical depression strength, so tropical storm warnings have been lifted in some areas, including Brunswick County, NC. However, scattered showers, heavy rain, and gusty winds from thunderstorms are forecast for the day due to Chantal. Isolated tornadoes may be produced by thunderstorms from Chantal, as well as lightning and gusty winds.
As of 11 a.m. ET, the center of Chantal was about 20 miles to the southwest of Lumberton, North Carolina. An hour after making landfall, Tropical Storm Chantal had sustained winds of up to 50 mph. The storm is expected to bring 2 to 4 inches of rain to portions of the eastern Carolinas, with isolated amounts of up to 6 inches.
Minor storm surges are expected to affect parts of the Carolina coastline due to Chantal. Between 1 to 3 feet of storm surge is possible during high tide for coastal areas under the tropical storm warnings. Residents in these areas are advised to take necessary precautions to protect their homes and property from flooding.
All tropical storm warnings have been discontinued for Tropical Storm Chantal. The tropical storm watch has been discontinued from Edisto Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina, including Charleston. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities as Chantal continues to weaken and move northeastward over the next couple of days.
In the context of Chantal's progression, the forecast reveals that while it originates from environmental-science, its current state is a tropical depression. The weather pattern is anticipated to significantly contribute to heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the Carolinas over the next couple of days, necessitating continuous attention from residents and local authorities.
