Tropical Storm Chantal has formed off the coast of South Carolina, just in time for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
Chantal will be the third named storm to form this season, and it is a reminder of the risks of the Southeastern United States, especially with the region approaching the peak tropical months.
Current Situation and Forecast Track
At 8 a.m. EDT on July 5, 2025, Tropical Storm Chantal had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. The storm was moving slowly north at 2 mph. Tropical Storm Chantal is being monitored by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and meteorologists.
The storm is forecast to make landfall along the southeast coastline of South Carolina as early as Sunday morning. Once the storm makes landfall, it is expected to weaken and move in a northeast direction, allowing the storm to weaken as it travels into North Carolina and ultimately into southeastern Virginia.
Significant Impacts: Rainfall, Flooding, Coastal Hazards
The primary threats from Tropical Storm Chantal are rainfall and localized flooding. Please note that AccuWeather and the National Weather Service mention the potential for moderate flooding, especially east of Interstate 95, where there could possibly be evacuations or water rescues in the Carolinas. Rainfall is also expected to impact much of Florida and eastern sections of South Carolina and eastern North Carolina.
Dangerous surf conditions are also being generated by Chantal. Life-threatening rip currents and waves from 3 to 6 feet are expected for all the beaches across the area through Sunday, including beachgoers being aware, as well as local government agencies.
Awareness and Official Guidance
A tropical storm is expected to start Saturday evening and last until Sunday morning, residents should get prepared immediately. As per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), residents should be securing their disaster supplies and reviewing their insurance coverages, especially if you want flood insurance as these policies need 30 days. The time to prepare is now or you are putting yourself and your family at risk of unnecessary complications as they move closer.
Expert Insights and Outlook
Meteorologist, described Chantal as a “homegrown development,” which means that a tropical system is developing near to the U.S. coastline, which is typical of activity in July. While it’s unlikely that Chantal strengthens into a hurricane before making landfall, the extreme slowness and moisture-laden structure of the system signal that flooding continues to be a big concern.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 1, and it is now entering its peak period of activity. With Tropical Storm Chantal now in play, it reminds communities along the Southeast coast to remain vigilant for tropical developments and potential storm threats throughout the summer.
While the formation of Tropical Storm Chantal off the Carolinas serves as a timely reminder to remember to be hurricane prepared, as a result of the storm impacting the Carolinas with heavy rain, flooding and hazardous surf, residents are advised to stay tuned and follow advisories.