Chantal's Coming! Holiday Weekend Storm Alert for the Southeast

Tropical Storm Chantal Forms off South Carolina Coast, Impacts to be Seen Across Southeast

A stormy end to the holiday weekend is in store for the Southeast as Tropical Storm Chantal has formed and is drifting towards the South Carolina coast. The storm, which developed Saturday, is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous rip currents to the region.

As of Saturday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Chantal had peak winds of 45 mph and was located approximately 105 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. The storm is currently moving north at a slow pace.

Tropical Storm Warnings are currently in effect for the following areas:

• South Santee River, South Carolina to Cape Fear, North Carolina

Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:

• Edisto Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina

Forecasters anticipate that Chantal will continue to strengthen slightly before making landfall on the northern South Carolina coast on Sunday morning. Peak winds at landfall are expected to be around 50 mph.

Mike Seidel, FOX Weather Storm Specialist, emphasized the primary threat:

"The number one impact by far will be the locally heavy rain, especially along and where the center comes on shore north of (Folly Beach) sometime late tonight, but more than likely, sometime Sunday morning, maybe before sunrise, maybe just after sunrise. It's a broad center at this point."

Here's a breakdown of the expected impacts:

1. Winds: Tropical storm-force winds are expected in the warning areas starting Saturday evening and lasting into Sunday morning. Gusts of 40-45 mph are possible in the watch areas later Saturday.
2. Rain: Heavy rains are anticipated across the coastal plains of the Carolinas into Monday. Widespread areas are expected to receive 2-4 inches of rain, with some isolated spots potentially seeing up to 6 inches.
3. Storm Surge: A minor storm surge is expected along parts of the Carolina coast. The combination of storm surge and high tide could cause flooding in normally dry coastal areas. Peak surge could reach about 1-3 feet in the Tropical Storm Warning area and 1-2 feet in the watch area.
4. Rip Currents: Heavy surf and life-threatening rip currents will pose a significant danger to those along the beaches in Chantal's path.

The NHC advises residents in the affected areas to take precautions and stay informed of the latest updates.

While the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, Chantal serves as a timely reminder of the potential for impactful weather events. Residents and visitors in the Southeast should closely monitor forecasts and heed any warnings issued by local authorities to ensure their safety.

Stay safe, and remember that preparation is key when facing these types of weather events. Keep informed, heed warnings, and look out for your neighbors.

Tags: Tropical Storm, Chantal, South Carolina, Storm Warning, Cape Fear, Heavy Rain, Weather, Hurricane, US Coast, Storm, Atlantic Hurricane Season, Coastal Flooding, Rip Currents, National Hurricane Center

Source: https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/tracking-tropical-storm-chantal-atlantic