Chantal's a Coming Is Your Summer Vacation Doomed?

Tropical Storm Chantal Forms Off the Coast of South Carolina

The Atlantic hurricane season continues to stir as Tropical Storm Chantal has officially formed off the coast of South Carolina. This development follows recent rainfall delivered to Florida since Wednesday, as the system tracked along the Southeastern coast.

Above-Average Hurricane Season Predicted

The Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, is already showing signs of heightened activity. While the start was relatively quiet, we've now seen the formation of two tropical storms:

• Andrea: Formed on June 24 and dissipated the following day.
• Barry: Developed in the Gulf on Sunday, just off the Mexican coast, before making landfall that same night.

Back in May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a forecast anticipating an above-average hurricane season. Their prediction estimates between 13 and 19 named storms. It's worth noting that the most powerful and destructive storms typically occur later in the summer months.

The Looming Threat of Landfall and Climate Change

Experts are increasingly concerned about the probability of a major hurricane making landfall in the United States this season.

• Increased Intensity: Climate experts are issuing warnings that intense storms are becoming more frequent.
• Rapid Intensification: The likelihood of rapid intensification is also increasing in our warming world.

Last year served as a stark reminder of the potential devastation, proving to be one of the costliest hurricane seasons in U.S. history. Hurricanes Helene and Milton, combined, resulted in approximately $113 billion in damages and caused over 250 deaths.

It's important to stay informed and prepared as the hurricane season progresses. Be sure to monitor weather updates from reliable sources and take necessary precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. With awareness and proactive measures, we can mitigate the potential impact of these powerful natural events.

Tags: Florida rain, Hurricane season, Atlantic storms, Tropical storms, US landfall, Climate change, Intense storms, Weather forecast, Andrea storm, Barry storm

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/weather/tropical-storm-chantal-south-carolina.html