Tropical Storm Chantal Moves Toward South, North Carolina Coast

Tropical Depression Three has strengthened into Tropical Storm Chantal and is advancing toward the coasts of South and North Carolina with sustained winds of 40 mph. The National Hurricane Center and local agencies predict Chantal will make landfall near Charleston, South Carolina, with impacts including heavy rainfall, gusty winds, rough surf, and dangerous rip currents. Coastal residents, especially those east of I-77 in North Carolina and along the northern South Carolina coast, are urged to prepare for torrential downpours, tropical storm force winds, and life-threatening rip currents. Emergency management teams in South Carolina are coordinating with local and federal agencies to provide updates and safety guidance, emphasizing the dangers of swimming during high rip current risk and advising swimming parallel to shore if caught. While the storm is expected to move northeast after landfall and bring mostly coastal impacts, localized flooding and gusty winds inland are possible. Overall, Chantal is considered a minimal tropical storm but poses significant safety risks along the Carolina coast through the weekend.