Tropical storm “Chantal” made landfall in South Carolina, USA on Sunday morning, bringing heavy rainfall and potential flooding as it moved further inland.
According to the National Hurricane Center based in Miami, Florida, as of 5 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, the center of the storm was located about 70 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina and about 85 miles southwest of Wilmington, North Carolina. It had maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour and was moving north at a speed of 8 miles per hour.
The National Hurricane Center stated that the storm center is expected to continue moving further inland in South Carolina throughout Sunday and then reach North Carolina. It is forecasted to rapidly weaken upon landfall.
The National Hurricane Center posted on social media early Sunday, saying, “Heavy rainfall will continue to impact South Carolina today, extending into North Carolina by Monday.”
Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of South Carolina and North Carolina, with the coastal plain regions of both states expected to experience heavy rainfall. Total rainfall amounts are projected to reach 2 to 4 inches, with localized areas up to 6 inches, potentially leading to flash flooding.
The National Hurricane Center warned, “Over the next day or so, Chantal is expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents along the coast from northeast Florida to the mid-Atlantic states.”
South Carolina’s Emergency Management Department had already cautioned residents on Saturday about the possibility of isolated tornadoes and minor coastal flooding.
The department urged drivers not to risk driving on flooded roads or near areas where flood signs are present.
Additionally, the department stated that they are “closely monitoring” Chantal and are working closely with the state’s emergency response team members, the National Weather Service, and local officials to provide the latest information and guidance on the storm’s potential impacts.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak activity typically occurring from mid-August to mid-October.