Chantal's Coming! Tropical Storm Threatens Weekend Plans?
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Tropical Storm Chantal Forms Off US Coast!
A tropical depression formed off the southeastern US coast Friday afternoon and has now been upgraded to Tropical Storm Chantal. This is the third named system of the Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
While Chantal isn't expected to make direct landfall as a major hurricane, it poses a significant threat of heavy rainfall and dangerous surf conditions along the southeastern coast. Residents and visitors should be aware of the potential hazards during the weekend.
Impact on the Southeast
The center of Tropical Storm Chantal is currently located approximately 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. Its influence extends across South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Expect multiple rounds of storms, potentially bringing 2-4 inches of rain to parts of North and South Carolina, with isolated areas possibly seeing up to 6 inches by Monday.
- Coastal flooding is possible with a storm surge of 1 to 2 feet in areas with onshore winds.
- Strong surf and rip currents will continue to affect much of the North Carolina and South Carolina coast throughout the weekend.
Elsewhere in the US
Outside the Southeast, much of the country will experience ideal conditions for the holiday weekend, especially in the Northeast and West, where calm and mostly clear skies are expected starting Friday. The Southeast is likely to dry out by Tuesday.
However, Texas and the Upper Midwest could still see strong to severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail over the weekend. Heavy rainfall caused deadly flooding in Texas early Friday, as rivers overflowed and inundated nearby campsites and homes.
Be Prepared!
Stay updated with the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and heed any warnings issued by local authorities. Be prepared for potential flooding, power outages, and hazardous beach conditions. Even a tropical storm can pose significant risks, so it's crucial to take precautions to protect yourself and your property.
The NHC cone of uncertainty shows the probable path of the storm, but keep in mind that the storm can move in any direction within that cone. Sustained winds of 39 mph or greater can cause flooding and significant damage. It's important to have a plan and be ready to act.