Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall near Myrtle Beach on Sunday, bringing strong gusts, heavy rainfall, and renewed flood risks across the Carolinas as it tracks inland toward the Mid‑Atlantic.
At a Glance
- Chantal formed offshore and struck Myrtle Beach early Sunday with maximum winds near 50 mph.
- Tropical storm warnings are in effect for coastal areas of South and North Carolina.
- Flood watches cover central and eastern North Carolina, including Raleigh and Fayetteville.
- Rain totals of 2–4 inches are expected, with localized amounts up to 6 inches.
- The system may trigger flash flooding and isolated tornadoes as it moves northeast.
Storm Forms and Makes Early Strike
Chantal, the third named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, formed Saturday off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina and made landfall early Sunday—marking the earliest U.S. tropical landfall since 2022, according to the Houston Chronicle and Associated Press. The National Hurricane Center recorded maximum sustained winds of 50 mph with a northward drift at 8 mph as warnings took effect in both states, per the AP forecast update.
Watch a report: Tropical Storm Chantal Forms, Eyeing the Carolinas
Flood and Tornado Dangers Rise
Forecasters expect 2 to 4 inches of rain across central and eastern North Carolina, with some areas possibly exceeding 6 inches. Flash flood watches cover Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Greensboro. The Associated Press and the Washington Post report the storm’s broad moisture bands and incoming wind shear could spawn isolated tornadoes. Rip currents and high surf warnings extend along the entire southeastern seaboard.
Inland Remnants May Soak Mid‑Atlantic
As Chantal weakens to a tropical depression, its remnants are projected to pass over eastern Virginia, southern Maryland, and Delaware by Monday, bringing rain and potential localized flash flooding, according to the AP and its Mid-Atlantic update. Storm activity is expected to continue into Tuesday across the Appalachians and into parts of the northeastern U.S.
Tropical Storm Chantal’s early-season landfall reinforces the unpredictability of mid-summer weather patterns and the expanding calendar for extreme storms along the U.S. East Coast. Residents are urged to remain alert to official advisories.
