Tropical Storm Chantal, the third named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, formed off the southeast coast of the United States on July 5, 2025, and made landfall near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, early on July 6. As the first tropical system to impact the U.S. this season, Chantal brought heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and hazardous beach conditions to parts of the Southeast, particularly the Carolinas. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Chantal’s development, real-time tracking, impacts, and safety measures, drawing on the latest meteorological data and regional responses to deliver an informative and original perspective on this weather event.
Formation and Development of Tropical Storm ChantalTropical Storm Chantal began as a tropical wave off the coast of West Africa, a common starting point for Atlantic cyclones. By early July, meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and AccuWeather had been monitoring a disturbance near Florida, noting a steadily increasing chance of development. On July 2, the NHC reported a 30% chance of the system forming within seven days, which rose to 70% by July 4. By July 5, the disturbance had organized into Tropical Depression 3 and quickly strengthened into Tropical Storm Chantal by 8:00 AM EDT, located approximately 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina.Chantal’s formation was fueled by warm Atlantic waters, though its growth was tempered by moderate wind shear and drier mid-level air affecting the western side of the storm. According to the NHC, Chantal’s maximum sustained winds reached 50 mph with higher gusts, and tropical-storm-force winds extended up to 140 miles, primarily to the east of the storm’s center. The storm’s asymmetric structure meant that the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall were concentrated to the right of its path, a critical factor in forecasting its impacts.Real-Time Tracking and PathAs of 5:00 AM EDT on July 6, 2025, Chantal was located approximately 70 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, and 85 miles south-southwest of Wilmington, North Carolina, moving north at 8 mph. The NHC forecasted a slight shift to a north-northwest trajectory before landfall, followed by a northeast turn as the storm became embedded in the low- to mid-level flow around a mid-level ridge over the western Atlantic. Chantal made landfall near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, around 3:00–4:00 AM EDT on July 6, with sustained winds of 50 mph.Real-time tracking data from sources like Zoom Earth and Weather Underground provided detailed insights into Chantal’s position and intensity. At 8:00 PM EDT on July 5, the storm was centered at 32.30°N, 78.70°W, with a minimum central pressure of 1004 mb and maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. By the time of landfall, the storm’s intensity remained steady at 45–50 knots, with little time for further strengthening due to its proximity to land and the loss of the warm water heat source. Post-landfall, Chantal was expected to weaken rapidly, dissipating over eastern North Carolina by early Monday, July 7.The NHC and other meteorological services utilized a combination of satellite imagery, reconnaissance aircraft data, and radar to track Chantal’s path. Air Force Reserve reconnaissance missions reported 850-mb flight-level winds of 65 mph, corroborating surface wind estimates of around 50 mph. These tools, along with spaghetti models—illustrations of multiple forecast tracks—helped refine predictions, though the NHC emphasized that only the top-performing models were used for official forecasts.
Impacts on the Southeastern United StatesHeavy Rainfall and Flash FloodingChantal’s primary threat was heavy rainfall, with the NHC forecasting 2–4 inches of rain across the coastal Carolinas, and isolated areas potentially receiving up to 6–8 inches, particularly near Myrtle Beach and Wilmington. The slow movement of the storm—initially at just 2 mph before accelerating to 8 mph—heightened the risk of flash flooding, especially in urban areas and regions east of Interstate 95. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wilmington warned of moderate flooding that could prompt road closures and necessitate evacuations or rescues in low-lying areas.Rain bands from Chantal began affecting the Carolinas as early as Saturday evening, July 5, with coastal areas experiencing heavy downpours and gusty winds. The storm’s asymmetric structure meant that the heaviest rainfall was concentrated to the east of its landfall point, impacting northeastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina most significantly. Central Florida and coastal Virginia also saw some rainfall, though to a lesser extent.Storm Surge and Coastal HazardsChantal produced a storm surge of 1–3 feet above ground level along the coast from South Santee River, South Carolina, to Cape Fear, North Carolina, with 1–2 feet expected in areas under a tropical storm watch, such as Edisto Beach. The combination of surge and high tides led to minor coastal flooding in surge-prone areas. More critically, Chantal brought life-threatening surf and rip currents along the coast from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic states, posing significant risks to beachgoers during the Independence Day weekend. The NHC and South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) urged swimmers to heed lifeguard warnings and avoid the water, particularly where red flags were posted.The NWS highlighted the danger of rip currents, noting that these fast-moving channels of water can exhaust swimmers who attempt to fight them. Instead, experts recommended swimming parallel to the shore to escape. Coastal waters also faced hazardous conditions, with southwest winds of 30–40 knots and gusts up to 45 knots creating 6–9-foot seas, prompting warnings for mariners to seek immediate shelter to avoid vessel damage or capsizing.Wind and Structural ImpactsWith maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts up to 55 mph, Chantal posed a moderate threat to coastal infrastructure. Potential impacts included damage to porches, awnings, and mobile homes, as well as scattered power outages and road closures due to debris. The strongest winds were concentrated to the east of the storm’s center, sparing some inland areas but creating hazardous conditions along the coast. The NHC noted that tropical storm conditions, defined as winds of 40+ mph, were expected within the warning area from South Santee River to Surf City, North Carolina, through Sunday morning.Other HazardsChantal also carried a risk of isolated tornadoes across eastern South Carolina and North Carolina on Saturday night and into Sunday. These tornadoes, often short-lived but dangerous, added to the storm’s potential for localized damage. Outdoor activities during the holiday weekend were significantly disrupted, with meteorologists advising residents to have backup plans and seek shelter from lightning.Regional Response and PreparednessThe SCEMD and North Carolina emergency management agencies mobilized resources to mitigate Chantal’s impacts. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster urged residents to stay informed, tweeting on July 4, “A potential tropical storm may show up for the weekend, starting tomorrow. Time to pay attention. #TeamSC.” The SCEMD worked closely with the NWS and local officials to provide real-time updates and guidance, emphasizing the preparation of emergency kits and evacuation plans.The NHC issued a tropical storm warning from South Santee River, South Carolina, to Surf City, North Carolina, and a tropical storm watch from Edisto Beach to South Santee River. These alerts indicated that tropical storm conditions were expected within 12–24 hours in the warning area and possible within 48 hours in the watch area. Frequent advisories, supported by U.S. Air Force reconnaissance data, kept the public informed as the storm approached.Local NWS offices recommended that drivers exercise caution due to slick roads and blinding downpours, particularly in urban and low-lying areas. Residents were advised to monitor official weather sources, such as hurricanes.gov, for real-time updates on rainfall, storm surge, and other hazards.Historical Context and Seasonal OutlookChantal is the third named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, following Tropical Storms Andrea and Barry, which formed in June and impacted areas outside the U.S. The season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, is expected to be above-average, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting 13–19 named storms, including 8 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes. Chantal’s early formation aligns with warnings from climate scientists about warmer ocean temperatures contributing to more frequent and intense storms.Historically, the name Chantal has been used for tropical cyclones since 1983, with notable impacts in 1989 (Hurricane Chantal, Category 1, Texas) and 2001 (Tropical Storm Chantal, Trinidad and Belize). Unlike previous iterations, the 2025 Chantal remained a tropical storm, but its impacts underscored the importance of preparedness, especially early in the season.Safety RecommendationsTo stay safe during Tropical Storm Chantal, residents and visitors in affected areas should:
- Monitor Official Sources: Regularly check updates from the NHC, NWS, and local emergency management agencies.
- Prepare for Flooding: Ensure emergency kits include food, water, flashlights, and first-aid supplies. Avoid driving through flooded areas.
- Avoid Rip Currents: Heed beach warnings and swim near lifeguards. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore.
- Secure Property: Reinforce outdoor structures and clear debris to minimize wind-related damage.
- Plan for Evacuation: Know evacuation routes and have a plan in place, especially in surge-prone areas.
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