Tropical Storm Chantal: Late Saturday Afternoon Update

Tropical Storm Chantal remains just offshore of the South Carolina coast this evening, holding steady with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. The center of the storm has shown some slow northward movement today, and it’s expected to turn slightly northwest tonight, bringing it ashore along the South Carolina coast late tonight or early Sunday morning.

Chantal remains an asymmetrical system, with most of the rain and strongest winds located east of the center. While wind shear is expected to decrease some tonight, dry air wrapping into the system will likely limit any significant strengthening. After landfall, Chantal will weaken steadily and likely dissipate into a trough by Monday.

Residents along the coast from South Santee River, SC, to Surf City, NC, should expect tropical storm conditions—including gusty winds and heavy rainfall—beginning this evening and continuing into Sunday morning. Flash flooding will be a concern, especially in low-lying and urban areas, and dangerous surf and rip currents will persist along the coastline from northeast Florida to the Mid-Atlantic through the next day or so.

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