Tropical Storm Chantal, the third named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, made headlines as it formed off the southeastern U.S. coast on July 5, 2025, and carved a path toward the Carolinas. With its heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and dangerous rip currents, Chantal brought significant weather impacts to the region, particularly South Carolina and North Carolina. This blog post dives into the storm’s path, its effects, and what residents experienced during this early July event.
Table of Contents
Formation and Early Development
Chantal began as a tropical disturbance in the Atlantic, monitored by meteorologists for days before it strengthened into Tropical Depression Three on July 4, 2025. By Saturday morning, July 5, it had intensified into Tropical Storm Chantal, with maximum sustained winds of 40–50 mph. Located about 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, the storm moved slowly north at 2–8 mph, giving it time to organize. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) noted a 70% chance of tropical storm formation within 48 hours before it officially became Chantal, with hurricane hunters providing critical data on its growing structure.
Path and Landfall
Chantal’s path was a classic “homegrown” tropical system, forming close to the southeastern U.S. coast, a common occurrence in July. The storm moved north-northwest, making landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, around 4 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, with sustained winds of 50 mph. After hitting the coast, it tracked northeast through North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, weakening into a tropical depression by Sunday afternoon and dissipating by Monday, July 7. Tropical storm warnings were issued from South Santee River, South Carolina, to Surf City, North Carolina, with a watch extending to Edisto Beach. The storm’s slow movement increased its potential for heavy rainfall and flash flooding, particularly in coastal areas.
Impacts on the Carolinas
The primary threat from Chantal was heavy rainfall, with 2–4 inches expected across the coastal Carolinas and isolated areas seeing up to 6–8 inches, particularly between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. This led to flash flooding concerns, especially in urban and low-lying areas. Coastal regions faced life-threatening rip currents and rough surf, with waves reaching 5–9 feet, prompting high surf advisories through Sunday evening. Wind gusts of 40–60 mph caused minor tree damage and localized power outages, though most strong winds remained offshore. Isolated tornadoes were also a risk, common in tropical systems due to their inherent spin. Emergency management agencies, including South Carolina’s SCEMD, urged residents to prepare for flooding and avoid swimming due to dangerous rip currents.
Aftermath and Safety Measures
As Chantal moved inland, it weakened rapidly but continued to bring scattered showers and gusty winds to the Carolinas through Monday. Flood watches were issued for areas like Myrtle Beach, Fayetteville, and Raleigh. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster emphasized monitoring forecasts, while the NHC advised beachgoers to heed lifeguard warnings. The storm disrupted Independence Day weekend plans, with lifeguards reporting rescues along the Grand Strand due to hazardous seas. Despite its short lifespan, Chantal served as a reminder of the importance of early preparation during hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where did Tropical Storm Chantal make landfall?
Chantal made landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, around 4 a.m. on July 6, 2025, with sustained winds of 50 mph. - What were the main impacts of Chantal?
The storm brought heavy rainfall (2–6 inches, up to 8 inches in some areas), flash flooding, life-threatening rip currents, and wind gusts of 40–60 mph, mainly affecting coastal South Carolina and North Carolina. - How strong was Tropical Storm Chantal?
Chantal peaked with sustained winds of 50–60 mph before landfall, weakening to a tropical depression after moving inland. It never reached hurricane strength. - Which areas were under tropical storm warnings?
Warnings were issued from South Santee River, South Carolina, to Surf City, North Carolina, with a watch from Edisto Beach to South Santee River. - What safety precautions were recommended?
Authorities advised avoiding swimming due to rip currents, preparing emergency kits, and monitoring forecasts. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore to escape.