Storm tracker: Tropical Storm Chantal forms; heavy rains headed for coastal Carolinas

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a day ago

Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday, June 5, as the National Hurricane Center warned of heavy rainfall across the coastal Carolinas.
The center said tropical storm conditions could start Saturday evening and continue through Sunday morning. The biggest impact on the Carolinas is expected to be locally heavy rainfall, with isolated flooding through Sunday.
Moderate flooding could occur east of Interstate 95, and that could prompt evacuations or rescues, said the National Weather Service office in Wilmington. Life threatening rip currents are possible at all beaches in the region through Sunday with breaking wave heights of six feet likely.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will last through the end of November.
Active hurricane weather typically peaks between mid-August and mid-October.
A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reaches 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.
Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends.
Prepare now for hurricanes: Here's what you should do to stay safe before a storm arrives
Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home's ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Storm tracker: Tropical Storm Chantal forms; see forecast path