Tropical Storm Chantal Threatens to Capsize Vessels: 'Act Now'
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Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the Southeastern coast of the United States on Saturday morning, bringing immediate threats to marine operations as the National Weather Service (NWS) warns that "tropical storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility."
NWS officials are urging immediate action with their directive to "act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous."
Why It Matters
Chantal represents a significant weather threat to the Carolina coastline as the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season enters its traditionally active months. The storm carries an elevated risk of flash flooding, life-threatening surf conditions, and hazardous rip currents that could impact millions of residents and visitors celebrating the Independence Day weekend.
Emergency management agencies across the region have mobilized resources to minimize storm-related injuries and property damage, with meteorologists warning that heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds pose immediate dangers to coastal communities.
What To Know
The storm is positioned approximately 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, moving at 2 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. Federal and state weather agencies have issued Tropical Storm Warnings for coastal areas from South Carolina's Santee River to North Carolina's Cape Fear, with impacts expected within the next 12 hours.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded the Tropical Storm Watch to a Warning in its third advisory, with Chantal forecast to make landfall along South Carolina's southeast coastline late Saturday into Sunday morning. The storm will then track northeast over North Carolina and southeastern Virginia before weakening by Sunday afternoon. Rain bands and gusty winds are expected to reach as far south as central Florida and as far north as coastal Virginia.
Coastal waters face particularly hazardous conditions, with southwest winds of 30-40 knots and gusts up to 45 knots creating 6–9-foot seas. The NWS warns that "tropical storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility," urging mariners to seek immediate shelter.
On land, the storm threatens 1-3 feet of storm surge above ground in surge-prone areas, with the window of concern extending through Saturday evening. Additional rainfall of 1-3 inches is forecast, with locally higher amounts capable of causing flash flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. The tornado threat has increased, with conditions becoming "somewhat favorable" for isolated tornado development.
Potential impacts include damage to porches, awnings, and mobile homes, scattered power outages, and road closures due to debris. Large tree limbs may break, and hazardous driving conditions are expected, particularly for high-profile vehicles on bridges and elevated roadways.
What People Are Saying
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster's X message on Friday: "As South Carolinians and visitors celebrate our nation's freedom, a potential tropical storm may show up for the weekend, starting tomorrow. Time to pay attention to forecasts."
National Weather Service Marine Warning on Saturday: "Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions."
National Weather Service Wind Warning in a Saturday advisory: "Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous."
South Carolina Emergency Management Division: "SCEMD officials are working closely with the members of the State Emergency Response team, the National Weather Service, and local officials to provide updated information and guidance on the storm's potential effects."
National Hurricane Center in a Saturday advisory: "The tropical storm is expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents along the coast from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic states during the next couple of days."
South Carolina Emergency Management Division on Rip Currents: "Rip currents are powerful, fast-moving channels of water that can pull swimmers away from shore quickly. The National Weather Service reports these currents can be difficult to spot and are especially dangerous for unsuspecting beachgoers. Swimming against a rip current can lead to exhaustion; instead, swim parallel to the shore to escape the current."
This image provided by NOAA shows Tropical Storm Chantal forming off the coast of the Carolinas on July 5.
This image provided by NOAA shows Tropical Storm Chantal forming off the coast of the Carolinas on July 5.
NOAA via AP
What Happens Next
The NHC and local emergency agencies plan to provide frequent advisories as U.S. Air Force crews collect additional data about the storm's development. Rain and strong winds are expected to impact coastal areas for several days, with Chantal predicted to weaken as it accelerates up the Eastern Seaboard early next week.
Emergency management officials continue coordinating with state and federal partners to monitor the storm's progression and provide updated guidance to residents and visitors. The storm's path through North Carolina and southeastern Virginia will be closely tracked, with potential impacts extending into early next week before conditions improve across the region.
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