Latest news with #SCEMD
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Tropical Storm Chantal's path updated: Where is the storm and when will it hit Carolinas; flash floods expected
Tropical Storm Chantal, the third named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, formed off the southeast US coast on Saturday and is set to make landfall near Charleston to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, late in the night or early Sunday morning, according to storm forecast. This image provided by NOAA shows Tropical Storm Chantal forming off the coast of the Carolinas on Saturday(AP) With maximum sustained winds of 40–50 mph and heavy rainfall expected to cause flash flooding, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) have issued warnings. Updated Path of Tropical Storm Chantal As of 8 AM EDT, Chantal was located 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, moving north at 2 mph. The NHC forecasts a north-northwest trajectory on Saturday, shifting northeast by Sunday night, with landfall expected near Charleston to Myrtle Beach by midnight to early Sunday. Chantal strengthened from Tropical Depression Three on Saturday morning, reaching 40 mph sustained winds, with some models predicting a peak of 50 mph before landfall. Forecast Path Saturday, July 5: Outer rain bands impact central Florida, eastern Georgia, and coastal Carolinas, with tropical storm conditions (winds ≥39 mph) starting Saturday evening in Roswell, Georgia, NWS noted. Sunday, July 6: Center moves ashore in South Carolina, tracking northeast through North Carolina and Virginia. Impact on South Carolina Tropical Storm Warnings were issued from South Santee River to Cape Fear in North Carlina, with conditions expected Saturday evening through Sunday morning. Chantal is expected to bring 2–4 inches of rain across the coastal Carolinas, with 4–6 inches possible near Myrtle Beach to Wilmington, and isolated areas up to 6–8 inches. The NWS Wilmington warns of moderate flooding east of I-95, potentially causing road closures and requiring rescues or evacuations. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster urged residents to monitor forecasts and follow SCEMD updates, tweeting, 'A potential tropical storm may show up for the weekend, starting tomorrow. Time to pay attention. #TeamSC." NHC said: 'Chantal's slow movement increases flash flood risks, with 2–6 inches of rain expected, especially between Charleston and Hatteras. Prepare emergency kits and evacuation plans."
Newsweek
05-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Tropical Storm Chantal Forms, Takes Aim at the Carolinas
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the Southeastern coast of the U.S. on Saturday morning, with warnings being issued by state and federal weather agencies for coastal areas of the Carolinas. Why It Matters The approach of Tropical Storm Chantal marked a significant threat for the Carolina coastline and surrounding states just as the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season entered its traditionally active months. Meteorologists have been monitoring the disturbance in the Atlantic all week. Chantal is the third named storm of an already active season and is forecast to bring "heavy rainfall" that carries an "elevated risk of flash flooding," along with rip currents and tropical storm force winds, the latest alert from the National Hurrican Center (NHC) said. As the region prepares for the impact, emergency management agencies have distributed resources and guidance to limit storm-related injuries and property damage, with rip currents and flash flooding topping the hazards list. What To Know The NHC upgraded the Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning in its third advisory for the storm issued for the area from Santee River in South Carolina to North Carolina's Cape Fear. As of Saturday morning, Chantal was about 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, moving about 2 miles per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, the alert from NHC said. "Chantal will begin impacting the state on Saturday, bringing heavy rain, isolated flash flooding, gusty winds, and high rip currents through Monday," South Carolina's Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) said in a press release on Saturday morning. The warning, issued at 8 a.m. ET, said the area should expect the storm within the next 12 hours. Chantal's path looks to be making landfall along South Carolina's southeast coastline late Saturday into Sunday morning, after which the storm would 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, Newsweek previously reported. With heavy rainfall, capable of causing localized flash flooding and hazardous travel, being the primary threat, the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning drivers of potential hazards such as slick roads and blinding downpours, recommending caution in urban, low-lying, or poor drainage areas. In its press release, the SCEMD gave a warning about rip currents. "Rip currents are powerful, fast-moving channels of water that can pull swimmers away from shore quickly," the SCEMD said. "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." Large bands of rain are expected to affect west-central and southwestern Florida through early Saturday, with precipitation moving through eastern Georgia, eastern South Carolina, and eastern North Carolina as the weekend continues. Eastern parts of Virginia were also forecast to be affected before the storm exited the mainland early next week. 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 People Are Saying South Carolina Emergency Management Division said in a press release Saturday morning: "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." The National Hurricane Center said in an advisory Saturday: "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 Governor Henry McMaster wrote on X, formerly Twitter, 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. Follow @SCEMD for official news & information. #TeamSC." What Happens Next? The NHC and local emergency agencies plan to provide frequent advisories as U.S. Air Force crews collect more data. Rain and strong winds are expected to hit coastal areas for several days, with the storm predicted to weaken as it accelerates up the Eastern Seaboard early next week.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. McMaster talks hurricane preparedness in the Lowcountry
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WSPA) — Governor Henry McMaster has declared the month of May as South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month.'Make the best of the time right now, we still have time, and that means taking the opportunity to, assess and finalize your long-term storm preparations,' said Kim Stenson, the director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD). The agency's guidebook has the resources that residents can use to prepare for the season. Gov. McMaster walked around multiple information stands outside the SCEMD, that offered additional resources for state residents. The official Atlantic hurricane season, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), starts June 1 and ends November 30. 'Tropical cyclones sometimes form outside of these dates, mainlyin May and December,' a guide from SCDNR reads. 'South Carolina has been affected by 13 tropical cyclones during May, with seven of those impacts occurring since 2007. McMaster said during the 2025 hurricane season, every storm hitting the state will be a disaster, but the most important thing is to save lives. 'A disaster does not have to have a loss of life with preparation and understanding what's happening,' the governor said. 'We lost 49 people in Hurricane Helene — [that's] the most [people] we have ever lost in a hurricane. It was a mess and there's still people who don't have homes.' Stenson said the SCEMD has been in contact with FEMA; the federal agency indicated they will provide services during hurricane season to the state. 'There may be some modifications in the funding levels and some of the requirements that we have to, to go through to actually get the grant,' Stenson said. 'But it's as far as we know, they're still in existence.' When McMaster was asked about President Donald Trump's discussions regarding FEMA being pulled back, he said South Carolina officials have taken the lead. 'That's why our state and have his team has been recognized as the finest in the country,' McMaster remarked. Officials urged South Carolinians to 'know their zone' before the hurricanes hit, so residents can properly prepare for evacuation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. McMaster, SCEMD encourages South Carolinians to prepare now before hurricane season begins on June 1
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – Governor Henry McMaster and South Carolina's emergency management leaders are encouraging residents to prepare now for hurricane season. McMaster has declared May as South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month, giving people plenty of time to take precautions, like restocking their hurricane supply kits and creating a safety plan for a possible disaster, well before an event occurs. This year's theme is 'Don't Wait, Prepare Today,' and officials said acting now will ensure residents and businesses have the appropriate plans and resources needed to stay safe before the season begins on June 1. It will lessen the stress of gathering essential supplies when a threat is near. Researchers are calling for another above-average hurricane season. In their pre-season forecast, Colorado State University is predicting 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes; however, it only takes one storm to make it a bad hurricane season. 'South Carolina is one of the most vulnerable states to hurricanes and tropical storms, with six coastal counties bordering the Atlantic Ocean and more than 180 miles of coastline,' said SCEMD. 'The state's densely populated coastal areas, especially during peak tourist seasons, combined with low elevations, pose a significant safety risk.' While the coast is the primary place of impact, tropical systems can have a significant impact on inland areas. These storms can generate high winds and tornadoes that could damage homes and buildings across the state. Hurricane Helene is a prime example of the damage storms can cause well inland. The storm spawned 21 tornadoes, downed trees, and caused widespread power outages, and many areas in the Upstate are still recovering from the storm months later. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division said the first step is for residents to know what zone they live in. If a storm threatens the coast, evacuations will be issued by zone depending on potential impacts. You will also want to know the closest route to take if an evacuation is ordered. Follow the blue hurricane evacuation signs rather than a GPS for the most accurate and reliable guidance. You can find a map of coastal evacuation zones and routes by clicking here. The second tip is to prepare your home. Do a safety check of your home to make sure it is prepared to withstand the effects of a hurricane. This should include scheduling a roof inspection, double-checking hurricane shutters, and reviewing your insurance policies to ensure they cover the types of damage hurricanes can cause. Create a list and take photos of your belongings for documentation. Finally, take the time to refresh your hurricane preparedness kit. Update your supply of batteries, flashlights, bottled water, and other non-perishable supplies. You can find a downloadable list of supplies by clicking here, along with tips to make sure you are hurricane-ready. The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1 and runs through the end of November. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
