News Summary
The Midlands region of South Carolina is under a Weather Impact Alert as Tropical Storm Chantal approaches, bringing sustained winds of 50 mph and potential rainfall of 1-2 inches. Residents are advised to prepare for impacts including gusty winds and isolated flooding. Conditions are expected to improve by Sunday evening, but caution is urged due to the risks of thunderstorms and dangerous rip currents along the coast.
Columbia, South Carolina – The Midlands region is under a Weather Impact Alert as Tropical Storm Chantal approaches the South Carolina coast. The storm, currently located offshore, has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and is moving north at a speed of 8 mph. Residents are urged to prepare for potential impact as the alert is in effect through Sunday.
Forecasts indicate that the northeastern Midlands may receive between 1 to 2 inches of rainfall. Wind gusts are expected to reach between 25 to 30 mph, particularly on Sunday morning when the storm is predicted to have the greatest impact. Additionally, isolated areas, especially in low-lying regions, may experience minor flooding due to the increased rainfall. Showers are anticipated to continue into the morning hours, with a tapering off expected between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Conditions are projected to improve after 6 p.m. on Sunday as Tropical Storm Chantal is forecasted to move further north, leading to reduced precipitation and wind gusts. However, breezy conditions may persist throughout Sunday afternoon, calming down by nightfall.
Along the coastal areas of South Carolina, wind gusts could exceed 45 mph, presenting additional risks. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tropical storm warning as a precaution. Dangerous rip currents are also a concern, increasing risks for swimmers at the beach.
The most significant impacts of Tropical Storm Chantal are expected overnight on Saturday into early morning on Sunday. Residents in areas such as Northwestern and Central Orangeburg, and counties including Lexington, Aiken, and Barnwell, should be particularly vigilant. Thunderstorm alerts have already been issued for these areas, with Doppler radar indicating strong thunderstorms moving southwest at approximately 20 mph near Aiken State Park, affecting locations like Williston and Gaston.
A special advisory emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter indoors during severe weather, as thunderstorms can produce strong winds with gusts up to 50 mph. Lightning incidents occur frequently during summer months in the U.S., with annual estimates of up to 25 million strikes and about 20 fatalities, highlighting the dangers presented by such storms.
Drivers are also warned to remain cautious and alert to the risk of hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle can no longer make contact with the road due to accumulating water on the surface. The NWS forecast indicates that temperatures overnight will remain in the middle 70s, with highs climbing back into the middle and upper 90s on Monday and Tuesday.
Looking ahead, another weather pattern may bring scattered showers and additional storms in the upcoming week. The First Alert Forecast suggests the possibility of passing showers overnight, followed by cloudy conditions on Sunday. By Monday, mostly sunny skies and temperatures around the mid-90s are expected, with Tuesday seeing a mix of sun and clouds and highs reaching the upper 90s.
As the hurricane season progresses, residents are reminded to stay informed and prepared for any changes in weather. Monitoring updates from local weather services will be crucial in ensuring safety and readiness during this time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Braces for Impact from Tropical Storm Chantal
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Tropical Storm Chantal Forecast
- Wikipedia: Tropical Cyclone
- WISTV: Tropical Storm Chantal Updates
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Island Packet: Weather Updates on Chantal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Herald Online: Weather News on Chantal
- Google News: Weather Impact
