News Summary
Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall in Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, early Sunday, carrying winds of 60 mph. While weakened to a tropical depression by later in the morning, the storm poses risks of heavy rain and flooding across North Carolina and Virginia. Emergency management services urge residents to remain vigilant, as road closures and flash flood watches affect various regions. Beachgoers are also warned of dangerous surf and rip currents. As the storm’s threat diminishes, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Tropical Storm Chantal Hits South Carolina, Weakens, But Risks Still Loom
The charming city of Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, had an unexpected wake-up call early Sunday morning as Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall at around 4 a.m. With winds ripping through the town at a hefty 60 mph, residents were left on alert as the storm spiraled inland, impacting the beautiful coastline between Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet.
Storm Downgraded but Flooding Threat Persists
By 8 a.m. on Sunday, Chantal’s winds had weakened considerably, now clocking in at just 40 mph as it continued to trek northwest, about 15 miles from Conway. Officially downgraded to a Tropical Depression, it is making its way into North Carolina. While folks in South Carolina are seeing less intense conditions, the storm is still making headlines with flash flooding concerns stretching to central North Carolina and eastern Virginia.
Heavy Rain Predicted
As the storm progresses, central and eastern North Carolina are bracing for heavy showers, with estimates predicting a staggering 3-6 inches of rain through Monday morning. This deluge puts low-lying areas, especially those near streams and creeks, at a greater risk for flooding. In fact, flash flood watches are now in effect throughout central North Carolina and south-central Virginia until Monday.
Local Repercussions
The impacts of the tropical storm have varied by region. For example, while Pawleys Island witnessed relatively mild rain and wind, Horry County felt the full brunt of Chantal’s wrath. Law enforcement noted that various roads—over 100 in Chatham County alone—are underwater, leading to the unfortunate stranding of motorists and necessitating rescues. Meanwhile, the Haw River in Chatham County is expected to crest at an alarming 21.2 feet, raising further alarm bells.
Yet More Caution Ahead
Throughout the state, emergency management services have warned residents to remain vigilant. Although tropical storm watches for Charleston County have been canceled, warnings remain in effect for Georgetown County and areas to the north. There are ongoing alerts for potential isolated tornadoes and minor coastal flooding as Chantal’s remnants linger.
Surf and Current Risks
Beachgoers along the coastline are also advised to exercise extreme caution. The storm leaves behind an increased threat of dangerous surf conditions and rip currents stretching from northeastern Florida up to the mid-Atlantic states. This impacts swimmers and fishermen alike, reminding everyone to stay out of the water unless conditions improve.
Stay Safe and Informed
As we navigate the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal, residents in affected areas are encouraged to heed road closure signs in flooded regions and avoid water-covered roads at all costs. Local agencies continue to monitor conditions closely, and updates will be provided as the storm system continues to shift. For now, let’s hope for clearer skies and a safe return to normalcy as Chantal’s threat fizzles away.
Remember, your safety comes first! Stay alert, stay informed, and most importantly, stay dry!
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Additional Resources
- Count on 2 News
- WMBF News
- CBS News
- News4Jax
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Tropical cyclone
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Google News: Tropical Storm Chantal
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
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