News Summary
Charleston County is under a high surf advisory as Tropical Storm Chantal weakens to a depression. Dangerous swimming conditions and beach erosion are expected along with heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Authorities urge caution as significant winds and rip currents pose further risks for residents and beachgoers.
Charleston County Faces High Surf Advisory and the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal
Charleston County is currently under a high surf advisory due to the impact of Tropical Storm Chantal, which has been downgraded to a tropical depression as of Sunday morning. The advisory, released by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston, went into effect early Sunday and will last until 8 a.m. The NWS has cautioned residents about dangerous swimming conditions and significant beach erosion.
Large breaking waves ranging from 4 to 6 feet are predicted in the surf zone, raising concerns for swimmers and surfers alike. Authorities are advising inexperienced swimmers to stay out of the water due to the increased risk of accidents. Furthermore, life-threatening rip currents are anticipated along the coast, making conditions particularly perilous.
Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall early Sunday morning at Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, with maximum sustained winds of approximately 50 mph. As of 11 a.m., Chantal was located about 20 miles southwest of Lumberton, North Carolina, and was moving north at 9 mph. Wind speeds have since dropped, with maximum sustained winds now near 35 mph. The NWS indicates that further weakening of the storm is expected as it progresses inland.
Heavy rainfall associated with Chantal is also a major concern, with projections estimating between 2 to 4 inches across the affected regions, and localized areas potentially receiving up to 6 inches. This rainfall could lead to flash flooding in various parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, and southeastern Virginia. Wind gusts are anticipated to reach 20 mph by Sunday afternoon, compounding the risk of tree limbs snapping and causing power outages in the area.
Officials in Charleston County are closely monitoring the situation and have confirmed the activation of Tropical Storm Watches and High Surf Advisories. The peak impact from Chantal is expected to occur between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. on Monday. Residents are urged to stay informed through local forecasts and weather updates to ensure their safety as conditions continue to evolve.
In preparation for potential disruptions, Charleston County officials are advising the public to remain aware of local power and weather conditions. Residents are reminded to ready themselves for any emergent situations like power outages or localized flooding as high winds and heavy rains persist.
The high surf advisory and the changes in Chantal’s status signify a serious weather system affecting the region. Authorities emphasize the importance of heeding safety warnings, particularly for beachgoers and those living in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Despite the downgrading of Chantal, the threat posed to coastal areas remains significant, underscoring the unpredictable nature of tropical weather systems.
Charleston County officials will continue to provide updates as necessary, urging residents to take the highest level of caution when engaging with the outside environment while the effects of the storm are still present.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm
- WYFF4 News
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- Lucky Dog News
- Google News: Chantal weather updates
- Count On 2 News
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storms
- Grice Connect
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston 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 the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
