Tropical Storm Chantal, the third named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, has officially formed off the Southeast coast, prompting immediate concerns for holiday weekend plans across parts of the Carolinas and Georgia. The system, which strengthened from Tropical Depression Three, is expected to bring a range of impacts, including heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and life-threatening rip currents, as it approaches the coast.
As of Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 8:00 AM EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Chantal was located near latitude 30.9 North, longitude 79.0 West, approximately 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina (The Weather Channel, National Hurricane Center (NHC), Live 5 News). The storm is currently moving slowly northward at 2 miles per hour. Forecasters anticipate a gradual turn toward the north-northwest later today, followed by a northeastward shift by Sunday night (Live 5 News, StarNewsOnline). Chantal’s maximum sustained winds have increased to 40 mph, with some additional strengthening possible before it reaches the coast of South Carolina on Sunday morning (Live 5 News, The Weather Channel). Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles, primarily to the east of the storm’s center (Live 5 News). The estimated minimum central pressure is 1009 mb or 29.80 inches (Live 5 News).
In response to Chantal’s development, a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the area stretching from the South Santee River in South Carolina to Cape Fear, North Carolina (The Weather Channel, National Weather Service (NWS)). This means tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds of 40 mph or greater, are expected in these areas Saturday night into Sunday morning. Furthermore, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Edisto Beach, South Carolina, to the South Santee River in South Carolina, indicating that tropical storm conditions are possible in these areas during the same timeframe (The Weather Channel, Live 5 News). The NWS emphasizes that a Tropical Storm Warning signifies expected conditions within 36 hours, while a Tropical Storm Watch indicates possible conditions within 48 hours (NWS Safety).
The most widespread impact from Chantal is expected to be rainfall. The eastern Carolinas could see 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated totals potentially reaching 6 inches (The Weather Channel, StarNewsOnline). While widespread flooding is not anticipated, localized flooding cannot be ruled out, especially near the coast where the heaviest rain is likely Saturday night into Sunday. Beyond rain, gusty winds and minor coastal flooding are also expected. Storm surge could reach 1 to 3 feet above ground level in the tropical storm watch and warning areas (The Weather Channel).
A significant concern for beachgoers this holiday weekend is the high threat of rip currents along parts of the Southeast coast, particularly in the Carolinas and Georgia. These rip currents have the potential to be deadly, and the NWS advises the public to heed warning flags at beaches and stay out of the water if red flags are displayed (The Weather Channel, NWS).
Chantal’s formation marks the third named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. The first two, Andrea and Barry, dissipated quickly with minimal impact on the U.S. mainland, though Barry did bring heavy rains to central Mexico (StarNewsOnline). While the season has seen a relatively quiet start, experts caution that this is fairly normal, as the peak of hurricane season typically occurs in late August and September. Forecasters from various agencies are predicting an above-average hurricane season for 2025, largely attributed to the continuing warming of the world’s oceans due to climate change (StarNewsOnline). Colorado State University, for instance, forecasts an estimated 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger). AccuWeather’s predictions are similar, ranging from 13 to 18 named storms, 7 to 10 hurricanes, with 3 to 5 potentially reaching major hurricane status. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes the National Hurricane Center, also anticipates an above-average season (StarNewsOnline). The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through the end of November.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather updates, have alternative plans for outdoor activities, and be prepared to shelter from lightning. Always follow instructions from local officials and emergency services.
