MIAMI, 2025-07-06
Chantal’s Coastal Crawl Flash flood watch as weakened storm heads inland.
From storm to shower? Not so fast. Lingering rain raises flood risks.
- Tropical Storm Chantal was downgraded to a depression.
- Flash flooding is possible in central and eastern North Carolina.
- Heavy rain is expected to continue through Monday.
- Dangerous surf and rip currents persist along the coast.
The primary concern is potential flash flooding, because even though Tropical Storm Chantal weakened to a depression Sunday, it’s still bringing heavy rain to North Carolina.
From Tropical Storm to Depression
Tropical Storm Chantal has been downgraded to a depression, but don’t let your guard down. The shift occurred as the storm made its way into central and eastern North Carolina. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Chantal made landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, around 4 a.m. EDT Sunday.
By 11 a.m. Sunday, the storm was approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers) west of Wilmington, North Carolina. It was moving north at 9 mph (14 kph), with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (56 kph). Forecasters anticipate the system will turn to the northeast later Sunday as it continues to weaken.
Flood Watch for North Carolina
Although the hurricane center canceled tropical storm warnings for parts of the Carolinas, the threat isn’t over. Heavy rain is expected to drench parts of North Carolina through Monday.
Total rainfall could reach 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters), with some areas receiving up to 6 inches (15 centimeters). This level of rainfall could easily trigger flash flooding, posing a risk to residents and infrastructure.
Coastal Concerns Remain
Even with the storm weakening, coastal dangers persist. Forecasters are warning of dangerous surf and rip currents at beaches from northeastern Florida to the mid-Atlantic states for the next couple of days.
Safety First
Earlier, South Carolina’s Emergency Management division had cautioned residents about the possibility of isolated tornadoes along the coast and minor coastal flooding. They also urged drivers to avoid water-covered roads and areas with road-closure signs due to flooding.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Avoid driving through flooded areas and stay tuned to local weather updates.
**What should you do if a flash flood warning is issued in your area?**
If a flash flood warning is issued for your area, seek higher ground immediately and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; turn around, don’t drown.
