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- Storm tracker: Tropical Storm Chantal forms; heavy rains headed for coastal Carolinas</p>
<p>Joel Shannon, Dinah Voyles Pulver and Mike Snider, USA TODAY July 5, 2025 at 9:27 PM</p>
<p>Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday, July 5, as the National Hurricane Center warned of heavy rainfall across the coastal Carolinas.</p>
<p>The center extended a tropical storm warning from the South Santee River in South Carolina, northward to Surf City, North Carolina in an update at 11 a.m. ET on July 5. Tropical storm conditions within the warning area could start Saturday evening and continue through Sunday morning, the center said.</p>
<p>Also beginning later on Saturday, tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area from Edisto Beach, North Carolina, to the South Santee River, S.C., according to the NHC.</p>
<p>Chantal was producing maximum sustained winds of 45 mph as it moved north at 3 mph from its location about 105 miles southeast of Charleston, S.C., and about 185 miles south-southwest of Wilmington, N.C., on Saturday afternoon, the center said. The storm is expected to strengthen before it reaches the Carolina coasts.</p>
<p>The biggest impact on the Carolinas is expected to be locally heavy rainfall, with isolated flooding through Sunday. Moderate flooding could occur east of Interstate 95, and that could prompt evacuations or rescues, said the National Weather Service office in Wilmington, N.C.</p>
<p>There could be minor coastal flooding, south of Myrtle Beach, S.C., but it's "not expected to be a significant concern," said National Weather Service meteorologist Jordan Baker in Wilmington.</p>
<p>Live updates: Texas flooding death toll rises to 27; children among the dead</p>
<p>Tropical storm warning, watch for coastal Carolinas</p>
<p>Tropical Storm Chantal is expected to bring rainfall of two to four inches, with locally higher amounts of up to six inches, through Monday, July 7, the center said. The storm could also bring isolated tornadoes along the coast of eastern South Carolina and much of North Carolina Saturday night and into Sunday, the center said.</p>
<p>Coastal areas of South Carolina and southern North Carolina are expected to get wind gusts of 40 mph to 50 mph. "The strongest winds are expected near and to the east of where the storm makes landfall and can produce tree damage, localized power outages and some structural damage," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys.</p>
<p>Life threatening rip currents are possible at beaches from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic over the next few days, the NHC said.</p>
<p>The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will last through the end of November.</p>
<p>Active hurricane weather typically peaks between mid-August and mid-October.</p>
<p>Tropical Storm Chantal tracker</p>
<p>Forecast for Tropical Storm Chantal.What's a tropical storm?</p>
<p>A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reaches 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.</p>
<p>Prepare now for hurricanes</p>
<p>Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends.</p>
<p>Prepare now for hurricanes: Here's what you should do to stay safe before a storm arrives</p>
<p>Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.</p>
<p>Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.</p>
<p>Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.</p>
<p>Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.</p>
<p>Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home's ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.</p>
<p>(This story has been to add new information and to correct a misspelling/typo.)</p>
<p>This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Storm tracker: Tropical Storm Chantal forms; see forecast path</p>
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