—Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall early Friday morning along the eastern coastline of South Carolina, unleashing powerful winds and torrential rainfall on cities from Charleston to Myrtle Beach. As of 8:00 a.m. local time, Chantal had sustained winds of 60 mph (96 km/h) and was moving northwest at 15 mph.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed the storm’s landfall near Bulls Bay, just north of Charleston, bringing a mix of dangerous storm surges, flash flooding, and downed power lines across the region.https://x.com/yemen24a/status/1941156928065028303?t=4VVEe2tBKjuUHwYpHi_-vg&s=19
Chantal’s Impact: Wind, Rain, and Rising Waters
Chantal’s Impact: Wind, Rain, and Rising Waters
As Chantal pushed ashore, meteorologists warned of serious flood risks throughout coastal and inland counties. More than 8 inches (20 cm) of rain were reported in some low-lying areas, and tidal surges of 2 to 4 feet flooded streets and overwhelmed drainage.
Hundreds of homes along the coast have lost power, with utility crews working through the storm to assess damage and restore services. Emergency shelters have been opened across several counties for residents who were forced to evacuate due to rising water or structural risks.
Evacuations and Emergency Respo
South Carolina Governor Emily Wallace declared a state of emergency Thursday evening, activating the National Guard and mobilizing disaster response teams. Evacuations were ordered in parts of Horry, Georgetown, and Charleston counties, where storm surge and flash flooding posed the greatest risk.
“We are prepared, and we are responding,” said Governor Wallace in a press briefing. “But we urge all South Carolinians to heed local warnings and stay safe. The storm isn’t over yet.”
Red Cross volunteers are assisting with shelter operations, while FEMA has dispatched assessment teams to begin coordinating federal aid in the aftermath.
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Air and Road Travel Disruptions
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has issued advisories urging travelers to avoid nonessential travel until conditions improve.
What Comes Next: Chantal Heads Inland.
Forecasters expect Chantal to weaken into a tropical depression by Saturday as it moves over the Carolinas and into western Virginia. However, the storm is still expected to bring heavy rains to a wide swath of the Southeastern U.S., including parts of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Flash flood warnings remain in effect for inland regions through Saturday afternoon. Local rivers, already swollen from previous storms, could spill over, especially in the Pee Dee River basin.
Preparedness and Climate Concerns
Chantal is the third named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which meteorologists expect to be one of the most active in recent history. Warmer ocean temperatures — driven by climate change — are fueling stronger, wetter storms with more destructive potential.
How Residents Are Coping
Local communities have come together in the face of adversity. Volunteers in Conway, SC, were seen distributing sandbags to neighbors, while churches and schools have opened as makeshift shelters. First responders are working around the clock to ensure safety and rescue those trapped by floodwaters.
We’ve been through hurricanes before, but every storm feels different,” said Myrtle Beach resident Daniel Brooks. “You just pray your home holds up and that your family stays safe.”
Key Safety Tips During Tropical Storms:
Avoid driving through flooded roads – “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Stay indoors until authorities say it is safe to go outside.
Prepare an emergency kit with water, food, medication, flashlights, and batteries.
Monitor local weather updates and alerts via radio or official apps.
Check on elderly neighbors and those who may need assistance.
Conclusion
As Tropical Storm Chantal continues to sweep across the Southeastern U.S., South Carolina is facing a critical period of response and recovery. While the storm’s fury may diminish over time, its impact will linger — from flooded homes and damaged infrastructure to the emotional toll on families and communities.
Authorities urge continued caution and vigilance, as recovery efforts begin and the state remains alert to additional severe weather threats.