News Summary
Tropical Storm Chantal is affecting Myrtle Beach with a storm watch issued. The storm, moving at 7 mph and packing winds up to 45 mph, is expected to bring heavy rain, with some areas anticipating up to six inches. Authorities are advising residents to take precautions against flooding and rip currents along the coast. The storm may weaken after landfall, but safety remains a critical concern as conditions worsen.
Myrtle Beach
Tropical Storm Chantal is currently impacting the Myrtle Beach area, prompting a tropical storm watch as of Saturday, July 5, 2025. The storm formed over the Fourth of July weekend and is moving at a speed of 7 mph with sustained winds reaching up to 45 mph. The National Weather Service (NWS) has also issued a tropical storm warning for coastal areas of Horry County.
A flood watch is in effect with some locations expected to receive up to six inches of rainfall. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and breezy conditions are anticipated throughout Saturday evening and into Sunday. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are forecast to begin Saturday night, with potential wind gusts between 40 to 60 mph as the storm progresses towards landfall, expected to occur overnight or early Sunday morning. Local authorities have been monitoring the situation closely, implementing safety measures such as removing beach amenities.
Safety Precautions and Advisories
In response to the storm, dangerous conditions including rip currents and hazardous surf have been predicted along the Myrtle Beach coast. A high surf advisory will remain in effect until 8 p.m. on Sunday. Residents, particularly those who are inexperienced swimmers, are strongly advised to refrain from entering the ocean during this time. Double red flags have been raised on the beach to signal very dangerous conditions. Lifeguards have also cautioned that only advanced swimmers should attempt to navigate the unpredictable rip current conditions.
Flooding risks are particularly high in Horry County and surrounding regions as rainfall intensifies. Areas in Western Horry County could begin to see flooding effects around 2 p.m. on Sunday. Residents are being encouraged to secure lightweight objects outside their homes to reduce hazards from expected winds. In light of previous incidents, local authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety and adherence to advisories. A 21-year-old remains missing after being caught in a rip current earlier in the week, highlighting the very real dangers posed by such conditions.
Historical Context
Tropical storms are not a common occurrence in July, as noted by the South Carolina State Climatology Office. Chantal marks the first tropical storm to impact the Myrtle Beach coast this year. As the storm progresses further inland, it is projected to weaken on Sunday night. However, the immediate focus remains on safeguarding lives and property throughout the affected areas.
With potential flooding, hazardous surf, and strong winds, residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and informed as Tropical Storm Chantal continues to unfold. Local emergency services and weather authorities are actively monitoring the situation and providing updates as necessary. Staying safe remains the highest priority as the Myrtle Beach community faces this significant weather event together.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Weather
- Hindustan Times
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News
- Google News: Tropical Storm Myrtle Beach
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
