News Summary
Tropical Storm Chantal is set to make landfall along the South Carolina coast, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf conditions. Warnings have been issued for areas including Myrtle Beach, affecting local residents and tourists. With forecasts predicting up to 4 inches of rain and wind gusts up to 57 mph, local authorities are urging preparations and caution, especially in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Travel and evacuation advisories are in place as the storm approaches.
MYRTLE BEACH, SC
Tropical Storm Chantal is expected to make landfall along the South Carolina coast tonight, prompting local authorities to issue warnings of heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington NC released a tropical cyclone statement on Saturday night, with the warning in effect until Sunday at 7:15 a.m., affecting Myrtle Beach, Inland Georgetown, Coastal Georgetown, and Conway.
Storm Details
As of Saturday night, Chantal is positioned approximately 120 miles south-southwest of Wilmington, NC, and 70 miles south of Myrtle Beach, SC. The storm is moving north at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. The coordinates of the storm are 32.7N latitude and 78.8W longitude. It is anticipated that the storm could strengthen slightly before reaching the coastline.
Watches and Warnings
A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for several coastal regions, including Central Horry, Coastal Brunswick, Coastal Georgetown, Coastal Horry, Coastal New Hanover, Coastal Pender, and Inland Georgetown. Residents in these areas should prepare for potential isolated flooding, which may lead to spontaneous evacuations and water infiltration in vulnerable structures.
Expected Impacts
Heavy rainfall is predicted for the Myrtle Beach area, with forecasts estimating between 2 to 4 inches of rain starting around 8 p.m. on Saturday and continuing into Sunday. This deluge could cause significant flooding in low-lying areas.
Along with rainfall, dangerous surf conditions are set to persist through early next week, with life-threatening rip currents anticipated at all local beaches. Breaking wave heights could reach up to six feet, possibly resulting in minor beach erosion.
Wind gusts are forecasted to range between 39 and 57 mph, which could lead to damage to structures, including porches and fences, as well as potential power outages. In addition, tropical storm conditions may bring a risk of isolated tornadoes and associated damages.
Preparation and Warnings
The city of Myrtle Beach has begun preparations, including securing local infrastructure and monitoring conditions closely. Officials have advised residents to remain calm, secure lightweight outdoor objects, and stay informed about the evolving situation. Swimming restrictions have been enforced by lifeguards in anticipation of the storm, but some tourists have expressed concern about the approaching weather conditions.
The combination of strong winds and heavy rains is making the local authorities concerned about the storm’s potential impact, especially considering previous rainfall in the region, which may exacerbate flooding risks.
Travelers and residents are urged to monitor updates closely as conditions may worsen and evacuation and rescue operations could become increasingly difficult.
Conclusion
This is the first tropical storm of the season expected to significantly impact the South Carolina coast. Safety measures and preparations are underway to ensure the well-being of the local community as Tropical Storm Chantal approaches land. Residents are encouraged to take the necessary precautions and heed any evacuation orders issued by local authorities to ensure safety during this potentially hazardous weather event.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Fox Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm
- The State
- Google News: Tropical Storm Chantal
- My Horry News
- Myrtle Beach Online – Weather News
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.
