News Summary
Myrtle Beach is currently recovering from Tropical Storm Chantal, which made landfall early Sunday morning. Although now downgraded to a tropical depression, dangerous conditions remain including life-threatening rip currents and high winds. Localized flooding is also a concern, with heavy rainfall affecting parts of the area. Emergency crews are actively monitoring the situation as residents are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about weather updates.
Myrtle Beach is recovering from the effects of Tropical Storm Chantal, which made landfall at Litchfield Beach at approximately 4 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025. As of 5 a.m. Sunday, the storm has been downgraded to a tropical depression, with Horry County officially canceling its tropical storm warning.
Chantal brought maximum sustained winds of 50 mph to the area. As the system continues to weaken and move inland, it is projected to approach the Virginia/North Carolina border by 2 a.m. Monday. Despite the downgrade, the Myrtle Beach area is still facing hazardous conditions, including life-threatening rip currents, strong winds, and large waves.
The storm resulted in heavy rainfall that delivered an additional 2 to 3 inches in some parts. Fortunately, the rainfall has since moved out of the immediate area, but the potential for flooding has persisted and has now shifted towards more inland locations. Localized flooding continues to pose a concern. Winds recorded in Myrtle Beach reached up to 54 mph, and sustained winds of 39 to 57 mph are forecasted, which may lead to power outages and downed trees.
A high surf warning and a small craft advisory remain in effect for Horry County due to ongoing hazardous ocean conditions. Lifeguards have raised double red flags indicating unsafe swimming conditions along the beaches for the duration of the holiday weekend. Rip currents remain a significant risk, and are expected to pose life-threatening hazards through early next week.
Flood watches have been issued for nearby regions, including Horry County as well as Brunswick and Columbus counties in North Carolina. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution as the storm surge could reach up to 3 feet along the coast, particularly from the South Santee River in Georgetown to the Cape Fear River near Wilmington.
During the storm’s intensity, emergency crews in Myrtle Beach worked to prepare for potential flooding and monitor the situation. They began removing trash cans and conducting assessments throughout the night as conditions developed. These precautions are in response to the potential hazards, such as isolated tornadoes and hazardous ocean conditions that the storm could produce.
The effects of Tropical Storm Chantal are particularly noteworthy as it marks the first tropical storm of the year and is a rare occurrence for July, according to meteorological data from the National Weather Service. This unexpected threat has led many tourists and residents in the area to express concerns, with some seeking shelter from the rain. A 21-year-old man remains missing after being swept away by a rip current on July 2, underscoring the dangers associated with the storm.
As recovery efforts begin, ongoing assessments will be necessary to address the conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Chantal. Authorities urge individuals to stay informed on weather updates, follow safety recommendations, and remain cautious of ongoing flooding and power-related issues that may complicate travel and daily activities in the aftermath of the storm.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Tropical Storm Chantal Stirs Excitement
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Tropical Storm Update
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm Chantal
- WBTW: Tropical Storm Chantal Makes Landfall
- Google News: Tropical Storm Chantal 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.
