News Summary
Myrtle Beach is under a tropical storm warning as Tropical Storm Chantal brings heavy rainfall and dangerous rip currents over the holiday weekend. Expected rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, along with wind speeds up to 60 mph, raise concerns about potential flooding and hazardous conditions for beachgoers. Although Chantal has downgraded to a tropical depression, life-threatening rip currents and flooding risks remain prevalent in the Myrtle Beach area as the storm passes through.
Myrtle Beach is currently under a tropical storm warning as Tropical Storm Chantal brings heavy rain and dangerous rip currents to the area throughout the holiday weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning for coastal regions of Horry County and surrounding waters as Chantal formed off the coast of northeast Florida and Georgia, moving towards South Carolina.
The storm is expected to approach the Myrtle Beach area on Saturday night, with forecasts indicating rainfall amounts between 2 to 4 inches starting around 8 p.m. and continuing into Sunday. The heavy rainfall raises concerns about potential flooding in low-lying areas. Alongside the rainfall, wind speeds of 40 to 60 mph are anticipated during the storm, which may cause tree damage and debris on roadways, leading to hazardous driving conditions.
Life-threatening rip currents and severe surf conditions are predicted for Saturday and Sunday, prompting safety warnings for beachgoers. Residents are advised to secure lightweight outdoor objects to mitigate wind damage and prepare for the possibility of power outages as winds may knock down trees and power lines.
Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall near Litchfield Beach at approximately 4 a.m. on Sunday, having been downgraded to a tropical depression post-landfall. As of 5 a.m. Sunday, maximum sustained winds were recorded at 50 mph. Despite the downgrade, hazards remain for the Myrtle Beach area, including rip currents, strong winds, and large waves. Although the tropical storm warning for Horry County has been canceled, life-threatening conditions are expected to persist in the waters.
Chantal is predicted to move further inland through Sunday, weakening throughout the day. By early Sunday morning, projections indicate that the storm could be nearing the Virginia/North Carolina border. An additional flooding risk exists as another 2 to 3 inches of rain are expected on Sunday, with the potential for storm totals to reach up to 6 inches in some regions, prompting the National Hurricane Center to report elevated flash flooding risks.
The strongest winds associated with Chantal fanned out across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee areas, with speeds documented between 39-57 mph. A storm surge reaching up to 3 feet is anticipated from the South Santee River to the Cape Fear River, and while the chance of isolated tornadoes is low, residents are advised to remain alert.
The heaviest downpours are expected to affect areas such as Loris and North Myrtle Beach, extending across the state line into North Carolina. Additionally, coastal advisories are in effect, including a high surf warning and small craft advisory for Horry County. Post-storm, the area will remain vigilant against the rip currents that are likely to linger through early next week.
Chantal stands as the first tropical storm of the year to impact the coastal southeast, marking a significant weather event for Myrtle Beach and surrounding regions as residents prepare for the adverse effects and clean-up following the storm’s passage.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tropical Storm Chantal Hits Litchfield Beach
Myrtle Beach Faces Aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal
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Tropical Storm Chantal Approaches Myrtle Beach, SC
Tropical Storm Chantal Impacts Myrtle Beach Area
Tropical Storm Chantal Approaches Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Transitions to Retirement Haven
Myrtle Beach Braces for Tropical Storm Chantal
Tropical Storm Chantal Approaches the Carolinas
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm
- WPDE News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm
- NBC 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.
