News Summary
Tropical Storm Chantal has transitioned into a post-tropical system, causing significant flooding and numerous rescues across the Mid-Atlantic region. Heavy rains, reaching up to 12 inches in some areas, have trapped individuals in their homes and led to power outages for nearly 24,000 residents. Local authorities are conducting search efforts for missing canoers and assessing damages as they maintain flood watches in affected states. As the storm leaves the region, further risks of rainfall and flash flooding are anticipated.
Tropical Depression Chantal Causes Devastating Flooding and Rescues Across the Mid-Atlantic Region
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Tropical Storm Chantal has transitioned into a post-tropical system as it moves through the Mid-Atlantic, leaving a trail of significant flooding and numerous rescues in its wake. As of Monday morning, the storm is expected to dissipate later in the day with a risk of additional rainfall and flooding in regions including eastern Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
Originally forming as Tropical Depression Three off the coast of northeast Florida, Chantal intensified into a tropical storm on July 5, 2025, just one day after its formation. The system made landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, on July 6, 2025, with sustained winds reaching up to 60 mph. It became the first storm to make landfall in the U.S. during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
Impact and Damages
Heavy rain has caused significant flooding across various states, with radar estimates showing rainfall totals of 9 to 12 inches in parts of North Carolina, particularly between Raleigh and Greensboro. The flooding prompted nearly 50 rescues by local fire departments around Chapel Hill, as individuals became trapped in apartments and neighborhoods. Tragically, an 83-year-old woman died after her vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.
Authorities are also conducting ongoing search efforts for two missing canoers in Jordan Lake. The Haw River experienced major flooding, reaching 32.5 feet—just below record levels, which resulted in road closures on I-85 and I-40 in Alamance County. Over 100 roads in Chatham County are also reported to be flooded, with a section of NC Highway 902 collapsing due to the storm.
In North Carolina, nearly 24,000 homes and businesses faced power outages attributed to the storm. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for south-central and eastern Virginia, southern and eastern Maryland, Delaware, southern New Jersey, and southeastern Pennsylvania, as concern for flash flooding across these areas remains high.
Wind and Tornado Activity
The storm produced maximum sustained winds of 30 mph as it continues to move north at a pace of 15 mph. Among the storm’s wind-related impacts, reported gusts reached 56 mph at Myrtle Beach’s Springmaid Pier, causing further disruption and damage. An EF0 tornado was also recorded in Wilmington, North Carolina, causing damage to homes and significant tree destruction.
Local businesses in Chapel Hill reported extensive damage, with debris scattered across streets and flooding inundating stores. Following Chantal’s path, lingering tropical moisture is anticipated to cause heavy showers and an ongoing risk of flash flooding across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic in the coming days.
Future Outlook
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has indicated that this year’s Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be above normal, predicting between 13 and 19 named storms, many of which could develop into hurricanes. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as Chantal departs the region, while local authorities work to assess damage and assist those affected by the storm.
As Chantal moves out of the Mid-Atlantic, residents are urged to remain vigilant as weather conditions can change rapidly, and additional flooding may still pose a significant danger.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Flooding in North Carolina from Tropical Depression Chantal
Myrtle Beach Considers Permanent Curfew for Minors
Mayor Marilyn Hatley Announces Departure from North Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Implements Temporary Curfew for Minors
North Carolina Tax Deadline Extended for Hurricane Helene Victims
Tropical Storm Chantal Impacts Myrtle Beach with Heavy Rain
Tropical Storm Chantal Hits Myrtle Beach
Tropical Storm Chantal Hits Litchfield Beach
Myrtle Beach Faces Aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal
Devastating Floods Hit Central Texas, Claiming Lives
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Tropical Storm Chantal Forms
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm
- WESH: Tropical Depression Chantal Flooding
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Washington Post: Tropical Storm Chantal Landfall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm Chantal
- CNN: Storm Chantal Flash Floods
- Google News: Tropical Storm Chantal
- KCRA: Chantal Flood Alerts
- NY Post: North Carolina Flooding from Chantal
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.
