News Summary
Tropical Storm Chantal is set to make landfall in Georgetown County, bringing significant wind and rainfall to the Myrtle Beach area. Expected wind speeds reach up to 57 mph, with rainfall up to 8 inches in some regions. Authorities have issued flood watches and advisories for dangerous surf conditions. Residents and tourists are urged to prepare for possible flooding, power outages, and hazards from strong winds. Local crews are taking precautions and advising against ocean activities during the storm’s approach.
Myrtle Beach, SC — Tropical Storm Chantal is expected to make landfall in Georgetown County early in the morning on July 6, 2025. The storm, which formed from Tropical Depression Three, is bringing wind speeds of 39 to 57 mph and has prompted multiple storm-related advisories in the region.
Rainfall estimates for the storm indicate that some areas, particularly Loris, North Myrtle Beach, and portions of Brunswick and New Hanover counties in North Carolina, could receive up to 8 inches of rain. As a precautionary measure, a flood watch has been issued for Horry County, SC, as well as Brunswick and Columbus counties, NC. Authorities are warning residents about potential flooding, downed trees, and power outages due to the strong winds associated with Chantal.
In addition to the flood watch, a high surf advisory is in effect for Horry, Georgetown, and Brunswick counties. Swimmers are warned of dangerous conditions, including rip currents, which pose a significant risk given the storm’s approach. Lifeguards at local beaches are taking shelter, and beachgoers are actively advised to stay out of the ocean during the storm. Inexperienced swimmers are particularly urged to avoid swimming, with high rip current risks prevailing along the coastline.
Tropical Storm Chantal is projected to affect western Horry County around 2 p.m. on July 6, with impacts expected to extend into North Carolina by the afternoon of July 7. The storm’s strength, with wind speeds reaching up to 57 mph, is likely to lead to hazardous conditions, prompting further preparedness efforts from local officials. A high tide warning has been issued for flood-prone areas, including Cherry Grove in North Myrtle Beach, where flooding is a particular concern.
As part of their storm preparedness efforts, area crews have begun to remove trash cans from beach access locations and will monitor the evolving conditions throughout the night. Despite being a holiday weekend, beach attendance has notably declined, with the presence of double red flags signaling heavy surf conditions discouraging visitors. Public sentiment among tourists is mixed, as some express concern about how the storm will impact their holiday plans.
Reports indicate that on July 2, a 21-year-old was reported missing after being caught in a rip current, while an 18-year-old was successfully rescued during the same incident. These incidents serve as reminders of the inherent risks associated with swimming in turbulent waters, especially under storm conditions.
Tropical Storm Chantal marks the first tropical storm to impact the coast this year, making its early July arrival a rare event. The National Weather Service encourages individuals caught in a rip current to remain calm and swim parallel to the shore to escape the strong currents. Such guidance is crucial for ensuring safety as the storm approaches and conditions worsen.
As residents and visitors in the Myrtle Beach area await the arrival of Chantal, preparations continue in anticipation of the severe weather elements that the storm may bring. The local community is bracing for potential challenges while adhering to safety recommendations put forth by authorities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Braces for Tropical Storm Chantal
Tropical Storm Chantal Approaches the Carolinas
Search Ongoing for Missing Swimmer at North Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Enforces Extended Curfew for Minors Amid Youth Violence Concerns
Tropical Depression 3 Develops Off the Southeastern U.S. Coast
Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Tropical storm
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical storm
- My Horry News
- Google News: Tropical Storm 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.
