News Summary
Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall near Litchfield Beach and quickly weakened to a tropical depression. With winds reaching 35 mph, heavy rainfall is expected, prompting flood watches in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas. The storm’s impact coincides with the start of the high tourism season, raising concerns for local communities. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as residents deal with flash flooding and hazardous surf conditions.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall near Litchfield Beach at 4 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025, and weakened rapidly thereafter, downgrading to a tropical depression. As of noon on Sunday, the storm was moving inland at a speed of 8 mph with sustained winds reaching up to 35 mph, contributing to heavy rainfall predictions across the region.
Prior to the landfall, the Myrtle Beach area was under a tropical storm watch beginning on Saturday, July 5. This watch alerted residents and visitors to the impending storm, which originally formed over the Fourth of July weekend near Myrtle Beach. Following its landfall, significant storm effects were expected, including flash flooding and life-threatening surf conditions.
Forecasters are predicting that the affected areas could experience heavy rainfall, with some locations potentially receiving up to six inches of rain. This potential for excessive rainfall has led to the National Weather Service issuing a flood watch that will remain in effect through Monday, July 7. Rainfall totals in neighboring North Carolina are anticipated to range from 2 to 4 inches, with localized amounts possibly exceeding six inches.
As the storm transitioned into a tropical depression, the highest wind gusts recorded were near 50 mph. Plummeting air pressure and increased moisture levels have raised the risk for severe thunderstorms in the region, including the potential for tornadoes in eastern North Carolina. With Chantal’s trajectory continuing inland and a sustained weakening pattern expected, meteorologists are keeping a close eye on the storm’s developments throughout Sunday night.
In addition to the rain, high surf advisories have been implemented along the Myrtle Beach coast through 8 p.m. Visitors and locals alike are being warned of a high risk of rip currents, especially affecting inexperienced swimmers. Lifeguards are actively enforcing safety measures by keeping individuals out of the water during this hazardous period.
Video footage from North Myrtle Beach depicts heavy winds and rough surf conditions, highlighting the storm’s impact on coastal areas. Flash flooding has already been reported in places such as Moore County, North Carolina, underscoring the urgency of the situation as rain pooling becomes a concern for residents.
Temperatures in Myrtle Beach on Sunday reached a high of 85 degrees, with a low of 76 expected overnight. Despite the storm, many local and visiting individuals shared concerns regarding the weather but were attempting to make necessary adjustments to their plans. The storm’s impact coincided with the start of the high tourism season, making Chantal’s landfall especially significant for communities reliant on summer visitors.
This event marks the first landfall of the hurricane season in the United States, and Chantal’s arrival is notable as the earliest landfall since 2022. As the region continues to navigate the effects of this tropical storm, authorities and weather services remain vigilant in monitoring the situation and providing updates to ensure public safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tropical Storm Chantal Hits Litchfield Beach
Myrtle Beach Faces Aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal
Devastating Floods Hit Central Texas, Claiming Lives
Tropical Storm Chantal Approaches Myrtle Beach, SC
Tropical Storm Chantal Impacts Myrtle Beach Area
Tropical Storm Chantal Approaches Myrtle Beach
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
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Tourists in Myrtle Beach talk Tropical Storm
- Wikipedia: Tropical cyclone
- Washington Post: Tropical Storm Chantal Landfall
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- ABC News: Tropical Storm Warnings Extended
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storms
- WBTW News: Tropical Storm Chantal Leaves Grand Strand
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storms
- NBC News: Tropical Storm Chantal Makes Landfall
- 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.
