The U.S. East Coast is gearing up for the arrival of Tropical Storm Chantal. As of Saturday, July 5, 2025, all eyes are on this storm, which has officially formed in the Atlantic and is poised to impact the Southeast coast, especially the Carolinas. While Tropical Storm Danas is making waves in the Western Pacific, it’s not expected to affect the U.S. mainland. Chantal, on the other hand, is a pressing concern for those living and vacationing along the Atlantic shoreline.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for a large stretch of the Carolina coastline, signaling that tropical storm conditions are likely to hit these areas later today and continue into Sunday morning. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is keeping a close watch on Chantal, which, as of Saturday morning, was just off the South Carolina coast, moving northward at a leisurely pace with maximum sustained winds around 40 mph. While it’s not expected to strengthen into a hurricane, its slow movement and anticipated rainfall pose significant threats.

The biggest impact from Chantal will be heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting 2 to 4 inches across the coastal plains of the Carolinas through Monday, and some isolated areas could see up to 6 inches. This substantial rainfall raises the risk of flash flooding, particularly in urban areas and places with poor drainage. Additionally, dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents are expected along the coast from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic states, creating serious hazards for swimmers and beachgoers throughout the holiday weekend. There’s also a chance of isolated tornadoes linked to the storm.

Chantal is expected to make landfall on the northern South Carolina coast sometime Sunday morning. Emergency management divisions in both North and South Carolina have advised residents to prepare for gusty winds, heavy rain, and the potential for localized flooding and power outages. As this is the first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season to directly impact the U.S. mainland, authorities are urging everyone in the affected zones to stay informed through official weather advisories, secure any loose outdoor items, and have an emergency plan in place.