As of Saturday evening, Chantal continues to move closer to the South Carolina coast. The tropical storm has tropical storm-force winds that extend outward up to 140 miles, primarily east of the center. The latest satellite imagery indicates that the heaviest precipitation is mainly focused over the Atlantic. But with Chantal moving north at about 7 mph, most of this precipitation will also be moving inland. Heavy rains are expected to impact the northern portion of the South Carolina coast through the southeastern portion of North Carolina. Flash floods are possible in this area overnight into Sunday afternoon. Total rainfall is expected to be between 2 and 4 inches, but some areas may experience isolated amounts exceeding 6 inches.
Some of the moisture will also affect the northern portion of the Midlands through Central North Carolina on Sunday, where flash floods may occur in this region through Monday morning, as Chantal´s moisture slowly moves over the area.
The forecast track indicates that the center of Chantal will move inland overnight or very early on Sunday morning. The storm will rapidly weaken after it makes landfall. The wind will rapidly pick up overnight into Sunday as Chantal moves over to South Carolina. Make sure to finish your preparations soon, as the winds will be picking up, especially along the Pee Dee through North Carolina.
Storm surge will range between one and 2 feet from Edisto Beach, South Carolina, to Surf City, North Carolina.