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Tropical Storm Chantal, the third of the Atlantic hurricane season in 2025, formed this Saturday off the southeastern coast of the United States and has put South Carolina and North Carolina on alert.
According to data from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), at 9:00 AM (Eastern Time), the center of the storm was located about 240 kilometers southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, and about 385 kilometers southwest of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Its maximum sustained winds reached 65 km/h, with stronger gusts, and it was moving slowly north at a speed of between 3 and 4 km/h.
Chantal strengthened during the early hours of Saturday after being classified as Tropical Depression Three.
It is expected to continue moving slowly north or northwest on Saturday and turn northeast on Sunday night, crossing the South Carolina coast on Sunday morning.
The CNH has issued a tropical storm alert for the coastal stretch between the South Santee River in South Carolina and Cape Fear in North Carolina. Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach these areas within 12 to 24 hours.
Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 112 km from the center, primarily toward the east. Intense gusts and coastal flooding of 30 to 60 cm are expected, especially along the northern coast of South Carolina and southern North Carolina.
Additionally, Chantal could cause rainfall accumulations of between 50 and 100 mm in both states, with local maxima of up to 150 mm. Authorities warn of possible flash floods, particularly in areas already affected by recent storms.
Although Chantal is not expected to cause severe damage on land, it does pose a significant coastal risk this holiday weekend for the Fourth of July.
Dangerous conditions are expected on the region's beaches, with strong waves and rip currents, posing a threat to the many swimmers present.
Chantal will rapidly weaken after making landfall and could downgrade back to a tropical depression by Sunday night, dissipating completely over North Carolina on Monday.
Authorities are urging the population to stay informed and follow local guidelines due to the potential for adverse weather conditions.
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