Tropical Storm Chantal developed near South Carolina’s coast on Saturday, July 5th, while the National Hurricane Center alerted about substantial rainfall affecting the coastal Carolinas.

The National Hurricane center issued a tropical storm warning from the South Santee River in South Carolina to Surf City, North Carolina, in an update at 11 a.m. ET on July 5. It stated that tropical storm conditions in the warning area might begin on Saturday evening and persist through Sunday morning.

Tropical storm conditions may occur in the watch area from Edisto Beach, North Carolina, to the South Santee River, S.C., starting later tonight, as reported by the NHC.

Tropical Storm Chantal: Impact and Precautions

Tropical Storm Chantal, located approximately 105 miles southeast of Charleston, S.C., and about 185 miles south-southwest of Wilmington, N.C., was traveling to the north at 3 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph on Saturday afternoon, according to the center. The storm is forecasted to intensify before making landfall on the Carolina coasts.

The National Weather Service office in Wilmington, N.C. anticipates that the Carolinas will experience significant local rainfall leading to isolated flooding until Sunday. There is a potential for moderate flooding east of Interstate 95, which may necessitate evacuations or rescue operations.

There could be minor coastal flooding, south of Myrtle Beach, S.C., but it’s “not expected to be a significant concern,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Jordan Baker in Wilmington.

Tropical Storm Chantal is forecasted to produce between two to four inches of rainfall, with potential for locally heavier amounts reaching up to six inches, until Monday, July 7th, according to the center. Additionally, isolated tornadoes may occur along the eastern South Carolina coast and across a large portion of North Carolina from Saturday night into Sunday, as stated by the center.

Wind gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph are anticipated in coastal regions of South Carolina and the southern part of North Carolina.

“The strongest winds are expected near and to the east of where the storm makes landfall and can produce tree damage, localized power outages and some structural damage,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys.

Rip currents that could be life-threatening may occur at beaches stretching from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic in the coming days, according to the NHC.