Tropical Depression Chantal Delivers Heavy Rainfall to North Carolina Following Downgrade

Tropical Storm Chantal, which downgraded to a tropical depression following its landfall in South Carolina on Sunday, is still expected to deliver heavy rain to North Carolina and Virginia. The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm was moving north-northeast at 10 mph, prompting flood watches in central North Carolina and south-central Virginia. The forecast indicates an increased risk of flash flooding in these areas, with storm totals potentially reaching up to 6 inches.

“Tropical Depression Chantal will continue to produce heavy rainfall across portions of central North Carolina and south-central Virginia into Monday,” the center advised. Emergency reports included verified cellphone footage showing significant water pooling in the streets of Moore County, North Carolina. Meanwhile, towns such as Southern Pines and Pinehurst also experienced signs of flash flooding, as depicted in various videos from the area.

The National Hurricane Center had previously warned about the potential for dangerous ocean waves, and buoy reports off North Carolina confirmed impressive surf heights of 5 to 6 feet on Sunday. A buoy near Wilmington Harbor recorded multiple 10-foot wave readings before sunrise. Chantal is also predicted to create life-threatening surf conditions and rip currents along the coastline from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic states within the next day.

Video footage from North Myrtle Beach showcased powerful winds and tumultuous surf, complete with sand blowing along the shore and gusts of 25 to 30 mph shaking nearby palm trees. At landfall, Chantal had maximum sustained winds of around 50 mph in Litchfield Beach, South Carolina. Once it moved inland, these winds weakened to about 30 mph.

However, federal forecasters noted that the tropical cyclone may regain some speed and strength as it heads towards Virginia.