Tropical Storm Chantal is now impacting Coastal South Carolina, especially Horry and Georgetown Counties, with a Tropical Storm Warning in effect through Sunday. As of Saturday evening, bands of tropical rain and thunderstorms are sweeping through Myrtle Beach and have pushed inland toward the Pee Dee region.
Heavy downpours are causing quick ponding on roads, especially in urban and low-lying areas. As Chantal moves closer inland, wind and rainfall will intensify overnight near Georgetown County, putting Horry County squarely in the core impact zone with the strongest wind, heaviest rain, and isolated tornado risk.
Rainfall totals are forecast between 3 to 5 inches (76 to 127 mm) across Horry and Georgetown Counties, while areas farther inland, including the border belt and Pee Dee, may receive 1 to 3 inches (25 to 76 mm). A flood watch remains active for Horry County due to the risk of localized flooding.
Coastal hazards are also intensifying. A high risk of rip currents is in place for the Grand Strand, with wave heights ranging between 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) through Sunday. Swimming conditions are extremely dangerous due to powerful currents and rough surf.
Winds along the Grand Strand are expected to stay sustained at 20–30 mph (32–48 km/h), with gusts reaching 35–45 mph (56–72 km/h). Inland, winds will be lighter but still gusty, with 10–20 mph (16–32 km/h) sustained speeds and isolated gusts near 30 mph (48 km/h).
Though the tornado risk remains low, it is not zero. The highest chance for a brief, isolated tornado exists across Horry and Georgetown Counties, particularly from Saturday evening into early Sunday morning.
Stay with Storm Tracker 13 for continued real-time weather coverage and tropical updates.
