CHARLESTON, South Carolina – A tropical storm watch is now in effect for coastal areas of South Carolina, as Tropical Depression Three has developed less than 165 miles off the coast of Charleston.
As of Friday at 11 p.m. local time, the system was located near latitude 30.6° north and longitude 78.9° west, hovering approximately 165 miles south-southeast of Charleston. The depression remained nearly stationary throughout the night but is expected to begin a slow drift north-northwest on Saturday, shifting northward by Saturday night, and then turning northeast by Sunday night.
Tropical storm watch from Edisto Island to Little River Inlet
The tropical storm watch stretches from Edisto Beach in Colleton County to Little River Inlet, near the South Carolina–North Carolina state line. This alert indicates that tropical storm conditions may develop within the area within 48 hours.
Sustained winds are currently near 35 mph (56 km/h), with higher gusts possible, and gradual strengthening is expected. Forecast models suggest the system will likely intensify into a tropical storm on Saturday, which would give it the name Chantal, marking it as the third named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
Heavy rainfall expected along the Carolinas coast
Live 5 First Alert meteorologist Lexie Horvath warned that heavy rain could begin affecting coastal parts of the Carolinas late Saturday, potentially leading to localized flooding in low-lying areas.
The estimated central pressure remains at 1012 mb (29.89 inches), consistent with a moderate tropical depression. If current trends continue, landfall or a close approach to the South Carolina coast is likely Sunday morning, bringing with it strong winds, rough surf, and persistent showers throughout the day.
Stay alert for updated forecasts as Tropical Depression Three edges closer to the Southeast U.S. coastline.
