Tropical Storm Chantal Forms Near Southeast Coastline Ahead of Holiday Weekend

A weather system that had been under close observation since mid-June officially developed into Tropical Depression Three late Friday before strengthening into Tropical Storm Chantal early Saturday morning. The storm is now gathering strength just off the Southeastern U.S. coast and is expected to continue intensifying as it tracks toward the Carolinas.

Tropical Storm Chantal Forecast to Strengthen

Chantal is currently producing sporadic showers and thunderstorms off Florida’s eastern coastline, with impacts expected to expand northward. The storm is moving over waters that are sufficiently warm—in the 80s Fahrenheit—which could fuel further development through the weekend.

Barometric pressure is dropping and a more defined circulation is forming, which is already beginning to strengthen winds along the coast. Gusts of 40 mph or more are forecast for parts of South Carolina and southern North Carolina by Saturday.