The tropical storm Chantal crashed into South Carolina early on Sunday and hit near Litchfield Beach around 4 in the morning with a strong wind of 50 mph. The storm now moves north and soaks southern and North Carolina with heavy rains that could flood the streets and neighborhoods.
Weather experts warn people to stay on alert because bands for rain sweeping over the coast and pushing inland. Floods are great concerns, especially in low -lying areas near the coast.
Officials issued a warning of a tropical storm from the South Santee River in South Carolina to Surf City in North Carolina.
Floods and risks of tornadoes threaten communities
In these areas, strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous beach conditions are expected.
Chantal throws up a huge amount of rain, up to 4 inches in many areas and possible 6 inches in some places, which could cause lightning floods on Monday.
Coast towns like Myrtle Beach and Wilmington face rising ocean water, with 1-3 feet of storm overvoltage contributing to high tides. Coarse waves and deadly burst of currents cause dangerous beaches, while lifeguards already save people who have entered the whirlpool ocean.
Isolated tornadoes could also spin along the coast and add to danger. Drivers should never try to cross flooded roads or ignore closed roads, because just a few centimeters of water can sweep cars.
Although Chantal is now weakening when it is above the ground, the winds dropped to 40 miles / h, heavy rain will still fall through Carolinas all day. The storm is expected to become tropical depression on Sunday evening and disappear by Monday.
However, its effects will persist: the winds of 30-40 mph could knock the limbs of trees and the soaked soil increases the flood risks. The worst weather is to beat the areas north and east of the Storm Trail, including parts of Virginia.
People should stay at home, if possible, keeping the phones charged for the weather warnings and avoiding the beaches, according to the officials until the waves and streams are calm.
Chantal is the third named storm of the Hurricane season in the Atlantic and the first to hit the US this year comes earlier than most of the storms, such as this form in August.
Although it is not a big hurricane, it shows how quickly tropical weather can disrupt lives. Emergency teams in both Carolinas are monitoring conditions ready to help if floods or tornadoes damage houses.
After the storm passes, it should return dry weather on Tuesday. Experts remind everyone in areas susceptible to hurricane to have prepared emergency sets, as the storms can quickly form near the coast, just like Chantal.
(Tagstotranslate) tropical storm Chantal
