Miami, Jul 6 (AP) Tropical Storm Chantal grew in strength as it approached the southeast US coast. It’s forecasted to bring heavy rains to parts of the Carolinas on Sunday.

Tropical storm warnings were issued for portions of the two states, the National Hurricane Centre in Miami said.

The storm was about 120 kilometres east of Charleston, South Carolina, early Sunday, and 136 kilometres southwest of Wilmington, North Carolina. Its maximum sustained winds were clocked at 96 kph, and it was moving north at 13 kph.

Rain bands from Chantal were moving onshore, the hurricane centre said, with flash floods an increasing concern.

The storm was expected to make landfall in South Carolina in the next few hours and weaken rapidly as it continues over land.

Heavy rain was forecast for parts of North Carolina through Monday, with total rainfall of 5 to 10 centimetres and local amounts up to 15 centimeters that could lead to flash flooding.

South Carolina’s Emergency Management division had warned residents earlier of the possibility of isolated tornadoes along the coast and of minor coastal flooding.

It also warned drivers not to venture on water-covered roads or around road-closure signs where flooding occurred. (AP)

RD

RD

ORLANDO, FL – Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall near Myrtle Beach early Sunday morning and is now pushing inland across far eastern South Carolina. As of the 5 a.m. advisory, the storm was located about 70 miles southeast of Charleston and roughly 85 miles south-southwest of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Sunday 5 a.m. Chantal

Chantal continues to track north at 8 mph, carrying sustained winds of 50 mph.

Sunday 5 a.m. Advisory

Heavy rainbands are moving ashore, keeping the threat of flash flooding very much alive. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected, with some areas possibly seeing up to 6 inches.

Tropical Storm Chantal makes landfall early Sunday morning along the South Carolina Coastline.

The storm came ashore with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. The National Hurricane Center estimates Chantal made landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina around 4:00 AM EDT (08 UTC), based on radar and reconnaissance data. Chantal is now moving inland and is expected to weaken rapidly throughout the day. By 5:00 AM, Chantal was located between Georgetown and Myrtle Beach, close to Murrells Inlet.

Main impacts are heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding to parts of the Southeast.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 115 miles from the center. A sustained wind of 47 mph and gust to 56 mph was reported at Springmaid Pier, SC. Gusty winds may lead to downed trees and isolated power outages.

Chantal is producing widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated spots receiving up to 6 inches. The heaviest rainfall will impact eastern and central North and South Carolina, with a continued risk of flash flooding through Monday.

Peak storm surge of 1 to 2 feet is expected from South Santee, SC to Surf City, NC, especially during high tide.

Isolated tornadoes remain possible today across eastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.

Even as the storm weakens, life-threatening rip currents and hazardous surf will continue from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic.

Chantal is forecast to turn northeast later today, gradually transitioning to a remnant trough by Monday.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect along the Carolina coastline until Tuesday.

Despite weakening winds, residents should remain alert for flooding, isolated tornadoes, and dangerous surf and rip current conditions.

For the latest updates, including localized warnings, visit or check with your local National Weather Service office.