Update: Chantal downgraded to depression. What to expect in Myrtle Beach area
Tropical Storm Chantal, which made landfall along the Grand Strand early Sunday morning, has been downgraded to a tropical depression.
Horry County’s tropical storm warning has been canceled, and the threat of localized flooding has come to an end, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm made landfall near Litchfield Beach around 4 a.m. Hazards for Myrtle Beach area include life-threatening rip currents, strong winds and large, rough waves, the weather service said.
As of 5 a.m. Sunday, the weather service recorded maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, and the storm is expected to move further inland over the course of the day, weakening throughout the night.
The storm will continue to move northward and weaken through Sunday, Meteorologist Steve Pfaff said Sunday morning. By 2 a.m., he said Chantal should be approaching the Virginia/North Carolina border.
Chantal brought with it a number of impacts and hazards, including heavy rainfall and flooding, the potential for isolated tornadoes, strong wind gusts and hazardous ocean conditions such as strong rip currents.
A high surf warning and small craft advisory are still in effect in Horry County.
Pfaff said Sunday morning that “it looks like the flooding threat is shifting inland lately,” and expected that the tropical storm warnings would be lifted.
Throughout Sunday, the Myrtle Beach area could experience potential winds of 39 to 57 mph, which have the potential to cause some power outages and downed trees, according to the National Weather Service.
Pfaff said that the strongest recorded winds from the storm in Myrtle Beach reached 54 mph, and in North Myrtle Beach they reaches 48 mph.
Two to three inches of additional rainfall were expected in Myrtle Beach on Sunday as of Sunday morning, but the National Weather Service has since reported that heavy rainfall has moved out of the area.
Life-threatening rip currents are expected to linger through early next week in Myrtle Beach.
The National Weather Service is continuing to send out updates throughout the storm’s duration.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published July 6, 2025 at 8:28 AM.
