TROPICAL STORM CHANTAL FORMS

At 800 AM EDT (1200 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Chantal was 
located near latitude 30.9 North, longitude 79.0 West. The storm is 
moving slowly toward the north near 2 mph (4 km/h). A slow motion 
toward the north-northwest is expected to begin later today, 
followed by a turn to the northeast by Sunday night. On the forecast 
track, the center of Chantal is expected to move across the coast of 
South Carolina Sunday morning.
 
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40 mph (65 km/h) 
with higher gusts. Some additional strengthening is expected before 
Chantal reaches the coast.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (115 km) 
primarily to the east of the center. 
 
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1009 mb (29.80 inches).
 
 
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
Key messages for Tropical Storm Chantal can be found in the
Tropical Cyclone Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT3 and WMO
header WTNT43 KNHC.
 
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area 
beginning this evening and continuing into Sunday morning. Tropical 
storm conditions are possible in the watch area beginning later 
today.
 
RAINFALL: Tropical Storm Chantal is expected to produce heavy
rainfall across portions of the coastal plain of the Carolinas
today through Monday. Storm total rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with
local amounts to 6 inches, is expected. Resulting in an elevated 
risk for flash flooding.
 
For a complete depiction of forecast rainfall and flash flooding
associated with Tropical Storm Chantal, please see the National
Weather Service Storm Total Rainfall Graphic, available at
hurricanes.gov/graphics_at3.shtml?rainqpf
 
STORM SURGE: The combination of storm surge and tide will cause 
normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters 
moving inland from the shoreline.  The water could reach the 
following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if 
the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide...

South Santee River, SC to Cape Fear, NC...1-3 ft
Edisto Beach, SC to South Santee River, SC...1-2 ft
 
SURF: The tropical storm is expected to bring life-threatening 
surf and rip currents along the coast from northeastern Florida to 
the Mid-Atlantic states during the next couple of days.