Tropical Storm Chantal is strengthing off the Southeast coast, and while this system will bring rain, gusty winds and rip currents, it's expected to be short-lived. Tropical storm warnings have just been issued for parts of the Carolina coast. The center of the storm is located around 80 miles east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. It's expected to track northward toward South Carolina through the weekend. This system is expected to strengthen modestly between now and when it arrives on the South Carolina coast on Sunday morning. A tropical storm warning is in effect from the South Santee River in South Carolina to Surf City, North Carolina. This means tropical storm conditions (40+ mph winds) are expected in these areas by Sunday morning. A tropical storm watch has been issued from Edisto Beach, South Carolina, to the South Santee River in South Carolina. This means tropical storm conditions (40+ mph winds) are possible in these areas Saturday night into Sunday morning. Rainfall will be the most widespread impact from this system both in its wake over the Florida Peninsula into the eastern Carolinas through Sunday. Localized flooding can't be ruled out, but we don't expect anything widespread. Rainfall totals might reach 2 to 4 inches in the eastern Carolinas, with isolated totals of 6 inches possible. The heaviest rainfall is expected to the east of where Chantal makes landfall. Outdoor plans this holiday weekend will be touch and go in these areas, so be sure to have a plan B and a way to shelter from lightning. Gusty winds and minor coastal flooding will also impact the Southeast coast. Storm surge could be 1 to 3 feet above ground level in the tropical storm watch and warning area. A high threat of rip currents is expected along parts of the Southeast coast, especially in the Carolinas and Georgia. The threat for rip currents has the potential to be deadly this holiday weekend. Take note of flags warning about this danger at beaches and stay out of the water if the flags are red. (MORE:What Flags Mean For Ocean Conditions At Beaches) Chris Dolcehas been a senior digital meteorologist with weather.com for 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.
