Weather Update: Tropical Storm Chantal

By Jenna Johnson | July 5, 2025

The Charleston Southern University Emergency Management Team continues to monitor the projected impacts of the tropical system off the South Carolina coast. Tropical Storm Chantal moved from a tropical depression to a tropical storm level this morning and is expected to bring impacts to the area through Sunday afternoon.

As of 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, Chantal was located 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, moving north at 2 mph with a turn to the north-northwest expected later today, according to local forecasts. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 40 mph, with tropical storm-force winds primarily affecting the ocean and immediate coastal areas. A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for the Charleston County coast. The Charleston area should expect heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated areas seeing up to 6 inches, increasing the risk of flash flooding. Dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents are also expected along the coast.

Though it is a holiday weekend during the summer, classes and offices are not impacted by this event. However, we have essential personnel and dining services available to current residents throughout the weekend. Whether you are on or off campus, this message remains true: if it is unsafe to travel at any point, please stay indoors.

As always, important updates will be sent via campuswide email, with urgent releases also communicated via BucAlert (the campus emergency notification system), the website, and social media as necessary.

Stay safe, Bucs!

Updated July 5 at 10 a.m.

Monitoring possible tropical conditions

The Charleston Southern University Emergency Management Team is monitoring the probability of a tropical system forming off the coast of South Carolina this weekend. According to local forecasts, showers and storms have increased off the northeast Florida coast as a low-pressure system slowly drifts north, with a 60% chance of developing into a short-lived tropical or subtropical depression by Saturday, July 5. Regardless of development, heavy rain is expected in parts of Florida through early Saturday and along the Carolina coast later Saturday into Sunday. Forecast models differ slightly, with the American model showing higher coastal impacts than the European model, but significant effects are not expected at this time.

We will remain vigilant in keeping our campus community safe—both on and off campus. As always, important updates will be sent via campuswide email, with urgent releases also communicated via BucAlert (the campus emergency notification system), the website, and social media as necessary.

In the meantime, brush up on CSU’s emergency procedures in MyCSU as well as personal emergency planning with the latest Hurricane Guide here.

Stay safe, watch your inbox for updates, and pray for better weather as we celebrate the 249^th birthday of our country.

Updated July 4 at 10 a.m.