• Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall early Sunday, impacting South Carolina.
• Flash flood warnings issued as heavy rains threaten central and eastern North Carolina.
• Chantal's maximum sustained winds have decreased, but risks of flooding and hazardous conditions remain.

Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall along the South Carolina coast early Sunday morning, with maximum sustained winds reaching up to 60 mph. As it moved inland, the storm was located approximately 75 miles east of Charleston, causing significant weather concerns along the coast. Forecasts indicate Chantal is expected to weaken as it continues its path northward into North Carolina and beyond, with increasing threats of flash flooding reported throughout the region, according to ABC News and Newsweek.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has forecasted heavy rainfall totals from Chantal, estimating accumulations between 2-6 inches across affected areas. These conditions have prompted flash flood warnings, especially in central and eastern North Carolina, where local authorities are on high alert for potential flooding incidents. The storm's outer bands have already led to significant rainfall before landfall, raising alarm among emergency management officials, according to India Times and NPR.

Chantal's impacts extend not only to land but also to marine conditions, with advisories issued for dangerous surf and hazardous currents along the coastline. The NWS has warned that "tropical storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels," urging mariners to seek shelter as the storm continues to pose risks both onshore and offshore. The storm's current trajectory indicates that it will traverse through North Carolina, creating further challenges in terms of travel and safety, as indicated by Reuters and Newsweek.

As Chantal weakens, concerns regarding flash floods remain critical. Reports indicate that areas in North Carolina have recorded over 6 inches of rain, leading to road closures and the need for water rescues in towns like Durham. Emergency services advise against traveling through floodwaters, reinforcing the importance of adhering to local warnings as conditions can change rapidly, reported by Newsweek and Newsweek.