How to prepare for a hurricane
It’s important to take these steps before the hurricane season.
Tropical storm Chantal rolled on land early on Sunday, July 6th, with rain that could cause flash floods along the coast of eastern South Carolina.
Chantal, the third tropical storm of the 2025 Atlantic season, “it’s likely to see heavy rainfall over parts of northeastern South Carolina today and parts up to Monday,” the National Hurricane Center said in its 5am update.
Total rainfall of 2-4 inches and local volumes up to 6 inches were expected. “The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normal, arid areas near the coast to be flooded with rising water that travels inland from the coastline,” the Centre warned.
Chantal, which was expected to weaken, had travelled inland at 8am about 70 miles northeast of Charleston. The center said a northbound turn was expected in the next 24 hours.
Max sustained winds decreased to 50 mph with higher gusts. However, predictors said isolated tornadoes are possible along eastern South Carolina and most of North Carolina.
Tropical storm warnings on the South Santi River, South Carolina and the South Santi River, South Carolina, were in effect, according to the Hurricane Center.
According to Accuweather, Chantal circulation could lead to dangers far from the storm trajectory in the region from Savannah, Georgia to Jacksonville, Florida, to Jacksonville, Florida.
The storm’s most intense winds should remain offshore, but the risk remains, predictors said.
“The strongest winds are expected to be near and east of areas where storms can land and cause tree damage, localized power losses and some structural damage,” said Tyler Roy, a senior meteorologist at Accuweather.
Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1st and continues until the end of November.
Aggressive hurricane weather usually peaks between mid-August and mid-October.
Chantal, which intensified by a tropical storm on Saturday, followed by two early tropical storms in June. This is Andrea and the short-lived Barry, who were the first names storm of the 2025 season.
Hurricanes originate in the tropical regions above warm waters. Thunderstorm clusters can develop across the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are correct, clusters are swirling into tropical waves and storms known as tropical depression.
Tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm when its sustained wind speed reaches 39 mph. When the wind reaches 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.
Potentially delaying preparations for salvation can mean waiting until it’s too late. “Get disaster supply while the shelves are still in stock and flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, so get that insurance inspection early,” NOAA recommends.
- Establish an evacuation plan: If you are at risk of a hurricane, you will need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to plan where you will go and how you will get there.
- Assemble disaster supply: Whether you’re evacuating or evacuating, you’ll need supplies not only to get through the storm, but also for the potentially long aftermath.
- Get an insurance inspection and document your property: Contact your insurance company or agent now to ask for an insurance inspection and make sure you have sufficient insurance to repair or replace your home or belongings. Remember that home insurance and tenant insurance don’t cover floods, so you’ll need a separate insurance for that. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or through your national flood insurance program. Flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, so take action now.
- Create a family communication plan: NOAA said he took the time to write down your hurricane plan and share it with your family. Determine where family gatherings are to be located and include out-of-town locations in the event of evacuation.
- It strengthens your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand the effects of a hurricane. Trim the wood; attach storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass. Seal the wall opening.
