System off Florida, South Carolina likely to become Tropical Storm Chantal over July 4 weekend
The 5 p.m. Friday, July 4, 2025, tropics advisory from the National Hurricane Center in Miami shows a tropical depression hovering off the northeast coast of Florida and the coast of South Carolina. Earlier in the day, the system was called AL92 but had upgraded to its current status. Should it develop into a tropical storm, the system would be named Chantal, which is next on the list of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season names (see below).
In addition, the hurricane center is tracking four tropical waves − two in the Atlantic and two in the Caribbean. Each are moving west and do not pose a threat.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season runs Sunday, June 1, to Sunday, Nov. 30, with the most active months between August and October.
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Keep reading for information about tropical storm activity for the Fourth of July.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Depression Three was off the coast of South Carolina.
As of 5 p.m. Friday, July 4, the center of Tropical Depression Three was about 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina and about 245 miles south-southwest of Wilmington, North Carolina. Maximum sustained winds were near 35 mph, and the system was moving north at 2 mph. A slow motion toward the north-northwest was expected through Saturday, followed by a motion toward the north Saturday night and Sunday.
On the forecast track, the center of the depression was expected to move near or over the coast of South Carolina Sunday morning.
Reports from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter data indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is expected, and the system is forecast to become a tropical storm on Saturday.
In addition, National Hurricane Center forecasters are tracking four tropical waves, but they do not pose a threat:
An eastern Atlantic tropical wave was moving west with scattered showers.
Another Atlantic tropical wave was moving west.
A tropical wave over the eastern Caribbean was moving west with a few showers and thunderstorms.
A second tropical wave over the Caribbean was reaching Central America and moving west with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the southwest Caribbean and near the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border.
The USA TODAY Network in Florida will produce daily tropics watch advisories.
2025 Atlantic hurricane season predictions
The Atlantic basin consists of the northern Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America. NOAA changed its naming convention for the Gulf of Mexico after the U.S. Geological Survey changed the name on U.S. maps per President Trump's order.
A tropical storm watch was issued from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Little River Inlet, South Carolina. That means tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area beginning late Saturday or early Sunday.
RAINFALL: Tropical Depression Three was expected to produce heavy rainfall across portions of the coastal plain of the Carolinas Saturday through Monday. Storm total rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with local amounts to 6 inches, is expected. This would result in an elevated risk for flash flooding.
STORM SURGE: A storm surge of 1 to 2 feet above ground level could occur along the coast in the tropical storm watch area in areas of onshore flow.
SURF: The depression is expected to bring rough surf and rip currents to much of the Carolina coastline during the next couple of days.
Satellite wind data indicate that a weak area of low pressure formed about 100 miles east of Jacksonville, Florida, and was accompanied by disorganized showers and thunderstorms for the July Fourth holiday.
Andrea
Barry
Chantal
Dexter
Erin
Fernand
Gabrielle
Humberto
Imelda
Jerry
Karen
Lorenzo
Melissa
Nestor
Olga
Pablo
Rebekah
Sebastien
Tanya
Van
Wendy
We will provided tropical weather coverage daily until Nov. 30 to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here.
Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida
(This story was updated with new information.)
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Hurricane center says Tropical Storm Chantal expected to form July 5
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