Tropical Storm Chantal brought heavy rainfall and flash floods to North Carolina and South Carolina over the Fourth of July weekend. According to a preliminary assessment by experts at AccuWeather, the storm caused damage and economic losses estimated between $4 billion and $6 billion. This amount could increase as more regions report details about injuries, fatalities, and other impacts.
Chantal, the third named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, made landfall near Litchfield Beach in South Carolina on Sunday morning before moving inland into North Carolina.
This is from Tropical Depression Chantal – the 3rd 2025 named storm. Developed off Florida over holiday weekend. Not much pre-news of it in Central Florida- FOX35, but reported today Orlando is handing out sandbags (beware). Future map at 5:00 pm 07/10/25. Albany, GA next? pic.twitter.com/Lab0rDs2OY
— Geoffrey Garapic (@GLGarapic) July 10, 2025
Estimated Damage from Tropical Storm Chantal
AccuWeather’s assessment considered several factors, including damage to homes and businesses, losses in tourism, infrastructure damage, and impacts on shipping operations at major locations. It also accounted for disruptions in supply chain logistics, major travel delays, and financial losses due to extended power outages.
AccuWeather’s Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter highlighted the dangers of tropical storms, stating that they “spin up quickly near the coastline” and can lead to severe flooding both along the coast and inland.
“There is a long history of fast-developing and slow-moving tropical storms that have caused life-threatening flooding,” Porter added. “Some of the most destructive flood events in our nation’s history were caused by tropical storms or unnamed tropical rainstorms. It’s crucial that people never let their guard down during hurricane season.”
Impact on Residents and Recovery Challenges
A press release from AccuWeather predicts that the current hurricane season could see 13 to 18 named storms, with three to six potentially impacting the United States directly. Additionally, there is an increased risk of tornadoes, flash floods, damaging winds, and other serious impacts from hurricanes reaching far inland this year.
Will Insurance Cover Tropical Storm Chantal Damages?
The Tampa Free Press reported that Chantal led to over 10 inches of rain in some areas, resulting in more than 100 road closures and numerous flooding incidents. A section of State Highway 902 collapsed in Chatham County due to the storm.
According to AccuWeather, many residents in the US are underinsured for flood-related losses. While participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is generally higher in communities near rivers, the widespread flooding caused by Chantal presents significant challenges for damage assessment and recovery.
