Tropical Storm Chantal became the first Atlantic seasonal event to directly impact the United States in 2025, leaving at least two people dead and significant flood damage, primarily in the state of North Carolina.
Chantal made landfall in South Carolina on Sunday, July 6, with sustained winds of up to 60 miles per hour (about 97 km/h). Its effects were felt most strongly in North Carolina early Monday morning, where it caused rivers to overflow, road blockages and emergency evacuations.
Confirmed damage and casualties
Authorities confirmed the death of an 80-year-old woman in Chatham County and another person – not yet publicly identified – in Alamance County. Also:
The Haw River reached a level of 32.5 feet (almost 10 meters), the second highest recorded in its history.
More than 100 state roads were closed, including 20 major routes.
States of emergency were declared in Alamance, Moore, Orange and Person counties.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein called on the public to “stay safe and follow the instructions of local authorities.”
He noted that some people had to leave their homes during the night due to flash flooding.
What else is known about Chantal?
More than 100 state roads were closed
Chantal is the third Atlantic tropical storm in 2025, following Andrea and Barry, but the first to make landfall in the United States.
At the moment, its remnants are circulating as low pressure, although they continue to cause rain in sectors of the eastern part of the country.
Its impact coincided with a critical situation in Texas, where more than 90 people died in Kerr County over the weekend as the Guadalupe River flooded, in one of the worst natural disasters in the state’s recent history.
Cyclone season 2025: what to expect?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) forecast, the 2025 Atlantic cyclone season will be more active than usual. Expected:
Up to 19 named storms
At least 10 hurricanes between June and November
In parallel, the Pacific season already has six cyclones, including Hurricane Erick, which made landfall in southern Mexico on June 19 as a category 3, leaving severe damage and even the death of a minor.
Storm Chantal marks the beginning of an active and dangerous season for the region.
For Hispanics living in vulnerable areas in the U.S., it is critical to prepare in advance.
In addition to having a family evacuation plan and following official sources in Spanish to stay protected during the coming months.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
