Tropical Storm Chantal was downgraded to a depression on Sunday, sparking worries of potential flash flooding as it heads toward central and eastern North Carolina.

Chantal hit land near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, around 4 a.m. EDT Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. By 11 a.m., it was situated roughly 80 miles west of Wilmington, North Carolina, moving north at a speed of 9 mph with top sustained winds of 35 mph.

The system is predicted to veer northeast late Sunday as it continues to weaken. The hurricane center has lifted tropical storm warnings for parts of the Carolinas.

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However, heavy rain is expected across parts of North Carolina through Monday, with total rainfall ranging from 2 to 4 inches and localized amounts of up to 6 inches that could trigger flash floods.

Forecasters warn of hazardous surf and rip currents at beaches from northeastern Florida to the mid-Atlantic states over the next few days.

South Carolina's Emergency Management division had previously alerted residents about the possibility of isolated tornadoes along the coast and minor coastal flooding. It also cautioned drivers against driving on waterlogged roads or ignoring road-closure signs where flooding has occurred.

Tropical Depression Chantal wreaked havoc in South Carolina, dumping six inches of rain in some areas on Sunday, causing widespread highway flooding and leading to at least two water rescues in Moore County.

Vehicles were engulfed by high waters near the U.S. 1 exit ramp on Midland Road, necessitating a water rescue operation in Southern Pines around 3 p.m. Rescue crews launched rafts to save individuals trapped in cars as water surged over Midland Road.

Severe flooding along U.S. 1 and U.S. 501 was also reported in Aberdeen, with parking lots and highways submerged.

Chantal marks the third tropical storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, trailing behind Andrea and Barry, which occurred in June.

"There is extensive flash flooding throughout Southern Pines and Moore County. Multiple roads are closed," announced Mike Cameron, Chief of Southern Pines Police.

The Southern Pines police disclosed that a failure of a retaining wall prompted evacuations at the Kohl's center on Brucewood Road and a dam near Longleaf Country Club also failed. Cameron reported that Southern Pines' two water rescue teams were busy responding to several car wrecks involving stranded motorists on Sunday.

Moore County News reports that rising waters led to the shutdown of Addor Road south of Pinebluff, while a stretch of Midland Road between Pinehurst and Southern Pines was also submerged.