Tropical Storm Chantal, the first system of the hurricane season, is closing in on the Carolina coast, prompting officials to issue tropical storm warnings for coastal areas including North Carolina and South Carolina. The storm is expected to strengthen as it approaches landfall, bringing heavy rainfall and dangerous surf conditions. Community leaders are on alert, and forecasts suggest that Chantal could impact travel plans during the busy holiday weekend. Residents are urged to prepare for potential severe weather as the storm is projected to pass over the Carolinas into Sunday.