Chantel is moving across southern and eastern Virginiaon Monday, July 7, and is expected to bring heavy rain to multiple states along the east coast, according to theNational Hurricane Center. The storm is currently a tropical depression located about 70 miles east-northeast of Danville, Virginia with maximum sustained winds near 30 mph with higher gusts, the hurricane center said Monday morning. Hurricane center forecasters said Chantel is expected to move northwest throughout the day and little change in strength is forecast Monday. A flood watch is in effect for portions of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with some areas in those states expected to see between 2 to 6 inches of rain. Additionally, life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are expected to continue at beaches along the U.S. east coast from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic states during the next day or so, the hurricane center said. This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. Meanwhile in the Pacific, the hurricane center is tracking two systems that currently have low chances of formation. NHC forecasters said disorganized showers and thunderstorms associated with an area of low pressure located several hundred miles south-southeast of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula continue Monday morning, July 7. The hurricane center said some additional development is possible, but the system is "quickly running out of time as it moves westward into a more stable environment," with drier air and progressively cooler water later Monday. The system, currently labeled as EP 96, has a 30% chance of formation through the next seven days. The second system is currently located several hundred miles offshore of southwestern Mexico, with some gradual development expected later this week. The NHC gives this system a 20% chance of formation through the next seven days. Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends. Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need anevacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath,NOAA said. Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for aninsurance check-upto make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or theNational Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down yourhurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation. Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home's ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings. Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X@GabeHauarior email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Tropical Depression Chantal tracker: See projected path of storm
