Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has issued an updated State of Emergency covering all 159 Georgia counties as Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast, bringing the threat of damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and possible tornadoes to the state.
Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are being urged to prepare for a potentially dangerous weekend of weather as Hurricane Isaias approaches the northern Gulf Coast.
Chattooga County will see another warm and dry day today, but residents should keep an eye on the forecast as a tropical system moving toward the Gulf Coast could bring heavy rain, gusty winds and possibly severe weather to Northwest Georgia this weekend.
Northwest Georgia will remain dry and warm through Friday, but forecasters are closely watching a tropical system in the Gulf that could bring significant rainfall, gusty winds and thunderstorms to the region this weekend.
The National Weather Service says Tropical Depression Nine has formed in the Gulf, although considerable uncertainty remains concerning its eventual track and the extent of its impacts on Georgia.
For Thursday, Chattooga County can expect sunny skies with a high near 87 degrees. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low around 58.
Friday will remain mostly sunny with a high near 85, but conditions could begin changing Friday night as moisture associated with the tropical system moves northward. A slight chance of showers develops after 2 AM.
Rain chances increase to 50% Saturday, with a high near 75. Showers become likely Saturday night, when thunderstorms will also be possible and rain chances increase to 70%.
Showers are likely again Sunday, with thunderstorms possible during the afternoon. Sunday’s high will be near 74 degrees, with a 70% chance of precipitation.
The National Weather Service says current projections indicate one to three inches of rainfall could fall across portions of north and central Georgia, although amounts will depend heavily on the eventual track of the tropical system.
Forecasters say sustained winds around 15 mph with gusts potentially reaching 25 to 30 mph are also possible. Heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding and rises along rivers, creeks and streams.
There could also be a tornado threat depending on the system’s eventual track and strength.
Forecasters emphasize that considerable uncertainty remains regarding the timing, location and intensity of the system. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as the weekend approaches.
Conditions should gradually improve early next week as the tropical system weakens and a drier air mass moves into the region.
Northwest Georgia will get one more day of hot, dry weather Thursday before a significant change brings increasing rain chances and much cooler temperatures for the weekend.
Chattooga County will close out September with sunshine and temperatures well above normal, but a major change in the weather pattern is expected by the weekend.
The National Weather Service says Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 89 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming southeast around 5 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low around 61.
Forecasters say Wednesday’s temperatures across the region will run approximately 8 to 12 degrees above normal for the final day of September.
The warm weather continues Thursday with sunshine and a high near 90. Friday could be even warmer, with a high near 91 before moisture begins returning to the area. A 30% chance of showers develops Friday afternoon, increasing to 50% Friday night.
A much wetter pattern is expected for the weekend.
The chance of rain increases to 70% Saturday, with showers likely and thunderstorms possible during the afternoon. Rain chances climb to 80% Saturday night and Sunday.
The National Weather Service says Sunday will need to be watched for the possibility of stronger thunderstorms as a weather system moves through the region. Forecasters caution that details concerning the strength of the storms could change as the weekend gets closer.
Heavy rainfall could also become a concern. Current guidance indicates several inches of rain could be possible from Friday into early next week, potentially creating a risk of flash flooding in parts of north Georgia.
Temperatures will turn noticeably cooler behind the system. Sunday’s high is forecast near 78, followed by highs around 76 Monday and 74 Tuesday.
Keep the umbrella handy today as showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this afternoon.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect today across much of North and Central Georgia as another hot and humid afternoon is expected. In Chattooga County, the high will reach around 95 degrees, with the heat index potentially climbing to around 102.
Northwest Georgia will enjoy a mostly sunny and seasonable Wednesday before rain and thunderstorm chances increase heading into Thursday.
Hot and humid summertime weather continues across Northwest Georgia today, with temperatures climbing into the lower 90s and scattered thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. A few storms across far North Georgia could become strong enough to produce damaging wind gusts.
