PSA: I will be in coverage Thursday night and again all day Friday, so I won't be able to respond to anything.... If @Artie Fufkin has the time and energy, and wants to reply, you may rely absolutely on anything he says! Just saying -- he is the O.G.
Soon-to-be Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle Thursday evening as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing major impacts along the coast and inland by several hundred miles.
TLDR Version
This system will have cleared Tuscaloosa, Alabama, by kickoff Saturday evening. Temperatures will be in the 70s with light winds—excellent conditions.For those heading to the game:
- Thursday through Friday morning: Very dangerous driving conditions are expected due to heavy rain and tropical storm-force wind gusts across Georgia as Helene moves inland, and an upper level low arrives from the northwest. I strongly suggest waiting until the storm moves farther north. Do not let your college-aged kids drive through the worst of this storm Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. Roads will be hazardous with torrential downpours and strong winds.
- Saturday: Helene will be north of Kentucky, and driving conditions should have little to no impact from the weather. Much safer!
Southern Georgia:
- Heavy Rainfall: Southern Georgia is expected to receive 4 to 8 inches of rain from Helene, with locally higher amounts. Flash flooding is likely in low-lying areas.
- Strong Winds: As Helene makes landfall and moves inland, tropical storm-force winds (39-73 mph) will impact southern Georgia. Areas along the Florida border could experience hurricane-force wind gusts including Thomasville, Valdosta, and possibly as far north as Tifton. Scattered to widespread damage is possible. Helene will still pack a punch when it arrives in your area.... I might even consider sleeping away from exterior walls if your home has trees around it. It's overly cautious, but it's the safest thing to do.
- Tornado Threat: There is a potential for isolated tornadoes embedded in Helene’s rainbands, particularly late Thursday and overnight into Friday. Stay vigilant for tornado warnings as conditions can change rapidly. If you receive a tornado warning, go to the innermost area of your home -- put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
- Timing: Conditions will begin to deteriorate by midday Thursday, with the worst impacts overnight Thursday into Friday morning. The rain and wind will gradually weaken by Friday afternoon as Helene moves farther north.
Southeast Georgia:
- Rain and Wind: Southeast Georgia, including coastal areas, will see 2 to 4 inches of rain with locally higher amounts possible.
- Wind Impacts: Tropical storm-force winds will impact the region, and coastal flooding is possible due to high tides and some associated Atlantic storm surge.
- Tornado Potential: As the right side of Helene passes over Southeast Georgia, there is an elevated threat of isolated tornadoes, especially in the late afternoon on Thursday and through the overnight. Tornadoes can form quickly within rainbands, so be prepared for sudden warnings. If you receive a tornado warning, go to the innermost area of your home -- put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
- Timing: Conditions will begin to deteriorate by Thursday evening, with the worst impacts overnight Thursday into early Friday morning. The rain and wind will gradually weaken on Friday as Helene moves farther north.
North Georgia:
- Heavy Rainfall: As a weakening Helene moves north, North Georgia will experience significant rainfall, with totals ranging from 3 to 6 inches, and isolated areas potentially receiving around 10 inches. That is enough to produce widespread flooding in many communities. Flash flooding is likely, especially in areas near rivers and streams and urban areas.
- Wind Impacts: North Georgia could see wind gusts up to 35-45 mph as Helene moves inland. Strong winds combined with very saturated soil may cause downed trees and power outages.
- Tornado Threat: There is a small tornado threat in northern and eastern Georgia, especially near the Blue Ridge and Appalachian foothills and farther south through Augusta, as the remnants of Helene interact with local terrain and favorable wind shear.
- Timing: The heaviest rain will occur Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon, with conditions improving by Friday evening. Rain is expected well in advance as an upper level low interacts with the moisture from Helene....
Central Georgia:
- Significant Rainfall: Expect 3 to 6 inches of rain with localized areas seeing up to 8 inches. Flash flooding is a serious concern, particularly in urban areas and near rivers.
- Wind Impact: Central Georgia will experience sustained tropical storm-force winds with gusts up to 50 mph likely on Thursday night. Damaging winds could down trees and power lines, leading to power outages.
- Tornado Potential: The tornado threat is elevated across Central Georgia due to the proximity to the storm’s center. Helene’s right quadrant will move through the region, where rotating storms can produce short-lived tornadoes.
- Timing: Conditions will deteriorate Thursday afternoon, with the worst impacts coming Thursday night and Friday morning. By Friday evening, rain and wind will begin to subside as Helene exits the region.
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