North Georgia remains Tuesday on the dry side of Hurricane Ian, which is a major Category 3 storm and continues to strengthen as it barrels toward the Gulf Coast.
Ian made landfall early Tuesday morning on the west coast of Cuba with sustained winds of 125 mph. According to the latest storm track predictions, it is expected to become a Category 4 hurricane as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico, and it will likely lose some steam as it approaches the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.
11 AM Tuesday:🌀Hurricane Ian🌀 is a major Category 3 hurricane as it moves northward off the northern coast of Cuba this morning and tracks toward the Florida peninsula. #Ian #HurricaneIan #gawx pic.twitter.com/8rWrCLLZPd
— NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) September 27, 2022
The National Hurricane Center on Tuesday issued tropical storm warnings for Camden and Glynn counties along the Georgia coast, which include the sea islands. Those areas are urged to plan for tropical storm-force winds beginning Thursday evening, with sustained winds up to 40 mph and gusts up to 65 mph possible.
Storm surge and tropical storm watches remain in effect for other areas of coastal Georgia, including Bryan, Effingham, Chatham, Charlton, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Wayne counties.
In preparation, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for all 159 counties, with up to 500 troops from the Georgia National Guard to be used to help residents prepare for and recover from the storm. The declaration starts at 7 a.m. Wednesday and ends at midnight Oct. 28.
Today, I issued a State of Emergency in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Ian. Please find more information here: https://t.co/FHZEgsI6KT
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) September 27, 2022
Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan expects Ian will still be a major hurricane on its approach to the U.S. Exactly where along the Florida coast it makes landfall will have a big impact on the weather locally.
A difference in track by 25-50 miles will make a huge difference in where worst impacts are on FL's west coast.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) September 27, 2022
That's why a lot of folks are making the right call to evacuate ahead of #Ian. https://t.co/G5VsyPt44h
“We’ll watch the track closely,” Monahan said. “The farther south Ian makes landfall in Florida, the less rain we would see here. Still, the potential for 1 to 2, or even 3 inches of rain or more, over parts of the area.”
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
All that rain will hold off until the end of the week, he said. From Tuesday to Thursday, the weather in North Georgia could not be better.
“Our weather is going to be outstanding here in North Georgia today, tomorrow, and Thursday as well,” Monahan said. “A mostly sunny sky through Wednesday, and by Thursday we pick up a few more clouds as Ian starts to approach.”
One school district in metro Atlanta is already responding to the threat. Clayton County Public Schools announced it would go to virtual learning Friday.
Our weather stays cool & dry through Thursday across north Georgia.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) September 27, 2022
We'll be watching #Ian's track closely for our impacts Friday/Saturday.
A lot will depend on exactly where it comes inland over Florida -- farther south would mean somewhat lower impacts for us.
Along with the sunshine, the region is being treated to some crisp fall air. Temperatures are in the 50s to start the day in metro Atlanta and in the 40s in the mountains. The city is expected to top out at a high of 77 degrees this afternoon, which is below average for this time of year.
Those conditions will repeat Wednesday and Thursday, with the addition of a few more clouds, according to Monahan. Rain chances will start to increase Friday afternoon, he said, as Ian weakens and passes by to the south.
We're going to be watching the track trend with #Ian closely today -- the farther south it moves over Florida the less likely we are to see significant impacts here from the storm.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) September 27, 2022
There is more track uncertainty than we'd like to see at this time frame.
“As we go toward Friday night and Saturday, a tropical depression is not very far away from us here in North Georgia,” he said. “That’s going to mean increased wind and rain chances for us. Through Thursday, all that tropical moisture stays to the south.”
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
— Staff writer Ben Brasch contributed to this article.
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