Thursday, September 12, 2024–10:30 a.m.

-National Weather Service-

Tropical Storm Francine is now inland along the Louisiana/Mississippi border and is quickly weakening. 

More widespread rainfall will begin to affect Georgia beginning today, bringing a risk for heavy rainfall and flooding and even low-end risk for tornadoes to parts of Georgia through Friday.

The concern for heavy rainfall and flooding has increased and will persist into at least Saturday.  

A Flood Watch has now been issued for portions of west Georgia through and could be extended and/or expanded in area in future updates. 

Gusty winds today into tonight could also lead to some isolated instances of downed trees and a few power outages.

WHAT:

·  Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding and/or river flooding. 

·  Brief tornadoes (embedded within stronger rain bands).

·  Rainfall totals 2-4″ with locally higher amounts up to 6″.

·  Easterly wind gusts 25 to 35 MPH.

WHERE & WHEN:

·  Rainfall / Flood Potential: A Flood Watch is initially in effect for portions of west Georgia through 8 PM Friday. This watch could be extended in time and area. Heavy rainfall and flooding potential is highest Friday into Saturday.

·  Tornado Risk:

o Today – mainly west of I-75; highest over the far western counties near the Alabama state line.

o Friday – again along and west of I-75.

·  Winds: The gustiest winds are expected today for all areas, then it shifts to the mountains of northern Georgia Thursday night into Friday.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE:

·  Medium confidence in the location and timing of the tornado risk.

·  Medium confidence in rainfall amounts, though confidence is lower regarding the potential (and areas) for localized totals of 5+ inches.

·  Medium confidence regarding the Flood risk. Soils are initially dry, and we’ll need sustained high rain rates to saturate them and produce potential flooding by Friday into Saturday. 

·  High confidence in wind gusts generally between 25 and 35 mph Thursday into early Friday.