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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“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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