Weather Alert: Hurricane Threat Looms as Heavy Rains Expected This Weekend

Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida are set to experience heavy rain this weekend, with projections of up to 2 inches in coastal areas. Tropical Storm Milton is expected to strengthen and make landfall as a category 3 hurricane by Wednesday, prompting residents to prepare for hazardous conditions including strong winds and potential flash flooding.

This weekend is expected to be characterized by significant rainfall for residents in Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida. Evening temperatures on Saturday will drop to the mid-70s, accompanied by predominantly cloudy skies and light winds from the northeast, ranging between 5 to 10 miles per hour. Rainfall accumulations are projected to reach approximately three-tenths of an inch in Northeast Florida and a quarter of an inch in Southeast Georgia. Coastal areas may receive up to 2 inches over the next three days, while inland regions, particularly Columbia and Alachua counties, may see minimal rainfall of about a tenth of an inch. Furthermore, there will be rain in the forecast during the Jacksonville Jaguars football game at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Notably, the risk of rip currents will remain elevated throughout the weekend. As the tropical weather situation unfolds, Tropical Storm Milton is anticipated to rapidly intensify as it moves eastward through the Gulf of Mexico. Projections indicate that it may make landfall along the Gulf Coast of Florida as a category 3 hurricane by Wednesday afternoon, bringing with it life-threatening storm surge and potent winds. As the path of the storm may alter, it is advisable for residents in Florida to commence preparations immediately. Flash flooding poses a risk, with probabilities ranging from 5% to 15% for Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida, while the likelihood of experiencing tropical storm-force winds is estimated at 20% to 50% in these areas. Additionally, a tropical wave originating from the west coast of Africa is expected to move into the eastern tropical Atlantic soon, with development probabilities set at 0% over the next 48 hours and increasing to 30% within seven days.

The article discusses the weather forecast for Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida over the weekend, emphasizing the significant rainfall expected and the potential for Tropical Storm Milton to develop into a hurricane. It highlights the importance of being prepared for severe weather conditions due to heavy rainfall and the risks associated with tropical storms, including strong winds and the chance of flash flooding. Understanding these forecasts is crucial for residents to safeguard themselves and their properties against potential storm impacts.

In summary, residents of Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida should prepare for a rainy weekend, with possible rainfall accumulations of up to 2 inches in coastal areas. As Tropical Storm Milton threatens to become a category 3 hurricane by Wednesday, it is essential for individuals to take precautionary measures now to address the risks posed by storm surge and strong winds. The chances of flash flooding and tropical storm-force winds further underscore the necessity of preparedness amid these severe weather conditions.

Original Source: www.news4jax.com