Georgia braces for impacts from Tropical Storm Helene: how will the state be affected

The Gulf Coast is preparing for a potentially significant hurricane landfall in the coming days. Let's take a look at how this will affect Georgia.

Tropical Storm Helene formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, on the morning of September 24, and it is expected to rapidly strengthen.

In just 48 hours, Helene could escalate from a 45 mph tropical storm to a Category 3 major hurricane as it moves over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Regardless of its precise path, significant rainfall is expected to impact much of the Southeast starting midweek.

Will Tropical Storm Helene impact Georgia?

Georgia and the Carolinas could experience strong winds and heavy rainfall by Friday, which may result in dangerous flooding and widespread power outages.

The Weather Prediction Center has issues a level 2 out of 4 risk for flooding across Georgia and other states, including Florida, Alabama, and parts of the Carolinas on Thursday, September 26.

How will the storm impact Georgia?

Although it is too early to tell how the storm will impact Upstate S.C., the National Weather Service at GSP expects the storm's remnants to reach the region either Thursday night or early Friday morning. An onset of rainfall and breezy winds are possible within that time period.

"There's some uncertainty as to where the storm will track ― whether it will roll into the Upstate, or whether it will push kind of more westward and stay out more over Georgia, Tennessee, west of the Upstate." said Mike Rehnburg with the NWS.

When the storm moves into the area, gusty winds and heavy rainfall may be possible, although projected rainfall amounts were not given at this time. The chance of tornadoes forming in the area is also not out of the realm of possibility. However, Rehnburg said the reality of that occurring is not a "slam dunk," either.

The weather service forecast calls for a 70% chance of rain Thursday night in Asheville, and an 80% chance Friday, with heavy rainfall possible. The forecast is similar for Hendersonville, with an 80% chance of rain Thursday night and Friday.

The NWS's model guidance projects for the storm to move out of WNC by the end of the day Friday or Friday night.

Spin-up tornado risk for Georgia

The Florida peninsula and parts of the Pandhandle are at risk of experiencing spin-up tornadoes, along with southern Georgia and southeast Alabama Thursday. On Friday, the tornado risk will shift to eastern Alabama, much of Georgia, southwestern S.C., and parts of far eastern Tennessee.

“Tornadoes embedded in tropical rainbands can be incredibly dangerous, especially after dark,” warned Porter. “Make sure to have your cell phone fully charged and download the AccuWeather app to get tornado warnings and severe weather alerts. It’s a good idea to review safety plans with your family, too. If a tornado warning is issued in your area, make sure you take shelter in a sturdy interior room on the lowest level, away from exterior doors and windows. It’s also important to review evacuation zones and routes if you live near the coast.”

When is hurricane season?

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to the end of November. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasted an "above average" season.

For more information, visit the National Weather Service website.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: How will Tropical Storm Helen affect Georgia?