Forecasters Put GA 'On Alert' For Potential Storm: See Details

Forecasters are warning of an incoming storm that could bring flooding rain and high winds to the Southeast. AccuWeather meteorologists said they are putting the East Coast "on alert" for the storm, which could bring various impacts to the region, including flooding and beach erosion concerns.

An AccuWeather graphic showed low impact from winds and tropical rain, stretching from the Savannah coastal region down through South Georgia.

"The tropical wind and rainstorm is expected to form over the Gulf Stream off the Southeast coast Friday or over the weekend. This additional heat and energy from the warm ocean current can allow the rainstorm to strengthen further," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

The storm is forecast to move northward into early next week, once again raising concerns of rough surf and strong rip currents along the East coast, according to Accuweather. Beaches from central Florida to southern New England could all be impacted by the storm.

The timing and track of the storm is still uncertain. However, a "strong and slow-moving high pressure" in the North Atlantic could steer the rainstorm close to the mid-Atlantic.

"This scenario could bring heavy, tropical rain as far west as the Virginia and Pennsylvania Appalachians and even into southern New England by Sunday afternoon," AccuWeather said.

Be that as it may, beachgoers are warned of erosion and other marine hazards.

“Areas of the Outer Banks that lost several beach houses to rough surf last week could face another round of beach erosion and rough surf from this coastal storm. Prolonged coastal flooding and beach erosion may cause damage and disruptions through the weekend," DaSilva said.

"A slow-moving storm can elevate the risk for coastal flooding and beach erosion significantly. Onshore winds may be present during multiple high tide cycles, at a time in the month when tides are already running high from an astronomical perspective.”

The Savannah area was under a coastal flood advisory until 10 a.m. Tuesday, and people are warned of a high rip current risk until Tuesday evening.

The National Weather Service said Chatham and surrounding counties can expect half a foot of overflow above ground along the shore and tidal waterways.

"Saltwater inundation will impact some roads. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water," the NWS said.

Drivers are cautioned against trying to travel through water as they may not know its depth. Some roads may be shut down, so the NWS advised allowing for additional travel time.

Furthermore, swimmers at the beach who may be caught in a rip current should not swim against the current but rather follow the shoreline, the NWS said.

"Swim near a lifeguard. ... If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help," the NWS said.

The weather service on Tuesday predicted isolated storms through Thursday in Georgia's north and central regions. The NWS' more detailed forecast did not show rain Thursday in metro Atlanta.

Midweek may feel like fall in these regions, and temperature conditions could last through the weekend.

Here is the National Weather Service's Tuesday morning forecast for metro Atlanta:

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Southeast wind 5-10 mph.

Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers before 8 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. North wind 5-10 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 69. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 75.

Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 54.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 77.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Columbus Day: Sunny, with a high near 78.

Stay tuned with Patch for the latest updates.