Massive Hurricane To Pass Off GA Coast: See Latest Forecast, Timing

ATLANTA, GA — While category 5 Hurricane Melissa is not likely to directly impact the East Coast, forecasters predicted a rainy start to the week as Halloween approaches Friday.

The rainfall is expected to last through at least Wednesday in Georgia, possibly allowing kids to trick-or-treat in dry weather by the weekend. Gusty winds and flash flooding may be among the risks in some parts of the state.

While some uncertainties exist with the powerful storm, dangerous rip currents were of concern for Georgia beaches Monday.

The National Weather Service issued an advisory for coastal Bryan, Chatham, McIntosh and Liberty counties until 8 p.m. Monday.

"Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water," the NWS said in the advisory. "Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help."

The National Hurricane Center forecasts Melissa will pound Jamaica, Haiti and other Caribbean countries, starting Monday. Hurricane warnings were alerted in Jamaica and the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo and Holguin.

The life-threatening storm was moving through the Caribbean Sea and could possibly drift into the Atlantic Ocean, AccuWeather reported.

Previously, the private weather company said Melissa could collide with an expected dip in the jet stream along the Atlantic seaboard. In an update, AccuWeather reported Melissa could teeter closer to the East Coast after departing the Caribbean.

If so, the jet stream and a non-tropical storm may aid Melissa and indirectly impact the East Coast late week, AccuWeather forecasted.

“The timing and strength of a dip in the jet stream over the eastern United States this week will help determine the path that Melissa takes through the northern Caribbean and into the southwestern Atlantic," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. "At this time, the odds of 'direct' rain and wind impacts from Melissa reaching the U.S. East Coast are low."

RELATED: Massive Storm Could Impact GA On Halloween Week

Weather officials reported coastal flooding may be hazardous in the Savannah area, where heavy rain was expected to pour on Monday, as the week goes.

While the rainfall stops Wednesday night in Savannah, showers may persist through Thursday in metro Atlanta.

Some parts of Atlanta, including Cobb County, were experiencing showers Monday. The NWS said isolated thunderstorms are possible through Monday, and stronger storms could bring gusty winds.

There is potential for flash flooding in far north Georgia, the NWS reported.

Halloween may be sunny and dry, but temperatures will continue to plummet.

Georgians may decide to crank up the heat amid cooler temperatures. The NWS forecasted a dip in temperatures as November arrives Saturday, causing a more fall-like feel in the Peach State.

High temperatures may sit in the 60s, and low temperatures may linger in the upper 30s to mid-40s, by the weekend. Specifically, in the mountains, temperatures can take a dive of 5-10 degrees.

Here is the National Weather Service's Monday forecast:

Today: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 52. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight: Showers likely, mainly before 10 p.m. Cloudy, with a low around 49. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Tuesday: A 10 percent chance of showers before 8 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 56. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly after 2 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 48. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday: Showers, mainly after 8 a.m. High near 55. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers before 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 60.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.