Massive Storm Could Impact GA On Halloween Week

A major storm could bring flooding and choppy surf conditions to the Georgia coast during Halloween week, amid an ongoing drought in other parts of the state.

Forecasters are tracking Tropical Storm Melissa in the Caribbean Sea that is forecast to grow into a major hurricane. The storm will begin heading north early next week, as well as an expected dip in the jet stream along the Atlantic seaboard that could collide with it.

The exact track of the tropical storm will determine whether or not the mid-Atlantic region receives a smattering of rain over the course of a few days, or a more major weather event, forecasters said.

"The jet stream dip can generate a new storm, or perhaps a potent nor'easter, along the Atlantic coast toward the end of October," Accuweather said. "But even a less-intense coastal storm, when combined with (the tropical storm) offshore, will stir up additional winds and rough seas."

The risk of tropical rain and wind along the Savannah area is low, according to an AccuWeather map. The timing for the storm, should it hit, was not immediately clear for Georgia.

Beach erosion, coastal flooding and rough surf conditions could dampen Halloween plans for Georgians.

"Melissa will be a powerful storm generating huge waves north of Cuba," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. "The impacts will be felt at U.S. beaches hundreds of miles away as the storm moves over the western Atlantic. This has been a challenging year for beach erosion along the East coast."

Any early trick-or-treaters, or "trunk-or-treaters," may face rainfall on Wednesday, according to AccuWeather.

But the National Weather Service on Friday said the rain may not be enough to subside Georgia's drought.

The greatest chance for rain will be around 8 p.m. Sunday in the Columbus and Rome areas, at 20 percent probability; but, that will skyrocket up to 55 percent by Monday across Georgia.

"While any rainfall is certainly better than none at all, it will likely not be enough to make a dent in the drought," the NWS said.

Due to the dry conditions in north and east-central Georgia, metro Atlanta and surrounding towns are at risk of fire danger until 8 p.m. Friday.

Vegetation is dry, and the humidity level ranges from 20-25 percent. The NWS on Thursday placed metro Atlanta and parts of western Georgia under a Level D3 risk, meaning extreme drought conditions existed.

The NWS said drought conditions could worsen in the next seven to 10 days.

Colder weather is expected throughout the week, with high temperatures sitting in the high 50s and low 60s by early next week and lows dropping to the high 40s and low 50s in the next few days, the National Weather Service said.

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

This Afternoon: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. North wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. East wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. East wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Monday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 a.m, then a chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.

Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.