A developing tropical system in the Gulf could bring a wet and potentially stormy weekend to Georgia, with forecasters watching for heavy rain, flash flooding, gusty winds and isolated tornadoes beginning Friday night.
Tropical Depression Nine formed Tuesday in the western Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm Wednesday and possibly a hurricane Thursday, according to FOX 5 Atlanta and National Hurricane Center guidance.
Georgia impacts could begin Friday night
As of Tuesday night, the depression was about 345 miles west of Progreso, Mexico, moving east at 5 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.
The exact landfall location remains uncertain, but forecasters said north and central Georgia could see tropical moisture from Friday evening through Sunday.
Current risks include heavy rainfall, flash flooding, strong wind gusts and isolated tornadoes. The severity will depend heavily on the storm’s final track after it reaches the Gulf Coast.
Atlanta stays mostly dry first
Metro Atlanta is expected to stay mostly sunny through Friday afternoon. Rain chances increase overnight Friday and rise through Saturday and Sunday.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts because the projected track and timing can change quickly as the system strengthens.
