Isolated Flooding and Tornado Risk in East Alabama, West Georgia as Hurricane Francine Approaches
Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall along the Louisiana coast this evening, with its path moving northward into Mississippi as it weakens. Although the storm is not forecast to impact Georgia directly, there is a risk of isolated flooding in the region between Thursday and Saturday. While the chance of tornadoes remains low, a brief, isolated tornado could affect areas in West Georgia, primarily late Thursday.
Key Weather Impacts:
- Flooding: Isolated flash flooding or river flooding could develop, with widespread rainfall expected to total between 1 and 2 inches. Some areas may receive over 3 inches of rain.
- Wind: Easterly wind gusts of 20 to 35 MPH are expected from Thursday into Friday morning.
- Tornado Risk: There is a low but possible risk of an isolated, brief tornado across East Alabama and West Georgia, especially late Thursday.
Timing and Location:
- Flooding Potential: Most likely to occur between Thursday and Saturday, peaking Friday night as the ground becomes more saturated.
- Wind: The strongest winds are expected Thursday through Friday morning.
- Tornado Risk: Any potential tornadoes would likely occur late Thursday in East Alabama and West Georgia.
Forecast Confidence:
- There is moderate confidence in the expected precipitation amounts, though the location of the highest rainfall totals remains uncertain.
- Confidence in the flooding potential is low, as the current dry conditions would require sustained high rain rates to trigger significant flooding.
- Confidence is low regarding the isolated tornado risk.
- There is high confidence that wind gusts will peak between 20 and 35 mph.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring this evolving weather situation.
