Atlanta Braces for Hurricane Francine and Potential New Tropical Development
ATLANTA — As Hurricane Francine makes its way toward the Gulf States, a new weather threat seems to be brewing in the Atlantic Ocean that could affect the Southeastern United States. AccuWeather forecasters are keeping a close eye on what they call a possible “homebrew” development expected to appear over the weekend after Francine makes landfall. As of a 3 p.m. update on Wednesday from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Francine’s eyewall was nearing southern Louisiana, promising quite an impact.
Wednesday afternoon updates have revealed that Georgia might experience 30-plus mph wind gusts and heavy rainfall stemming from what remains of Francine. Lines of communication are wide open between meteorologists and the NHC, which continue to monitor the situation closely.
What is a “Homebrew” Development?
Essentially, “homebrew” refers to weather systems that form close to the U.S. coastline. According to experts, this early phase of the hurricane season often brings such developments. The current risk for this new event forming is seen as medium. AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, explains, “We continue to monitor the area just off the Carolina and Georgia coasts for tropical development this weekend to early next week.” This potential system has a moderate chance of spreading heavy rain to the Carolinas and possibly pushing into the lower mid-Atlantic region.
Though it may not have ample time to morph into a full-blown hurricane, it could still take on enough energy to become a tropical depression or a tropical storm.
Another Tropical Player: Tropical Depression 7
Hot on the heels of these developments, TD 7 has formed in the Atlantic. As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the system had brisk winds of 35 mph and was transitioning near the Cabo Verde Islands. It’s moving at 18 mph in a west-northwest direction, potentially slowing down in due time.
The next two names set for hurricanes are Gordon and Helene, with the potential for TD 7 to be renamed Gordon later this week. While it could escalate to hurricane status, current models show it might stay out at sea for its duration. The outlook for tropical conditions looks warm, encouraging rapid intensification into full systems. As DaSilva put it, “Water temperatures are extremely warm right now. People need to be prepared for potential tropical threats that can rapidly intensify into a tropical storm or a hurricane in just a few days.”
Impact on Georgia and Surrounding Areas
The extent of impacts on Georgia and nearby states will depend greatly on the new system’s ability to organize before making any significant movement inland. AccuWeather has warned of potential hazards such as building seas, severe thunderstorms capable of spawning tornadoes and waterspouts, rough surf, strong rip currents, and coastal erosion.
Specifically for the Atlanta metro area, meteorologist Lindsay Marlow noted that heavy rainfall of up to 3 inches is possible between Wednesday and Sunday morning. Friday is expected to be particularly rainy, with predictions of 60-80% chance of heavy precipitation. The region may also face winds clocking in at 25 mph, with gusts potentially higher as the day progresses into Thursday – winds could gust anywhere from 30-34 mph, especially in counties like Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and others.
The NHC is looking at the potential for three tropical disturbances in the Atlantic, although any land contact remains uncertain at this point. As we receive more data, it will provide a clearer picture of any further precautions residents might need to take.
It’s crucial for everyone in Georgia, especially in regions with previously saturated soils, to remain vigilant. Preparation is key, and as Marlow emphasizes, don’t let your guard down.
Latest Forecast for Metro Atlanta
- Tonight: 30% chance of showers, mainly after 4 a.m. Cloudy, low around 66°F. East wind 10-15 mph, gusts up to 25 mph.
- Thursday: Showers likely, thunderstorms possible late afternoon. High near 74°F. East wind 15-20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Precipitation chance 80%.
- Thursday Night: Continued showers and thunderstorms, especially after 1 a.m. Low around 66°F. East wind 15-20 mph, gusts up to 30 mph. Precipitation chance 90%.
- Friday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 75°F. East wind around 15 mph, gusts as high as 25 mph. Precipitation chance 90%.
- Friday Night: Persistent showers and thunderstorms. Low around 66°F. East wind around 10 mph, gusts as high as 20 mph. Precipitation chance 80%.
- Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely in the morning and afternoon. High near 74°F. Precipitation chance 70%.
- Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, especially before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, low around 66°F. Precipitation chance 60%.
- Sunday: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, high near 78°F.
- Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms possible before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, low around 65°F. Precipitation chance 30%.
- Monday: 30% chance of showers mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, high near 79°F.
- Monday Night: 30% chance of showers. Partly cloudy, low around 63°F.
- Tuesday: 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, high near 81°F.
- Tuesday Night: 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, low around 63°F.
- Wednesday: 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, high near 83°F.
Stay safe and be prepared as we await further updates on these developing weather events.
