News Summary
A powerful coastal storm developing in the Atlantic poses risks of flooding, high surf, and dangerous currents along Georgia’s coast. The storm, currently a tropical storm, may strengthen into Hurricane Karen as it moves northward. Forecasters predict significant impacts from Friday to Monday, including beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions. Flooding concerns along the Jersey Shore and throughout the mid-Atlantic region are also highlighted, with anticipated heavy rainfall and storm surges. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as weather conditions deteriorate across the East Coast.
Savannah, Georgia – A powerful coastal storm developing in the Atlantic Ocean is posing a significant threat to the Southeast and Eastern United States, with the potential to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves northward. Forecasters are warning of high surf, flooding, and dangerous currents along Georgia’s coast, beginning this week.
Currently classified as a tropical storm, meteorologists note that this system may be renamed Karen if it gains strength. As the storm progresses toward the colder northeastern coast, it is expected to evolve into a nor’easter. Weather experts predict that the storm will form off the Georgia coast late this week and shift northward over the weekend into next week.
Coastal areas, particularly along the Jersey Shore, are expected to experience the most severe impacts, with tides predicted to rise between 1 to 3 inches above normal levels. A storm surge, which can lead to dangerous flooding, of up to 6 feet is also possible. In a worst-case scenario, the storm could achieve hurricane strength, significantly affecting the mid-Atlantic region.
In Georgia, coastal conditions are expected to be detrimental from Friday to Monday, with expectations of beach erosion, rip currents, rough surf, and sustained coastal flooding. The National Weather Service has forecasted up to 1 foot of saltwater inundation above ground level in the Savannah area by Thursday morning, followed by half a foot of additional flooding by Thursday evening. A coastal flood advisory is in effect for counties including Bryan, Chatham, McIntosh, and Liberty until noon Thursday, due to the anticipated flooding and dangerous rip currents likely to persist until 8 p.m. Thursday.
A high surf advisory has been issued from 2 p.m. Thursday through 8 a.m. Sunday, as breaking waves of 5-6 feet are projected along local beaches. Saltwater inundation is expected to affect roads, presenting dangerous swimming and surfing conditions. Furthermore, high tides, particularly around mid-morning Thursday at Fort Pulaski, could lead to flooding at least an hour after the tide has occurred.
While forecasters mention that significant inundation is not expected along Georgia’s coastline presently, showers may reach metro Atlanta between 4-8 p.m. Thursday. However, the remainder of the week is predicted to be sunny with temperatures reaching the 70s. In metro Atlanta, there is a 10 percent chance of showers after 4 p.m. Thursday, with temperatures possibly peaking at 72 degrees. Wind gusts during this period could reach 25 mph.
This coastal storm is also associated with a risk of significant rainfall, damaging winds, and heavy rain from North Carolina to New Jersey and Cape Cod. Coastal communities and low-lying areas are particularly at risk due to the potential flooding during the storm. Rainfall is expected to produce 2-4 inches in many coastal areas, with localized maxima of up to 10 inches. Conditions along the Atlantic coast are anticipated to shift dramatically from pleasant weather to stormy conditions as the weekend approaches.
As residents and officials prepare for the storm’s potential impact, awareness of the risks associated with coastal flooding and high surf are crucial for safety. Residents are urged to stay informed through local advisories and utilize appropriate precautions as severe weather conditions develop along the East Coast.
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Additional Resources
- AccuWeather: Coastal Storm to Hammer US East Coast
- Wikipedia: Hurricane
- WCVB: Holiday Weekend Storm
- Google Search: Columbus 2025 Massachusetts Storm
- The New York Times: East Coast Nor’easter Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nor’easter
- Patch: Potential Hurricane Developing Atlantic
- Google News: Potential Hurricane Developing Atlantic
- ABC News: Forecast Tropical Storm
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storm Southeast
- Silive: Powerful Storm Resembling Nor’easter
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
