Savannah, Georgia, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Tropical Storm Imelda is set to impact the Georgia coast, bringing dangerous surf and potential flooding. A high surf advisory is in place for Savannah, with waves expected to reach 5-6 feet. Residents are advised to exercise caution, as rip currents pose risks for beachgoers. While north and central Georgia will remain mostly unaffected by the storm’s core, conditions could still be hazardous. Safety tips have been issued, urging inexperienced swimmers to stay out of the water as the weather evolves throughout the week.
Savannah, Georgia – Tropical Storm Imelda is projected to pose a significant threat along the Georgia coast early this week, affecting both local residents and beachgoers. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has indicated that the storm is already bringing tropical storm conditions to parts of the northwest Bahamas, with rain anticipated in eastern Cuba and the Bahamas through Tuesday.
Residents in areas impacted by Imelda could experience flash and urban flooding, as well as mudslides in higher elevations. A hurricane watch may be issued for Bermuda by late Monday. Rainfall from Imelda is also expected to create isolated flash flooding conditions in the Carolinas’ coastal regions through Tuesday.
Notably, while north and central Georgia will not be directly affected by Imelda, swells and high surf conditions are likely in coastal areas, thanks to the combination of Imelda and Hurricane Humberto. The NHC has issued warnings about “dangerous marine conditions” and rip currents that are expected to move north along the East Coast in the coming days.
A high surf advisory for the Savannah area will be in effect from 8 p.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Saturday, impacting coastal Bryan, Chatham, Liberty, and McIntosh counties. These high surf conditions could produce massive breaking waves between 5-6 feet in surf zones, making swimming and surfing hazardous. Localized beach erosion is also expected along the Georgia coast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has urged inexperienced swimmers to remain out of the water and has provided safety tips concerning rip currents, including finding ways to relax and float if caught in one. Additionally, isolated showers and thunderstorms may occur in northern and east-central regions of Georgia on Monday and Tuesday.
Despite the potential dangers posed by Imelda, dry and breezy conditions are anticipated to persist throughout the week. While temperatures may feel warm and humid before a drop is expected after Wednesday, the severe weather risk remains low for north and central Georgia, including metro Atlanta. The forecast for metro Atlanta depicts mostly sunny days with highs near 82°F and lows around 60°F through the week.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Erin is intensifying in the southwest Atlantic Ocean but is not expected to make landfall in Georgia. A high rip current risk and high surf are forecasted for Coastal Georgia as a result of the storm’s increasing winds and waves. Beachgoers are encouraged to limit themselves to shallow water, stay close to lifeguards, and exercise caution given the high-risk conditions.
The NWS is also keeping an eye on two additional areas of interest for potential tropical development as the situation evolves along the East Coast.
FAQ
What conditions are expected along the Georgia coast due to Tropical Storm Imelda?
Tropical Storm Imelda is expected to threaten conditions along the Georgia coast, with a high surf advisory in effect due to dangerous surf and rip currents.
What advisory is in effect for the Savannah area?
A high surf advisory for the Savannah area will be in effect from 8 p.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Saturday, affecting coastal Bryan, Chatham, Liberty, and McIntosh counties.
What should beachgoers do during the high surf conditions?
Beachgoers are advised to limit themselves to shallow water, stay near lifeguards, and exercise caution of dangerous conditions due to high surf and rip currents.
Key Features of Tropical Storm Imelda and Its Effects
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Impact | Threat of dangerous surf and rip currents along the Georgia coast |
| High Surf Advisory | In effect from 8 p.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Saturday for coastal Bryan, Chatham, Liberty, and McIntosh counties |
| High Waves | Massive breaking waves of 5-6 feet |
| Flooding Risk | Isolated flash flooding conditions possible in coastal Carolinas through Tuesday |
| Safety Precautions | Inexperienced swimmers advised to stay out of the water |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Minimal Impacts from Tropical Storm Imelda in Georgia
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Atlanta Prepares for Tropical Depression Nine
Tropical Storm Humberto Forms in Central Atlantic
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Imelda Pulls Away from Georgia
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Imelda
- Patch: Life-Threatening Surf Conditions in Georgia
- Google Search: Hurricane Rip Current Safety
- WJCL: Rip Current Risks from Hurricane Erin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- WTOC: Savannah High Student Accident
- Google News: Savannah Weather
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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