Georgia and South Carolina Could Feel Effects of Tropical Storm Nicole

Dozens of people were evacuated this morning from some areas in the northwestern Bahamas as Tropical Storm Nicole was approaching.  It's the first storm to hit the Bahamas since Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm, devastated the area in 2019.  Residents in Florida are bracing for the storm, which is expected to arrive there sometime tonight.  In fact, residents in at least three Florida counties have been ordered to evacuate from mobile homes, low-lying areas and barrier islands.  Many school districts have cancelled classes for today and tomorrow.

Closer to home, a tropical storm warning has been issued for coastal Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry.  Areas like Savannah, Charleston and Beaufort are expected to feel the main impact of the storm Thursday and continuing into Friday.  Those coastal areas are expecting heavy rain, gusty winds, rip currents, rough surf and possible tidal flooding.

A storm surge watch is now in effect for the Georgia and South Carolina coasts due to a possible surge of anywhere from 2 to 4 feet.

Rain is expected to arrive in the CSRA Thursday morning.  Expect steady rain all afternoon and heavy rainfall Thursday night.  Area residents can expect up to 1/2 inch of rainfall on Friday.  Expect nice weather over the weekend though.  Sunshine and 72 degrees on Saturday.  Sunny, but only a high of 60 degrees on Sunday.