News Summary
A Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watch has been issued for the Savannah area as strong storms are approaching. Residents should prepare for penny-sized hail, wind gusts up to 50 mph, and possible flash flooding. The watch remains in effect until Saturday evening. It’s crucial for locals to secure outdoor belongings and stay updated on weather warnings as a slow-moving storm system may bring additional rainfall this weekend. Monday is expected to pose further severe weather risks.
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watch Issued for Savannah Area as Storms Approach
Hey there, Savannah! Get ready to batten down the hatches because the weather is about to get a bit stormy! As of Friday evening at 7:48 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watch for our area as strong thunderstorms are making their way through. The watch will remain in effect until 8:45 p.m. Saturday, and it’s time to make sure you’re prepared!
What to Expect
Residents in spots like Pooler, Downtown Savannah, Hutchinson Island, and beyond are advised to watch the skies. Keep an eye out for penny-sized hail (that’s about 0.75 inches, in case you’re wondering!) and gusty winds that could reach up to a hefty 50 mph. Just after 7:48 p.m., Doppler radar caught sight of a thunderstorm right over the Savannah Historic District, and it’s moving southeast at a leisurely pace of 5 mph.
Stay Safe and Secure
The strong winds from this storm could easily knock down tree limbs and toss around unsecured items, so it’s a good idea to secure your outdoor belongings! Minor damage to things left outside is a genuine possibility, so take some time to bring in what you can. And remember, if you’re out driving, avoid flooded roadways as there are concerns about flash flooding due to the heavy rainfall that is expected.
Areas at Risk
So where exactly is the watch in effect? You can include areas like Midtown Savannah, Coffee Bluff, Windsor Forest, Wilmington Island, Hunter Army Airfield, and Montgomery, to name a few. If your travels take you along I-16 between mile markers 161 and 168 or I-516 between mile markers 3 and 9, pay extra attention as these routes are included in the watch!
Be Weather-Wise
Warnings and weather updates will be coming in hot and heavy, so make sure to stay tuned to your favorite local news sources or NOAA Weather Radio. If you’re in an area under the tornado watch, the best advice is to head to the interior room on the lowest floor away from windows to stay safe, just in case things take a windy turn!
The Weekend Ahead
The storms are just the beginning! A slow-moving system is brewing, pushing more rain and thunderstorms into our region this weekend, thanks to an area of low pressure near the Gulf Coast. There’s a slight risk of excessive rainfall on Sunday into early next week—think rainfall totals between 2 to 4 inches or more!—which could lead to flash flooding.
Preparedness is Key
Monday is projected to be quite the day, often referred to as a WJCL Alert Day, with potential for severe thunderstorms looming. The Savannah airport recently recorded wind gusts of 54 mph—the highest since Hurricane Helene—and a noteworthy 2.75 inches of rain has fallen, marking the most in over six months.
Stay Informed
Looking ahead, the weather will feel more like May than April with warm and humid temperatures reaching the 80s. But don’t forget, Monday afternoon and evening could bring about a slight risk of tornadoes along with an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms in our neighboring counties. As always, regular checks on forecasts are important, along with securing any outdoor items and closing up all windows and doors!
Stormy weather is in the air, Savannah, so hold onto your hats and stay safe out there!
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Tornado Watch Issued
- Wikipedia: Tornado Watch
- Weather.com: Savannah Weather
- Google Search: Savannah Weather
- WJCL: Rain and Thunderstorm Forecast
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm
- Savannah Now: Severe Thunderstorm Watch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
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