The Noon Update: Idalia Marching Through Georgia, Breezy Across Alabama

Hurricane Idalia has been much of our focus since the weekend and now the storm is inland, carrying hurricane force winds deep into South Georgia at this hour. There will be significant damage well inland with extensive power outages.

At noon, the center was approaching Waycross, Georgia. Winds are still at 80 mph, meaning it is still a hurricane. Hurricane force gusts are still possible this afternoon across southeastern Georgia and all along the South Carolina Coast including places like Charleston, Edisto Beach, Hilton Head, and Beaufort.

You can see Hurricane Franklin in the image there in the western Atlantic. Top winds are still 90 mph. The outer bands from the storm are affecting Bermuda where they could see tropical storm force gusts today. There are dangerous swells and rip currents along the East Coast of the United States.

The main rain shield has mostly avoided Alabama, just brushing the counties along the Georgia border from Lee, Russell, Barbour and Henry to Houston County. There will be a few showers and storms that form in the area of convergence in the northwest quadrant as the hurricane moves further northeast.

Skies have been partly cloudy across much of North and Central Alabama, with the cloud shield associated with Idalia mainly staying east of the state.

Winds will average 12-20 mph today with some gusts to near 25 mph. They won’t get much stronger.

Highs today will range from the lower 80s over East Alabama, which clouds may hang a little thicker to upper 80s in most other spots. Dewpoints are near 70F, which is allowing apparent temperatures to reach near 90F.

Tomorrow should be dry with highs in the upper 80s. There could be a shower or storm Thursday afternoon and evening, but they aren’t expected to be especially strong or severe.

The Labor Day weekend will be nice, and a little milder, with partly cloudy skies and warm readings. There could be some isolated afternoon convection. Highs will be in the upper 80s to near 90F. Lows will be in the upper 60s. Football weather looks good.

Beach weather looks good for Alabama and Northwest Florida except for the very high rip current through Friday night.

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS, Tropical