What to expect in Columbus this week as Hurricane Sally moves across Gulf Coast
Columbus residents should expect to see heavy rains in the area this week as Hurricane Sally moves toward south Mississippi, according to the National Weather Service’s Peachtree City office.
The slow-moving storm was heading west at 8 mph Monday morning, the Sun Herald reported, and was declared a hurricane around noon.
“What (Columbus) will probably see is just some heavy rainfall from some of the outer bands,” NWS Peachtree City forecaster Adam Baker told the Ledger-Enquirer Monday.
The National Weather Service said in its 4 a.m. update that it’s too early to tell where the system will come ashore, but the storm track has moved east and South Mississippi is more likely.
Likely chances of rain in Columbus should begin Wednesday afternoon, Baker said, and continue into the overnight hours and through Thursday. By Friday, the storm system is expected to be weakened and moving eastward, so the heavy rain potential should “really start to wind down” by Friday night, he said.
Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected for portions of North and Central Georgia Monday afternoon and through the evening, according to the NWS’ 4:50 a.m. Monday update. A few storms could be strong with gusty winds, frequent lightning and local heavy rainfall.
Scattered to numerous showers and some isolated thunderstorms are expected through Friday, the NWS said. Wednesday night into Friday, periods of heavy rainfall will lead to flash flooding concerns across portions of North and West Central Georgia. No hazardous weather is expected at this time for Saturday and Sunday.
“Since we are thinking that the heavy rain is going to be the primary impact for (Columbus), any local flood concerns are going to be something that could linger into Friday and maybe even beyond, as far as the (Chattahoochee) River impacts go,” Baker said.
In its 7 a.m. update, NWS said additional storm strengthening is possible before landfall on Tuesday.
Water is the main threat from the system that will produce life-threatening storm surge, heavy rain and possible tornadoes.
This story was originally published September 14, 2020 at 10:09 AM.
