AUGUSTA, Georgia (WRDW/WAGT) – We’re tracking Tropical Storm Helene as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico. Impacts are expected as early as Thursday morning. Cloudy weather is forecast for Wednesday, with isolated showers possible in the late afternoon. Highs will reach 30 degrees Celsius with winds of 8-10 mph.

FIRST WEATHER WARNING DAY THURSDAY TO FRIDAY: We will feel the effects of Helene on Thursday and continue into Friday. The worst impacts of this storm are expected Thursday night into Friday morning. Wind gusts of 40-60 mph and 3-6″ of rain seem to be a reasonable forecast based on the model consensus. There is also a risk of tornadoes – make sure you have a way to get warnings before you go to bed Thursday night.

Rain will start early Thursday and last most of the day – this is just the beginning. Most of Thursday will be rainy, but during the day it won’t be too windy, just a breeze. Winds will become noticeably stronger after sunset Thursday and increase overnight, peaking early Friday morning.

The tropical system should reach the center of the CSRA by sunrise Friday morning and continue to move northward throughout the day. The strongest winds are expected early Friday morning, with gusts over 40 mph in most areas – possibly up to 60 mph in some spots, most likely in the CSRA counties in Georgia. We’ll likely see some downed trees and cause power outages. Conditions will improve Friday afternoon/evening, but late in the day will still look windy.

This weekend is looking much better with highs in the 30s and mostly dry weather. Scattered showers are possible both days, but I wouldn’t cancel my outdoor plans. Stay here for the latest forecast updates.

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