SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The next few morning and midday high tides will continue to bring coastal flood concerns while we track a developing coastal low.

Thursday brought a gloomy, cool day to the area. Temperatures struggled to hit 70 for coastal areas, while inland areas managed to get into the mid and upper 70s. Light rain fell at times, especially along the immediate coast.

Friday will feature a mild start with temperatures in the 60s, giving way to a breezy and comfortable day with highs in the 70s. Winds will be around 10-15 mph with gusts of 25 mph or higher, especially east of I-95. There will be a 30% or so chance of passing showers but do not expect a washout or appreciable rainfall totals. Rain chances diminish by Saturday with only coastal showers early in the weekend.

The developing area of low pressure will continue to keep winds elevated for the next few days. On the beach and water, several alerts are in place including a High Surf Advisory until Sunday morning and a Gale Warning through at least Saturday night. 

Coastal flooding also remains a concern due to king tides coupled with onshore flow. The midday high tides on Friday and Saturday will be greater than 10 feet at Fort Pulaski, with Friday’s high tide forecasted to be at 10.4 feet. Highway 80 between the Bull River Bridge and Tybee Island may need to be closed with the 11 a.m. high tide.

Rain chances fade and winds back off through the weekend. We will be left with pleasant fall air for the start of next week with mornings in the 50s for a good chunk of the area!

Tracking the Tropics

No big changes to the tropics as Tropical Storm Jerry is nearing the Northern Leeward Islands, and a disturbance in the North Atlantic tries to develop.

Jerry remains poorly organized with 65 mph maximum sustained winds. Wind shear has taken a toll on the system as most convection remains east of the center. Jerry will brush the Northeast Caribbean, then track northward into the Central Atlantic, potentially strengthening into a hurricane.

An area of low pressure tagged as Invest 96-L over the North Atlantic may briefly develop into a tropical system tonight into tomorrow, with the National Hurricane Center giving it a 40% chance of doing so.

There continues to be no tropical threats for the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.