Tropical Disturbances Threaten Florida, Coastal Georgia

The National Hurricane Center is tracking two Atlantic disturbances: a weak low near the Bahamas expected to meander across much of Florida this weekend and a tropical wave off Africa with a medium chance of becoming the next named storm, Jerry, late next week. The Bahamas/Florida low has a low chance of tropical development but will funnel tropical moisture into Florida, bringing scattered heavy showers and downpours with typical guidance of a few tenths to 1–3 inches locally and isolated 3–5+ inch totals in training bands, while the Panhandle and parts of the Gulf coast are forecast to see lighter accumulations. Forecasters have issued flood watches, Coastal Flood Advisories and First Alert/Weather Day products for parts of Florida and coastal Georgia as high tides (Fort Pulaski projections near 9.5–9.9 feet) and persistent swells from recent hurricanes raise the risk of minor coastal flooding, dangerous rip currents and beach erosion. Breezy to windy coastal gusts over 25–30 mph are expected, which will enhance surge, tide and beach impacts and could make travel hazardous during heavy downpours. Officials say wind shear limits immediate tropical development but urge residents to monitor updates because heavy rain, localized and flash flooding and isolated tornadoes remain possible while the eastern‑Atlantic wave is watched for later development.