Hurricane Ian in Savannah: Chatham, Bryan counties now under hurricane watch
As Hurricane Ian makes landfall in Florida, a hurricane watch and storm surge watch are still in effect in coastal Chatham, Bryan, Jasper and Liberty counties. A tropical storm warning is now in effect for Effingham County.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Ian is about 280 miles south of Savannah with an intensity of around 65 mph. The storm is currently moving northeast, or 40 degrees at 8 mph.
THURSDAY UPDATES HERE: Hurricane Ian: Savannah can expect tropical storm force winds on coast as storm heads east
The latest updates have Ian losing intensity and becoming a tropical storm when it passes Savannah with expected landfall made in South Carolina.
Hurricane Ian: See spaghetti models, path and storm activity for Georgia
"Ian is expected to approach north coastal Georgia and south coastal South Carolina as a strong tropical storm or hurricane, making landfall on Friday. The risk for impacts will increase beginning today and continue into Friday night with life- threatening storm surge inundation, flooding rains, isolated tornados and tropical storm force winds likely to occur as the storm approaches the area. Wind gusts to hurricane force are also possible, mainly along the immediate coast and around Charleston Harbor. The combination of life-threatening storm surge inundation and heavy rainfall could produce areas of considerable urban and flash flooding, especially Friday."
Both the City of Savannah and Chatham County governments declared state of emergencies on Wednesday. Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for the state on Tuesday.
What to know before effects of Hurricane Ian hits Savannah
Here are some ways to be prepared for the potential tropical storm force winds and rains on Friday in Savannah:
Here's what you need to know: Tropical storm and hurricane guide for Savannah and Chatham County
En espanol: Guía de tormentas tropicales y huracanes para Savannah: Esto es lo que necesita saber
Hurricane Ian in Savannah: Forecasters expect rain, maybe flooding, but no major impact
Hurricane Ian: Savannah storm tracker
Zach Dennis is the editor of the arts and culture section, and weekly Do Savannah alt-weekly publication at the Savannah Morning News. He can be reached at zdennis@savannahnow.com or 912-239-7706.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Hurricane Ian Savannah Impact: Hurricane watch in effect for Chatham
