Savannah faces 'anomalously strong storm' packing high winds, possible tornados

An “anomalously strong storm system” will bring potentially damaging winds and could trigger tornados in the Savannah area Tuesday, the National Weather Service warned Monday.

Potential sustained winds in the 30-40 mph range – and gusts as high as 60 mph – could lead to downed trees and power outages, the NWS Charleston office cautioned in its advisory.

Offshore waves of 10-17 feet also will make water travel hazardous.

Minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible with Tuesday’s high tide at around 6 a.m.

School closures around the state: With severe weather expected, these Georgia schools have announced closures on Tuesday

Tide levels at Fort Pulaski are expected to reach 9.7 feet (9.5 feet is considered minor flooding while 10 feet is moderate and 10.5 feet major).

Heavy rain also is expected Tuesday, with as much as 1.5 inches falling in some areas.

Travel could be especially difficult at times, especially for taller vehicles that can be blown easily, and on high bridges where wind speeds are more intense, NWS cautioned.

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Winds are forecast to build beginning at around midnight and peak at around 2 p.m. Tuesday.

The highest probability of rain is from late Tuesday morning into the evening hours.

Temperatures will climb from the low 50s Monday evening to the mid-60s by sunrise Tuesday, according to the NWS forecast.

Conditions will improve as the storm system leaves the area late Tuesday, leading to sunny and breezy conditions Wednesday with highs in the mid-50s.

John Deem covers climate change and the environment on the Georgia coast. He can be reached at jdeem@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Weather in Savannah, Ga: Storm may bring damaging winds, tornados possible