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The trending headline for the long term forecast is the increased activity in the Gulf of Mexico. The current track for Tropical Storm Idalia (forecasted to be Hurricane Idalia) cuts a path through southeast Georgia. Athens-Clarke county is just outside of this track. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Moderate Risk for excessive rainfall in southeast Georgia, while a Slight Risk has been issued for much of central and eastern Georgia. Expect the bulk of this precipitation to occur early Wednesday morning.

There is a risk for flash flooding and river flooding during Wednesday. Also expect increased wind speeds with gusts around 25-30 mph. Again, the largest threat for severe weather is outside of our coverage area, but don't dismiss these risks as the outer bands of this system could expand well beyond its center. By Thursday, Idalia will make its way off the eastern coast.

While there isn't a significant threat, it's also important to note that Hurricane Franklin continues to develop out in the Atlantic. Fortunately, the eye of this storm is not forecasted to impact us. There is a trough located near the Great Lakes which will push this system northeast, back out into the Atlantic.

By this weekend, all of the precipitation and severe weather threats will be over. Game Day is looking good!