Tropical storm forms in the Atlantic; more rain headed to Ga.

MIAMI (AP) -- Tropical Storm Erin has formed in the eastern Atlantic, southwest of the Cape Verde Islands. But most forecasters say it is too early to tell what the impact might be on north Georgia but, regardless, the region is in for a wet few days through the weekend at least.

The storm's maximum sustained winds early Thursday are near 40 mph (65 kph) with additional strengthening forecast during the next few days.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the southern Cape Verde Islands of Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava.

The storm is centered about 65 miles (100 kilometers) west-southwest of Brava and is moving west-northwest near 16 mph (26 kph).

ANOTHER RAINY SPELL

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service (NWS) says deep tropical moisture will move into Georgia from the Gulf of Mexico, as an area of stable surface high pressure ridges down the eastern slopes of the Appalachians.

One wave of heavy rain is expected Thursday and another on Saturday. Models differ on precipitation amounts, but current best estimates, according to the NWS, indicate around an inch in the northern part of the state to up to 5 inches in south Georgia. Some models show higher amounts, so forecasters say people in north and central Georgia should check later forecasts.

So far this summer most of the state has recorded rainfall that is well above average. Many places in north Georgia, including Gainesville, have had well over a foot of rain since the first day of summer.

In addition to rain the rest of the week and into the weekend, temperatures are expected to be below normal in north Georgia - in the 70s in the daytime and in the 60s at night in most places, including Gainesville.

(AccessNorthGa.com's Ken Stanford contributed to this report.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/8/264536