Beryl Barrels to U.S. Coast

Tropical storm warnings were in effect for the entire Georgia coastline, as well as parts of Florida and South Carolina, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Beryl was technically still considered a “subtropical storm,” but the system is expected to bring winds and rain to the area regardless of its official classification.

Tropical storm conditions — meaning maximum sustained winds of 45 mph — could reach the coast as early as Saturday night. Three to six inches of rain are forecast for the area. Some coastal flooding is forecast, as the rain could cause high tides.

As of 8 p.m. EDT Saturday, Beryl was still centered about 220 miles east-southeast of Charleston, S.C. It had become stronger, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. It was moving southwest at 6 mph, with its center expected to be near the coast by late Sunday.

Beryl could dump heavy rain in the coastal counties of Georgia, and will bring a chance of rain to metro Atlanta by the end of the holiday weekend.

Until then, metro Atlantans can expect hot and dry weather on Saturday and Sunday, with afternoon highs climbing to within a degree or two of the 94-degree record set in 1936.