Tropical Storm Irma is a tropical depression as of Monday evening.
The former Category 5 hurricane extended northward now includes metro Atlanta and all of north Georgia. The track of the potentially catastrophic Hurricane Irma eventually brought the storm into Georgia Monday.
THE LATEST UPDATE:
As of 8 p.m. Monday, Irma was located about 55 miles southeast of Columbus, or 120 miles south of Atlanta. Irma is moving to the north-northwest at 16 mph. Maximum sustained winds are at 45 mph with higher gusts. On the present track, it was already expected to move into Alabama and become a tropical depression by Tuesday.
But by 11 p.m., weather authorities confirmed it had already made the transition.
Much of the metro Atlanta area A tropical storm watch was originally extended all the way to the Georgia-Tennessee border before it was canceled.
As Irma continues to move through south and central Georgia, portions of the area covered by the tropical storm warning received winds exceeding tropical storm force (39 mph or greater). Areas to the east of the center of Irma's path have the potential to receive more severe weather as the storm moves inland, with high winds, flooding rains and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.
Areas to the right of the track of the storm will have an enhanced severe weather threat. As we have seen the past few days, the track will continue to change as it moves across the area.
PHOTOS | Hurricane Irma damage in the metro Atlanta
WHEN WILL IT IMPACT GEORGIA:
Rain, wind and severe weather are the main threats to the metro area on Monday. At this point, we could see 3-7 inches of rain, with higher amounts in some localized areas. We could also see sustained winds between 25-40 mph with gusts around 50 mph or higher. This is all based on the current forecast track. This track could change. Any shift to the west or east would impact what we get here.
MAIN THREATS FOR METRO ATLANTA
The main threats for the metro Atlanta area at this point appear to be wind, with sustained winds between 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph. We could also see between 3 to 7 inches of rain. Severe weather is also possible with some spin up tornadoes.
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