Tornado Watch Extended In Chatham County: National Weather Service

SAVANNAH, GA — The National Weather Service in Charleston has extended the tornado watch in Chatham County until 10 p.m. Monday. (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

The tornado watch is in effect until Monday night for the following counties: Bryan, Bulloch, Burke Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Jenkins, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Screven and Tattnall. Isolated tornadoes could damage trees, vehicles, boats and buildings, especially mobile homes and other poorly constructed structures, forecasters said.

A flash flood warning is also in effect for Chatham County, Bryan County, Liberty County and McIntosh County until 4:15 p.m. Monday. The National Weather Service's radar indicated bands of heavy rain moving inland and reports of widespread flooding across portions of the warned area.

The risk for flash flooding will continue as high tide approaches, forecasters said. Savannah is expected to experience flooding Monday.

Watch: Hurricane Irma Weakens To A Tropical Storm, But It's Still Dangerous

A storm surge warning and tropical storm warning are still in effect in Chatham County as well. The storm is about 170 miles southwest of Savannah Monday.

Residents can expect some damage to roofing, sliding material, porches, carports and sheds. Remain well sheltered from dangerous winds and stay away from windows, forecasters said. Several large trees can snap or become uprooted, with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted.

Here's the latest on what you need to know as Tropical Storm Irma churns through Savannah:

• Due to flooding, Highway 80 to Tybee Island is temporarily closed per order of Savannah-Chatham Metro Police.
• Very little damage is reported in Savannah at this time. There are some branches in the road, but there are very few trees down at this time, officials say.
• Hurricane Irma weakens to a tropical storm, but it's still dangerous.
• Social media users are losing it over the news of a tropical storm warning blanketing Atlanta.

Residents can report flooding directly to the Charleston National Weather Service at 1-888-383-2024, or email at nws.charlestonsc@noaa.gov. The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Charleston around 6 p.m. Monday, or sooner if conditions warrant.

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