Key Messages and Impacts:
1) The remnants of Hurricane Ian will track across eastern Georgia on Saturday. Windy conditions will develop on Friday night and continue through Saturday. Sustained winds during this time are expected to be between 15 and 30 mph, with gusts of 40 to 45 mph. Possible impacts from the winds may be tree branches and/or weak trees blown down. This is a potential hazard for campers to be aware of and prepare for. Being in a tent on Friday night under trees may be hazardous; campers should consider finding sturdy shelter.
2) Rain is expected to spread into the area on Friday evening, with heavy rain at times from Friday night through Saturday. Between 2 and 4 inches is expected during that period, which may lead to flooding of low lying areas and small creeks and streams. There is a creek that runs behind the outer paddock area, past turn 1, and near the corner marshals' camping area. Camping near this creek should be avoided.
Forecast Discussion:
The main change to the forecast today is to push the timing of rain from the remnants of Ian later into Friday night and Saturday, to account for the slower forecast speed of Ian (click images to enlarge).
Below is the forecast rainfall graphic from the NWS Weather Prediction Center:
In terms of how the racing will be affected, it will be a question of when a heavy shower passes over the track, and whether the rain can run off the racing surface quickly enough to avoid ponding. I think it is likely that there will be some red flag periods during Saturday's race. It is possible that the rain could ease up enough late in the day on Saturday to allow for improving conditions for racing. But it's still early to pin that down with any confidence.
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