SOUTHEAST — A widespread soaking rain is on the way for northeast Georgia, the western Carolinas, and eastern Tennessee from Saturday night into Sunday. Most models show 1 to 2 inches of rain across the region, with some spots in northeast Georgia pushing past 3 inches through Tuesday. The rain arrives after weeks of dry weather, offering much-needed relief to parched yards and landscapes.
Gainesville and Northeast Georgia Lead Rain Totals Above 3 Inches
The heaviest rain is expected across northeast Georgia, where Gainesville is projected to pick up around 3.46 inches through Tuesday. A narrow corridor of the highest totals sits near where Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina meet, with some locations topping 3 inches.
Farther south, Athens is projected near 2.07 inches. Much of the surrounding area in northeast Georgia falls within the 2 to 3 inch range, making this the wettest part of the region during the event. Creeks and low-lying spots in this area will be worth watching as totals add up.
Franklin, Asheville, and Western North Carolina See Around 2 Inches
Western North Carolina is also in line for a solid soaking, with Franklin projected near 2.29 inches. Asheville is expected to pick up around 1.93 inches, putting much of the mountain region close to the 2-inch mark.
A band of heavier rain stretches northeast through the mountains and foothills of North Carolina. Totals taper off farther west, with Knoxville in eastern Tennessee projected around 1.30 inches. Mountain roads could turn slick at times, especially along steeper and winding stretches.
Greenville and Upstate South Carolina Expected Near 2 Inches
Upstate South Carolina will share in the rainfall, with Greenville projected near 2.07 inches through Tuesday. Areas closer to the Georgia and North Carolina borders could see slightly higher amounts as the heavier band moves through.
Rain totals drop off to the southeast, where Greenwood is projected around 1.36 inches. Areas farther east toward central South Carolina are expected to see lighter amounts as the system moves out of the region early next week.
Steady Rain Brings Drought Relief but Could Slow Weekend Travel
The rain is expected to fall as a steady, soaking event rather than a few scattered showers. After a long stretch of dry weather, the moisture should benefit lawns, gardens, and dry soil across the region.
Drivers should still plan for wet roads, reduced visibility, and possible ponding on roadways Saturday night and Sunday. Forecast totals could still shift slightly as the weekend approaches and models come into better agreement on timing and placement.
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