(This story was updated to add new information.)
The Savannah area is expected to begin feeling the strongest winds from Hurricane Milton around midnight Thursday as the storm moves over the Florida peninsula.
Gusts of 35-40 mph are expected to last into mid-afternoon before diminishing by early evening, according to the National Weather Service .
Rain is not likely to be much of a factor in the Savannah area. There is just a 30% chance of showers Thursday, according to NWS, so inland flooding is not expected to be a problem as it was with Tropical Storm Debby.
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“We know this might be largely a wind event, but then you’re talking about a wind event in a place that’s already been impacted by wind and rain,” Savannah Mayor Van Johson said Wednesday, referring to earlier storms Debby and Helene that moved through the area after hitting Florida. “So, we know that branches that might have held up under regular circumstances might be easier to fall down.”