ATLANTA – The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for part of the Georgia Coast as Hurricane Isaias continues its part towards the U.S.

August 1, 2020 – FOX 5 Storm Team Graphic

As of 11:40 Saturday morning, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for North of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia.

Shortly before 5 p.m. on Saturday the National Hurricane Center in Miami downgraded Isaias from a hurricane to a tropical storm. However, the storm is expected to re-strengthen back to a hurricane overnight.

Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph Saturday morning and some strengthening was possible, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said. The storm was centered about 50 miles south of Nassau in the Bahamas and was moving northwest at 12 mph. Forecasters said some decrease in its forward motion was expected.

The tropical storm is expected to ride along the east coast of Florida and make a close pass to the Georgia coast. This means that the Georgia coast will experience dangerous rip currents and high seas the next couple of days. 

August 1, 2020 – FOX 5 Storm Team Graphic

Thankfully, there isn’t a major concern for the possibility of Isaías making landfall along the Georgia coast, which will limit the amount of wind, flooding, and storm surge in that area.

August 1, 2020 – FOX 5 Storm Team Graphic

However, as a precaution, some beaches along the Georgia coast will be closed Sunday and Monday for swimmers as conditions get worse. 

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August 1, 2020 – FOX 5 Storm Team Graphic

Based on the steering currents over the Atlantic Ocean right now plus a cold front moving in from the west, the confidence is very high that the major impacts from Isaías will stay offshore until the South Carolina and North Carolina coasts early next week. 

MORE: Georgians urged to stay vigiliant, prepare ahead of Isaias

August 1, 2020 – FOX 5 Storm Team Graphic

Following the National Hurricane Center cone of probability, metro Atlanta is expected to be on the northwest, weaker side of the hurricane, which means our weather will remain hot and humid with hit or miss afternoon and evening storms.

SEE ALSO: U.S. Census: Estimated 79 million people in the path of Isaias

August 1, 2020 – FOX 5 Storm Team Graphic

The FOX 5 Storm Team will continue to post updates on the new information for Isaías on social media all weekend long.

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Keep up with the latest by downloading the FREE FOX 5 Storm Team app and following @FOX5StormTeam on Twitter. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.