Savannah Weather Radar

Savannah Live Weather

Savannah Live Weather Radar

Click to toggle between the Savannah cloud cover radar map and the Savannah precipitation radar map.

Savannah Hourly Weather Forecast

Savannah 7-Day Weather Forecast

Savannah Weather Overview

Savannah sits on the Georgia coast where the Savannah River meets the Atlantic, about 20 miles from open water. The city's humid subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers and mild winters shaped by Atlantic sea air. Annual precipitation averages nearly 50 inches, with roughly half falling June through September. Savannah weather radar tracks storms across Chatham County and the coastal lowlands year-round.

Hurricanes are Savannah's most serious weather threat. At just 20 feet above sea level, the city faces storm surge, coastal flooding, and wind damage when tropical systems approach. The 1893 Sea Islands hurricane killed an estimated 2,000 people along Georgia's barrier islands; Hurricane Matthew in 2016 forced a full metro evacuation. Savannah weather radar is the primary tool for tracking rain bands during hurricane season (June 1–November 30). Flooding ranks close behind — slow-moving storms overwhelm low-lying streets fast. Check Savannah weather radar before driving in Chatham County during any coastal watch.

Severe thunderstorms move through Savannah from late spring into early fall, delivering damaging winds, frequent lightning, and occasional hail. The NWS Jacksonville office (WFO JAX) issues all storm watches and warnings for coastal Georgia. Tornadoes embedded in tropical systems and spring supercells add short-track rotation risk. Winters are mild — only about 21 freezing nights per year — though the January 1985 Arctic outbreak dropped temperatures to 3°F, the city's all-time recorded low. The Savannah weather radar updates frequently when severe cells develop. Use Savannah weather radar for real-time conditions year-round.

Savannah Weather Risks & Safety

Key weather hazards to monitor on the Savannah weather radar

Hurricane & Tropical Storm Risk

Savannah sits in the path of Atlantic and Gulf tropical systems. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, peaking in August and September when warm sea surface temperatures fuel rapid intensification. On the radar, you can track the eye wall, rain bands, and embedded tornadoes as a storm approaches. If you live in Savannah, keep your evacuation plan current and check the radar frequently once a tropical advisory is issued.

Flooding & Flash Flood Risk

Flash flooding is Savannah's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.

Severe Thunderstorm Risk

Severe thunderstorms roll through Savannah regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Savannah, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.

Tornado Risk

Tornadoes hit Savannah hardest in spring and early summer, when warm Gulf air slams into cooler northern fronts. Supercell thunderstorms can spin up EF2+ tornadoes with very little lead time. On radar, rotation signatures inside storm cells give you a few critical minutes to reach shelter. Savannah averages several tornado warnings per year — know where your safe room or interior closet is before you need it.

How to Use Savannah Weather Radar

Follow these steps to get the most from the Savannah weather radar data.

Check for Atlantic Hurricane Activity

During June through November, open the Savannah weather radar first and look for tropical circulation in the Atlantic or Gulf. Rain bands from approaching systems appear as circular arcs on radar well before landfall. The NWS Jacksonville office (JAX) issues coastal watches and warnings as systems approach Georgia.

Monitor Flooding Risk Along I-95 and I-16

Before commuting into Savannah on I-95 or I-16 during heavy rain, check the radar for red and purple returns indicating intense rainfall. These signal flash flooding potential in low-lying areas near downtown. Never drive through flooded roads — even a few inches of water can sweep away a vehicle.

Time Your Visit to Forsyth Park or Tybee Island

Before heading to Forsyth Park, River Street, or Tybee Island, check the radar for storm cells building to the west or southwest. Savannah afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly in summer. If storm cores are within 30 miles, wait indoors — lightning near Savannah is frequent and dangerous during the June–August peak.

Plan Ahead for Outdoor Events in the Historic District

For outdoor events in Savannah's Historic District, check the 7-day and hourly forecasts first, then monitor the radar in the hours before. If a severe thunderstorm watch covers Chatham County, get indoors immediately and wait for the all-clear from NWS Jacksonville.

Who Benefits from Savannah Weather Radar

How different people use the Savannah radar data

Commuters & Drivers

Savannah commuters on I-95 and I-16 use radar to avoid flash flooding and time drives around storm cells.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Runners at Forsyth Park and beachgoers at Tybee Island check radar before heading out during Savannah's stormy summers.

Event Planners & Families

Visitors and organizers in Savannah's Historic District and on River Street monitor radar before outdoor festivals and tours.

Outdoor Workers

Port of Savannah dock workers and construction crews across Chatham County track radar to plan around severe storm timing.

Savannah Weather FAQ

Common questions about Savannah weather patterns and radar

When does hurricane season affect Savannah, Georgia?

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 in Savannah, Georgia, with peak threat in August and September. The city's low coastal elevation makes it especially vulnerable to storm surge and flooding. Past storms including the 1893 Sea Islands hurricane and Hurricane Matthew (2016) caused mass evacuations and widespread damage. Residents should have an evacuation plan ready by early June each year.

How often does Savannah, Georgia flood during heavy rain?

Savannah, Georgia floods regularly during intense rainfall events, particularly in summer when tropical moisture and slow-moving thunderstorms dump several inches quickly. The city's low elevation — just 20 feet above sea level — and flat terrain limit natural drainage. Even moderate storms can overflow storm drains in low-lying neighborhoods near downtown and along the Savannah River.

What is the wettest time of year in Savannah, Georgia?

June through September is Savannah's wettest period, with the city receiving roughly half its annual 50 inches of precipitation during those four months. Daily afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through August, driven by hot, humid air building over the Georgia coast. Tropical storm moisture can extend the wet season into October during an active Atlantic hurricane season.

Has a tornado ever hit Savannah, Georgia?

Yes, tornadoes do occur in the Savannah, Georgia area, though less commonly than in inland regions. The main risk comes from embedded tornadoes in tropical systems during hurricane season and from spring supercell thunderstorms. Most Savannah-area tornadoes are EF0 to EF1, though stronger cells embedded in major tropical systems can cause more significant damage. The NWS Jacksonville office (JAX) issues all tornado warnings for the area.

How is this weather radar different from WSAV weather radar in Savannah?

WSAV is Savannah, Georgia's NBC affiliate television station and delivers radar through its local weather team. The radar on this page pulls directly from NOAA's national radar network via RainViewer, giving you the same underlying WSR-88D Doppler data without ads or video interruptions. This page combines radar with hourly and 7-day forecast data in one place, making it easier to monitor storm timing without navigating a local TV news site.

Does Savannah, Georgia get snow or ice storms?

Snow is rare in Savannah, Georgia. The city averages fewer than one snowfall event per decade, and accumulation is unusual. The most notable recent event was December 1989, when up to 3.9 inches fell in parts of the city. Ice storms occur even less frequently. With only about 21 nights below freezing per year on average, Savannah's winters are mild compared to most of the continental United States.