After Hurricane Irma — or what was left of it — came through LaGrange a few weeks ago, it felt like this area had been spared of tropical weather for a while. Instead, we’re again bracing for what could be a windy and wet weekend, as Tropical Storm Nate makes its way up the Gulf Coast.

Nate is likely to turn into a hurricane before making landfall, though it’s not expected to be anywhere near the strength of Irma. However, at least 22 people have died from Nate in Central America, which is a reminder of the dangers of these types of storms, regardless of the category number next to their name.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City currently projects 1-3 inches of rain and 30 MPH winds for LaGrange and Troup County on Sunday. A few isolated tornadoes are possible. The worst of the weather is expected to be to our west, but it’s best to be prepared just in case.

Computer models have gained confidence on the storm’s path, which currently projects it going up through Alabama and crossing over into western Georgia.

Though unlikely, it could always defy all the models and go further east or west than expected.

The best plan is to keep an eye on the storm and prepare as necessary. Wind and rain is nothing we aren’t used to in Troup County, but the tropical systems aren’t something we deal with regularly.

Follow the LaGrange Daily News and the National Weather Service in Peachtree City on Facebook for the latest information as the storm impacts our area.