Atlanta, GA – Drivers across North and Central Georgia could encounter dangerous overnight storms as a powerful line of thunderstorms sweeps across the state late tonight, bringing the threat of damaging wind gusts, hail and a brief tornado risk before daybreak Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City and the Storm Prediction Center, a strong cold front will push storms west to east between about 7 p.m. Wednesday and roughly 10 a.m. Thursday. Portions of western Georgia, including areas near Columbus, LaGrange and Carrollton, sit in a Level 2 of 5 severe weather risk where stronger storms may develop.
The main hazard will be wind gusts approaching 60 mph capable of knocking down trees and power lines. Quarter-size hail is also possible in stronger cells, while isolated spin-up tornadoes could briefly form within the advancing storm line, especially across western counties before the storms reach metro Atlanta overnight.
Travel along Interstate 75, Interstate 20 and Interstate 85 may become hazardous during heavier downpours. Emergency managers urge residents to charge phones, enable weather alerts and keep flashlights nearby in case warnings are issued after midnight.
Storms should move east of Athens and Macon by Thursday morning, though additional advisories could be issued if the line intensifies overnight.
