Athens, Georgia – Damaging winds and large hail are possible across northeast and central Georgia Wednesday evening as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 12 a.m. EDT Thursday for 35 counties, including Gwinnett, Hall, Clarke, Richmond, and Columbia.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the unstable, moisture-rich air mass will fuel scattered thunderstorms this evening, some capable of producing gusts up to 75 mph and hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter. Storms are expected to track slowly southwestward through the night.
Counties under the watch include heavily populated areas like Athens, Augusta, Gainesville, and parts of metro Atlanta’s northeastern fringe. The Georgia Department of Transportation advises residents to secure outdoor items and avoid non-essential travel as wind damage to trees and power lines is possible.
This system is part of a broader severe weather threat extending into the Carolinas. These storms could down trees and power lines, especially in more rural counties like Elbert, Taliaferro, and Rabun.
Residents should monitor local alerts and be ready to move indoors quickly if warnings are issued. Additional watches or warnings may follow as conditions evolve overnight.
