Atlanta, Georgia – Residents across north and central Georgia should remain weather-aware this evening as scattered thunderstorms continue to develop, with some storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph through 11 p.m. Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to persist across much of north and central Georgia through the evening hours. The primary threat from the strongest storms will be damaging straight-line winds, though small hail is also possible.
The highest severe weather risk is focused across portions of northeast Georgia, including communities near Gainesville, Jasper, Blairsville and surrounding areas. These locations are under a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk, while much of central Georgia, including Atlanta, Macon, Athens and Columbus, remains under a Level 1 risk.
Forecasters indicate the greatest severe weather threat will occur after 5 p.m. and continue through late evening. Wind gusts approaching 60 mph could bring down tree limbs, cause isolated power outages and create hazardous driving conditions on Interstates 75, 85 and 20. Hail up to dime size may also accompany the strongest storms.
Across Georgia, storms are expected to remain scattered in nature, meaning not every community will experience severe weather. However, any thunderstorm that strengthens could quickly produce dangerous lightning, heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Residents planning outdoor activities should have a way to receive weather alerts and be prepared to move indoors immediately if thunderstorms approach. Those attending outdoor events in the Atlanta metropolitan area, north Georgia mountains or northeast Georgia should monitor radar closely through the evening.
The severe weather threat is expected to diminish after 11 p.m. as storms gradually weaken and move out of the region. Additional Severe Thunderstorm Warnings may be issued through the evening if stronger storms develop across north and central Georgia.
