ATLANTA, Ga. – Strong thunderstorms could rattle north and central Georgia Thursday afternoon and evening, bringing the risk of damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, storms will be most active between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., with the greatest threat concentrated in north Georgia. Cities including Dalton, Rome, Gainesville, and Atlanta sit in the area of concern, where localized damaging winds may down trees and power lines.
The storms will develop ahead of a slow-moving cold front pushing into the state, with scattered showers expected to build during the afternoon. While hail and tornadoes are not a major concern, forecasters warn that isolated cells could still create hazardous travel conditions during the evening commute.
Drivers are urged to use caution on interstates I-75, I-85, and I-20 as sudden downpours may reduce visibility. Residents are also encouraged to secure outdoor items and prepare for possible power outages.
The severe risk is expected to diminish late Thursday night, though additional rain and storms could linger into Friday as the front continues moving south.
