News Summary
Severe weather is anticipated for Georgia as dangerous storms approach Metro Atlanta, particularly affecting areas south and east of Macon. The National Weather Service has issued a Level 1 marginal risk, predicting isolated storms with large hail and damaging winds. Rainfall could reach up to 5 inches, increasing flooding risks. Metro Atlanta can expect hail and wind gusts between 40 to 60 mph throughout the weekend, potentially disrupting Mother’s Day celebrations. Residents are advised to stay alert for updates as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is currently in effect.
Atlanta, Georgia
Severe weather is on the horizon for Georgians as dangerous storms are expected to approach the area ahead of Mother’s Day weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Level 1 marginal risk for severe weather, particularly affecting regions south and east of Macon. Isolated storms are projected to develop between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday, presenting a risk of large hail and damaging winds.
Metro Atlanta is also anticipated to experience severe weather conditions this weekend, with hail potentially measuring between the size of a dime and a quarter. Wind gusts between 40 to 60 mph are forecasted, raising alarms for residents planning Mother’s Day celebrations amidst these predicted storms.
Rainfall amounts could reach impressive totals, with accumulations of up to 5 inches expected by Wednesday, which raises concerns for possible flooding, particularly of local rivers. NWS meteorologist Ryan Willis has indicated that flooding may become a significant issue by Monday.
Friday Forecast
Friday’s weather displays a 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m., with a high temperature expected to reach 81 degrees. Winds will be light, approximately 5 mph from the northwest. As evening approaches, the chance of rain increases to 20 percent, with temperatures dropping to around 58 degrees.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday is projected to bring significant changes, with a 70 percent chance of showers likely starting after 8 a.m. The high for the day is expected to be around 66 degrees, and a similar prospect of showers and thunderstorms will persist into Saturday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 56 degrees.
Sunday’s forecast suggests that storms may begin after 2 p.m., with a 60 percent chance of rain and a high near 68 degrees. The evening may see strong storms with an 80 percent chance of precipitation. Continuing the trend, Monday’s weather is expected to feature showers and potentially thunderstorms, with a 90 percent chance of precipitation and a high of approximately 72 degrees.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
The NWS has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for most of North Georgia through midnight Friday. This watch includes several counties, among them: Banks, Towns, White, Cherokee, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Hall, Lumpkin, Pickens, Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Walker, Whitfield, and Union. Strong thunderstorms have already been reported across various counties, characterized by wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph, hail, and frequent lightning.
Recent Impacts
Early reports from Hapeville indicate significant damage due to fallen trees, although no injuries have been reported. Pike County Emergency Management has documented over 25 trees down on roadways, alongside numerous power outages in the area. Fannin County Schools were forced to cancel classes due to blocked roads and power disruptions. Notably, radar indicated hail sizes reaching three inches in parts of Fayette County, affecting local activities, including a Braves game.
Conclusion
This active storm system is forecasted to impact the region continuously over the weekend, likely influencing plans for families celebrating Mother’s Day. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and monitor updates on current weather conditions and potential warnings as the storms approach.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Severe Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- WSBTV: Hail in Cartersville
- Google Search: Severe Weather Georgia
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Severe Thunderstorm Watch
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorm Watch
- Atlanta News First: Storm Cleanup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- 11Alive: Live Weather Updates
- Google News: Atlanta Weather Updates
