Hail, 50 MPH Winds, Lightning To Strike With GA Storms

ATLANTA, GA — Monday's storms could come with some alarming hazards, but weather officials advised no severe downpour is expected in metro Atlanta and surrounding areas.

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center forecasted 40-50 mph wind gusts, pea-sized hail and frequent lightning with the thunderstorms, NWS meteorologist Carmen Hernandez told Patch.

"Definitely be careful with the lightning if you're outside because we've see some unfortunate tragedies in some areas recently," she said.

Storms could begin as early as 1 p.m., but Hernandez said the weather peak may not arrive until between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday.

Scattered to numerous storms could roll through Tuesday and Wednesday, some of which cannot be ruled out as severe, she said. Potential flooding also cannot be eliminated, particularly in areas that have received heavy rainfall.

Hernandez noted above average moisture has been present as weekly storms have been prominent in Georgia.

As for the Fourth of July, Friday may be sunny with a high of at least 94 degrees as the heatwave continues statewide. Monday's high temperature will be 88 degrees.

However, the storms may return on Saturday, possibly dampening some holiday plans.

Here is the National Weather Service's Monday morning forecast for metro Atlanta:

Today: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind around 5 mph.

Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. High near 84. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Low around 71. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 71.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 92.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71.

Independence Day: Sunny, with a high near 93.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 92.

Saturday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.