Flash Flood Watch, Wind Advisories In Metro ATL As 2018 Ends

PEACHTREE CITY, GA -- After an absolutely perfect -- weather-wise, that is -- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in metro Atlanta, the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 is poised to get off to a wet start. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch that goes into effect at 7 pm Thursday through 7 am on Saturday, as heavy rains are forecast to move into the area on Thursday. Also, a wind advisory is in effect across north Georgia until 7 a, Friday. The National Weather Service is warning that, with already saturated soils, gusty winds to 40 mph (especially in the higher elevations) could bring down some trees and lead to spotty power outages.

Forecasters say light rain will move into the state Thursday and become moderate to heavy across most of north and central Georgia Thursday night. The heavy rain will persist into Friday before tapering off Friday night. Total rainfall of 1.5 to 2.5 inches is expected through Saturday morning with isolated higher amounts likely.

Here's your forecast for the rest of the week, and into Jan. 1, 2019:

Thursday
Rain, mainly after 1pm. High near 54. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Thursday Night
Showers. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 52. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Friday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 67. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Saturday
Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night
Showers. Low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday
Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 59. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Monday
A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

Monday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 48.

New Year's Day
Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 59. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

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