Tornadoes A Risk As Severe Storms Possible In GA

ATLANTA, GA — The odds for severe thunderstorms to threaten Georgia throughout the weekend have increased, with weather forecasters predicting a low chance of hail and brief tornadoes.

"Showers and thunderstorms are expected as early as Saturday night and are expected to continue on Sunday and Monday. There is potential for strong to severe storms on Sunday night through
Monday," the National Weather Service said.

AccuWeather reported more than 100 million across the U.S. may be affected by weekend storms. Georgia is one of several southern states that may see thunderstorms move in to disrupt outdoor plans.

The storms are expected to engulf the East Coast, according to AccuWeather. According to an AccuWeather map, some severe thunderstorms will target the entire state, down into south Georgia.

"Some of the major cities at risk for severe weather on Monday are Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia--all of which are major airport hubs, as well as large population centers," AccuWeather reported.

Northwest Georgia is at a Level 2 risk for severe weather early Friday morning, while counties to the south sit at a Level 1 risk, the National Weather Service said.

A timeline puts the arrival of the severe storms at Sunday night into Monday. Weather storms may pour into the state on Saturday night, the NWS stated in its hazardous weather outlook.

Georgia will be breezy as straight-line winds will primarily be hazardous during the storms, according to the NWS. The severe weather could linger through Monday, the NWS stated.

"But there is uncertainty regarding the evolution of the line of storms as it tracks eastward across the state," the NWS stated early Friday morning.

With a low chance of showers on Monday night, metro Atlanta may only be afforded an hours-long break from the rainy weather before it returns on Tuesday night. Rounds of showers and thunderstorms could last through Thursday, according to the NWS.

After a high temperature of 81 degrees Friday, metro Atlanta residents may anticipate highs to steadily decline in the 70s during the weekend.

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

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. South wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southeast wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Sunday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Monday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 76. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 74.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 75.

Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.