Strong Tornadoes, 74MPH Winds May Slam GA In Severe Storms: Timeline

ATLANTA, GA — Hail exceeding an inch, strong tornadoes and winds that could possibly reach more than 74 mph may be expected with a number of strong to severe storms that will batter most of Georgia this weekend, the National Weather Service told Patch.

NWS meteorologist Sam Marlow said the system that is expected to attack Georgia is part of a larger weather event impacting the eastern U.S.

The anticipated timeline for the strong to severe storms is 8 p.m. Saturday-8 a.m. Sunday, with some potential lingering rainfall through mid-morning Sunday.

The most significant risk for severe weather extends from Blairsville to Athens down through Macon and possibly into Tifton and Albany, he said. Marlow said metro Atlanta, Dublin, Valdosta and Augusta are included in the hazard area.

Winds can exceed 58 mph but could possibly rise beyond 74 mph for all of north and most of central Georgia. Marlow noted the strength of the winds can down power lines and trees, as well as toss around lawn furniture.

Saturday afternoon could be rainy, with the main threat being in far northwest Georgia and into the East and Southeast.

On Sunday afternoon, there may be no precipitation but winds could reach 30-35 mph, Marlow said.

As for the remainder of Friday, the forecast called for patchy fog and rising temperatures, he added.

Marlow advised residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings, have extra charged batteries and a safe place to go in the case of severe weather.

Here is the National Weather Service's detailed forecast for metro Atlanta as of 10:45 a.m. Friday:

Today: Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Southeast wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Southeast wind 10-15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 62. South wind 15-20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m., then a chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 71. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 64.

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 43.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 74.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.

Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.