Severe storms could bring hail, brief tornadoes in Georgia

Severe weather is returning to North and Central Georgia on Monday.

The good news: Atlanta set a pollen record Saturday, and the rain should help wash away some of that itchy feeling.

A line of strong to severe storms are expected to reach the metro Atlanta area Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Nearly all of Georgia is under a Level 3 of 5 risk for severe weather. North of metro Atlanta, there is a Level 2 risk.

The Weather Service explained that a Level 3 threat can bring severe storms capable of producing “damaging wind gusts, hail, and brief tornadoes.”

“All hazards will be possible with this event,” the NWS warns.

A Level 2 threat brings short-lived or not widespread, isolated intense storms, according to the NWS. The primary hazard during those storms will be damaging wind gusts that could bring down tree limbs and powerlines. Those strong to severe storms will be possible on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

By the time the storms move out, North Georgia could get up to an inch-and-a-half of rain. That should be a relief for those who suffer from allergies this time of year.

Atlanta Allergy and Asthma recorded 14,801 pollen grains per cubic meter of air on Saturday. The agency said the record was the highest pollen count in 35 years.