FRIDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Increased threat of severe storms for the afternoon

Credit: WSBTV Videos

Clouds and chance of storms, some possibly severe

Scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast again Friday, and any storms that develop could turn severe.

The National Weather Service has increased the severe weather outlook for North Georgia to a Level 2, an enhanced threat of hail and damaging wind gusts. There will be some popup storms through Friday evening, but it will not be a washout, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan.

The city of Atlanta and neighborhoods to the south and west are the most likely to see storms Friday, but the chance is moderate at 40%, Monahan said.

“A Level 2 risk does not mean wider coverage, it just means what does develop will have the possibility — a little better chance than yesterday — to become strong,” he said.

Like Thursday, rain should hold off for the first part of the day. Showers and storms should begin developing on the Southside by early evening, according to Channel 2.

The rain is expected to make it into the northern suburbs in time for the Braves’ home opener against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park. Monahan said there is a 30% chance of storms and temperatures will be in the mid-70s at first pitch, which is scheduled for 6 p.m.

“I think that storm threat, though, will be diminishing as we head past first pitch and into the into the middle and late innings of the game,” he said.

There is only a slight shower chance in Cobb County at 10 p.m., and temperatures should still be in the 70s, he said. Rain chances should be low overall past sunset, according to Channel 2.

Monahan said it will still be possible to get outside Friday despite the storm chances, and the same is true for the rest of the weekend. Thunderstorms are 70% likely Saturday and 30% likely Sunday, according to Channel 2.

A strong line of storms is expected to move through metro Atlanta before sunrise Saturday, bringing a chance for a brief spinup tornado. But Monahan said the region should get a chance to dry out in the afternoon, and the severe weather risk will subside.

“Tomorrow, later in the day is best for your outdoor plans,” he said. “Sunday later in the day, as well. Showers will come to an end in the morning.”

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Credit: Channel 2 Action News

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Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Pavement may be dry Friday morning, but there are big delays on the Northside, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. Two crashes have shut down busy roads in Buckhead and Alpharetta at the start of the Friday morning rush.

In Buckhead, a driver was killed in a rollover crash on Lenox Road near Ga. 400. Authorities shut down the road to remove the mangled vehicle before reopening the lanes at 6:30 a.m.

In Alpharetta, all northbound lanes of Ga. 400 remain closed between Haynes Bridge Road and Old Milton Parkway while a crash investigation is underway. Traffic is being diverted off at Old Milton Parkway, the Traffic Center reported.

Commuters can take Ga. 9 or North Point Parkway as alternates until the scene is cleared.

Things could get congested near Truist Park ahead of the Braves’ game. The Braves are limiting seating capacity to 33%, but Cobb County drivers should still expect increased traffic as baseball fans return to the park for the first time since the 2019 season.

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.

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