WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Metro Atlanta braces for another round of storms

One week after a series of powerful storms ripped through Georgia and killed eight people, metro Atlanta is bracing for another round of severe weather.

Severe weather is expected to move into Georgia Sunday and could stay through Monday, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Eboni Deon.

Wet weather and heavy winds from Alabama had already begun moving through the northwestern part of the state at 9 a.m., Deon said.

“(Sunday) is a day to be weather aware in much of north Georgia,” Deon said. “Southern counties have the greatest risk for strong tornadoes.”

Updated severe weather outlook: Level 2 of 5 risk has been expanded to include Spalding, Putnam & Butts counties, trimming the level 3 of 5 risk back some. We will still have the risk of damaging winds and tornadoes but the highest risk remains farther south. pic.twitter.com/XnVMlx9Uwu
— Eboni Deon, WSB (@EboniDeonWSB) April 19, 2020

Deon said “waves of rain” are in store for much of Sunday morning.

The most severe weather is expected to the south of Atlanta and into Middle Georgia, where there’s a possibility of tornadoes, damaging wind and hail, Deon said.

“Unfortunately, the timing of this is about the same as last weekend. It’s going to be late at night or through the overnight period,” she said. “This includes some of the areas that had tornadoes last weekend, including Upson and Lamar counties.”

Here is the latest update on the severe weather for tomorrow into tomorrow night. We are still under an enhanced risk, with a risk of tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds, as well as a flash flood threat. #gawx pic.twitter.com/1vk9M14RM1
— NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) April 18, 2020

Much of North Georgia will see heavy rain, and up to 3 inches is possible in some parts, which could lead to flooding.

Heads up before you get into weekend-mode: There is a threat for severe weather and possible tornadoes again Sunday evening - early Monday. I'm tracking this now on Channel 2 and we'll be updating all weekend. Stay weather aware! pic.twitter.com/3UBMHFEzXE
— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) April 17, 2020

The storm system is expected to move out early Monday morning, leaving behind a dry and partly cloudy afternoon with a high of about 70 degrees.

The nicer weather should to stick around for a few days, Deon said, but another storm system is expected to arrive Thursday, bringing the potential for even more severe weather.

Severe storms are possible in the southern part of the metro Atlanta area Sunday night.

With the statewide shelter-in-place policy still active, traffic on metro Atlanta’s roads and interstates will be light this weekend. However, a few construction projects could cause overnight delays for drivers on the Perimeter.

📣 Fulton and Cobb Counties: Overnight Lane Closures on I-285 in Cobb and Fulton this Weekend for Concrete Rehabilitation Project 🚧 UPDATE - https://t.co/5KOp7SJDoe @wsbTraffic @cbs46traffic @Fox5atlanta @11alivenews @GaDeptofTrans @511Georgia @ATLTrafficLady
— Georgia DOT ATL (@GDOTATL) April 17, 2020

In Fulton County, two left lanes of I-285 North will be closed between Camp Creek Parkway and Campbellton Road. And in Cobb, two northbound lanes will be closed between I-20 and South Cobb Parkway. The road work is expected to wrap up by 5 a.m. Monday.