WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Scattered showers to continue through weekend

It might be best to keep that umbrella handy on Sunday as scattered showers are expected to linger through the start of the work week.

Heavy storms rolled through metro Atlanta on Saturday afternoon, knocking down trees and power lines in some areas.

While Sunday’s forecast looks slightly better, more rain is expected.

“We’ll have some clouds, maybe some patchy fog to start the day,” said Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brad Nitz. “As we head into the afternoon, we’ll see isolated coverage of showers and storms.”

The rain is expected to reach metro Atlanta by about 3 p.m., Nitz said, although the chance of showers is only about 30%. Areas in the northeast corner of the state could see stronger storms and gusty winds, however.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Cloud-to-ground lightning, some hail and damaging winds are possible in Georgia’s mountain counties, according to the latest forecast.

Despite the rain, Sunday afternoon should be pretty warm, with temperatures in Atlanta topping out at 89 degrees.

People with asthma or other breathing difficulties may want to consider staying indoors altogether, however, as the Saharan dust cloud settles over Georgia, diminishing the air quality.

With the dust cloud expected to stick around for the next few days, the Georgia Department of Public Health is encouraging people to limit outdoor activities and wear a mask — both to protect against dust particles and limit the spread of COVID-19.

DPH is urging people, especially individuals with chronic lung conditions, to protect themselves from dust from the Saharan dust cloud as it moves over Georgia. Find out how: https://t.co/dw58g2fAHY pic.twitter.com/X9GNLra3EM
— GaDeptPublicHealth (@GaDPH) June 27, 2020

Metro Atlanta drivers could run into some delays this weekend as crews continue work on several road and bridge projects.

#FultonCounty Overnight Lane Closures on I-85 at Piedmont Road for Bridge Rehabilitation This Weekend https://t.co/0fSur7Ivoh @wsbTraffic @cbs46traffic @Fox5atlanta @11alivenews @GaDeptofTrans @511Georgia @ATLTrafficLady #WorkingForYou #KnowBeforeYouGo
— Georgia DOT ATL (@GDOTATL) June 26, 2020

In Fulton County, lane closures are expected overnight on I-85 while repairs are made to the bridge over Piedmont Road. Construction is expected to wrap up by 5 a.m. Monday.