THURSDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Dry for morning drive before afternoon storms

Rain is returning to North Georgia on Thursday and bringing with it the chance for severe storms.

While there is a 60% chance of thunderstorms in the forecast, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said Thursday will not be a washout. The morning will stay pretty dry, and he said rain activity will be spotty in the afternoon and early evening.

“For this afternoon and for tomorrow we’re going to have scattered showers and storms,” he said. “If you want to get outside, you are still going to have opportunity to do it on Thursday and Friday. Just kind of pick your spot between some of the downpours we’re going to see.”

The National Weather Service has categorized North Georgia’s severe weather threat as Level 1, the lowest risk level. Some of Thursday’s storms could bring damaging wind gusts or a brief spinup tornado.

“Whenever we get the chance of storms in March and April, you can always count on that possibility,” Monahan said. “It’s a low chance for today, but I want you to be weather aware this afternoon.”

At least pavement is dry for the Thursday morning drive. Monahan said he does not expect storms in Alabama to cross the Georgia state line until mid- to late afternoon.

Rain will tamp down temperatures and should help to wash some of the pollen out of the air, he said. Atlanta’s projected high is 75 degrees.

The storms will move out by sunset, leaving North Georgia to dry out, he said. The region will spend much of the day dry on Friday before the next round of rain arrives Friday afternoon, according to Channel 2.

“These will affect your Friday afternoon and Friday evening plans across parts of North Georgia,” Monahan said.

Showers and storms are 40% likely Friday, but that chance increases to 80% Saturday. Monahan said heavy rain will be more widespread to start the weekend and is more likely to impact outdoor plans.

Metro Atlanta may be dry Thursday morning, but it is not delay-free as the morning drive gets underway. Drivers in DeKalb County have been stuck behind a crash on I-285 for nearly three hours, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

A crash shut down the eastbound lanes of I-285 near Flat Shoals Parkway shortly before 3 a.m. The Georgia Department of Transportation does not expect the interstate to reopen until 7 a.m., the Traffic Center reported.

Commuters can take I-75 or I-85 to get to the Downtown Connector or use Moreland Avenue to get to I-20, the Traffic Center reported.

“Don’t get on I-285 past I-675,” traffic reporter Mark Arum said. “If you do, you’ll be stuck like these poor people on the outer loop here at Bouldercrest Road.”

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

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