Atlanta weather | Deal declares state of emergency

A few western Georgia counties got a glimpse of potentially deadly weather Monday night. But forecasters caution that the worst is yet to come for metro Atlanta.

In anticipation of the storms, Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency Monday night, which frees up all state resources needed for both preparation and response in the counties hardest hit.

"At this juncture, we've declared the emergency for the entire state because it's impossible to pinpoint where the weather will hit," Deal said in statement posted online. "Georgia is threatened at least through (Tuesday) and perhaps into Wednesday. We're prepared now and we'll be ready for recovery should we, God forbid, experience tornado damage or flooding."

Before many people start the day, Tuesday is expected to be a wet mess as storms roll in across the metro area, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brad Nitz. Between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., heavy rain, possibly flooding, strong winds and isolated tornadoes are possible, Nitz said.

By late Tuesday morning, expect a few dry hours, Nitz said. But by evening, be prepared for another rounds of storms, he said.

“These storms are capable of producing very strong, straight-line winds,” chief meteorologist Glenn Burns said.

Watches, warnings and alerts

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for most of the metro Atlanta area until 1 a.m. Tuesday, but it was later dropped Monday night. The watch was extended until 4 a.m. for counties northwest of Atlanta, including Cherokee, Pickens, Bartow and Paulding counties.

A temporary tornado warning was issued Monday night for Coweta, Heard and Troup counties, but no major damage was reported. Another tornado warning was issued for Dade County until 10 p.m. Monday. As conditions change, expect additional alerts from the weather service.

What’s the difference?

Be sure to pay attention to both watches and warnings, as conditions can chance rapidly, according to forecasters. A tornado watch means that conditions required to produce this specific type of storm are present, according to the NWS. A tornado warning means that a funnel cloud has been spotted, and those in the area should take shelter immediately.

Chance of flooding?

Heavy rainfalls of up to 5 inches are possible through Wednesday, according to Burns. A flood watch is in effect through Wednesday. Flooding is possible in some areas near streams and creeks. Roadways in low-lying areas could also flood, according to forecasters.

Where is this coming from?

The anticipated weather is the same deadly storm system that has caused tornadoes in Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma, Mississippi and Alabama. The storm has been blamed on at least 18 death, including two late Monday in northern Alabama.

Early start on Wednesday

There is another 100 percent chance of rain again Wednesday, Burns said. The commute to work could be tough, due to limbs and debris on the roads, along with some flooding or standing water. Rain should clear late Wednesday.

Getting prepared

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency opened its state operations center Monday night in anticipation of the storms. Metro area school systems were also on alert for weather that could affect bus transportation and school schedules.

Severe weather tips:

• Get a weather warning radio, or program the WSB-TV weather app on your smart phone or tablet to provide weather warnings, and keep it handy.
• Plan for a place to go: a basement or an interior room on the ground floor of your home
• If you see water across the road during flooding conditions, turn around.
• Tune in to AM 750 and 95.5 FM WSB News/Talk Radio for traffic information during severe weather.
• Check with Georgia Power for outages here.
• Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologist David Chandley adds more tips for preparing for severe weather.