WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Metro Atlanta dries out after strong morning storms

Heavy rain and storms moved through metro Atlanta on Thursday morning, bringing gusty winds and toppling trees and power lines.

Wind speeds of at least 40 mph and lightning were recorded as the storms pushed from the mountains and into the southern suburbs, according to Channel 2 Action News. Thousands across the region were left without power.

As of 9 a.m., nearly 3,000 Georgia Power customers are still in the dark, with most of the outages concentrated around the Perimeter.

The quick-moving system has long cleared the region, leaving behind some breezy conditions, and metro Atlanta is starting to dry out. Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said the afternoon will be a much different story.

Sunshine will be the dominant feature after lunchtime, he said. By then, metro Atlanta should be nearing its projected high of 76 degrees.

“A little cooler today, but still a pretty nice afternoon once the storms move away, in the 70s and low 80s,” Monahan said. “If you want to get that fresh air this afternoon, you're going to have plenty of opportunities to do it with the sunshine on the way later today.”

It will stay breezy through the afternoon, according to Channel 2. A wind advisory is in effect for all of North Georgia through 8 p.m. Thursday, with gusts up to 35 mph possible.

The rain from the past few days has helped to knock down pollen levels Thursday. The pollen count has dropped from the thousands to 752 particles per cubic meter of air, according to Atlanta Allergy and Asthma, the organization that tracks the daily pollen count.

The organization still considers tree pollen like Mulberry, Oak, Pine Hickory and Sycamore to be in the high range. Grass and weed pollen are in the low range, while mold activity is high Thursday.

The sunshine will stick around through Friday, but the warm weather will not. Monahan said the next couple of days will be much cooler on the other side of a cold front.

Friday is only expected to reach a high of 61 degrees, about 10 degrees below average for this time of year. Projected highs in the low 70s are in the weekend forecast, but Monahan said another round of “big time storms” arrives in time for Easter.

Showers will begin first thing Sunday morning, he said. As the day goes on, Monahan said strong low pressure will move into North Georgia, contributing to strong winds just above the ground. Rain is 90% likely throughout the day, according to Channel 2.

“This (system) is going to be a higher risk of some strong and severe storms,” Monahan said. “Late Sunday night into Monday, we have the chance for heavy rain, strong wind gusts. There is a tornado risk on Easter Sunday.”

Another 90% chance of rain is in the forecast for Monday.

With pavement still wet in spots across metro Atlanta, there could still be impacts to travel Thursday morning. Incidents have calmed down since the sun came out, and there are no major delays on any interstates, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

Lighter-than-normal conditions are expected to continue throughout the day with Georgia under a stay-at-home order amid the coronavirus crisis.

Crews are still working to clear fallen trees on some secondary roads. In Fulton County, trees are down on 25th Street west of Peachtree Street and on Magnolia Street at Mimosa Boulevard, the Traffic Center reported.

A downed tree is also blocking Northside Drive at Mount Vernon Highway in Sandy Springs, according to authorities in the city.

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

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