TUESDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Another round of storms could turn severe

North Georgia is looking at another chance for afternoon thunderstorms as a springtime pattern continues.

Tuesday’s storms will be strongest in the northeast Georgia mountains, much like Monday’s round of wet weather, according to Channel 2 Action News. Metro Atlanta also has a chance of severe weather in the evening, but the National Weather Service considers it a low Level 1 of 5 risk.

“A cold front is going to come in and it’s timed right with the heating of the afternoon and the humidity of the afternoon,” Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said. “That’s going to give us a better chance of some more widespread showers and storms.”

The rain will start in the mountains around 5 p.m., he said. It is expected to make its way into metro Atlanta between 6 and 8 p.m.

“If you have plans after work, this may not be the day for those as we track some of these storms coming through,” Monahan said. “And some of them will be on the strong side.”

The main impacts for the city will be some damaging wind gusts, heavy rain and hail, according to Channel 2. The severe weather risk ramps up to a Level 2 for the mountains, where a brief spin-up tornado is possible.

Monahan said higher temperatures Tuesday will make the storms stronger. Much of North Georgia will make it to the 80s, and metro Atlanta is headed for a projected high of 85 degrees.

The heat won’t last long, Monahan said.

“We go from 85 today to 70 on Wednesday, and Thursday morning we’re going to be down in the low to mid 40s,” Monahan said. “It’s going to be a big change ... it will be coat weather a little later on this week.”

Another 60% chance of rain is in the forecast for Friday, but Monahan said the weekend will be a dry one.

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Metro Atlanta interstates are delay-free Tuesday morning, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

Volume could increase throughout the day with more drivers hitting the roads as Georgia emerges from a shelter-in-place order. As of 6 a.m., there are no major incidents on the interstate system, the Traffic Center reported.

There could be some weather-related hazards after Monday night’s storms, however. In Cherokee County, a downed tree was blocking Waters Road at East Cherokee Drive, according to authorities. Drivers are asked to avoid the area.

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

» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter. 

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