Rounds of storms are forecast to bring heavy rain to just about all of North Georgia on Wednesday afternoon.
Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said there is a chance for strong wind gusts and brief tornadoes embedded in some of those storms.
“This is not going to be widespread severe weather this afternoon, but there will be a few scattered strong and severe storms as some of this rain moves in,” he said.
After starting the day dry and warm in the 50s and 60s, showers are falling across metro Atlanta and temperatures have risen to near 70 degrees. Ahead of the storms, Atlanta should top out at a projected high of 74, according to Channel 2.
Monahan said the storms will develop to the west of Georgia and move across the Alabama state line. Some spots could get a half-inch to an inch of rain by the end of the day.
“Some spots, where you get caught underneath some of those heavier storms, could pick up a couple of inches of rain,” he said.
The risk of severe weather has been reduced to Level 1, which is the lowest risk level out of five. North Georgia has a high risk of heavy rain, a moderate risk of damaging wind gusts and a low, but not zero, risk of a brief spinup tornado Wednesday, according to Channel 2.
Areas along and east of I-85 have the best chance of a tornado Wednesday, but the risk remains low.
Monahan said the downpours will stick around until about sunset.
“Then late this evening, a cold front pushes in, and this will clear our storm chance out as we head into the overnight hours,” he said.
On the other side of the front, Thursday will turn breezy and cooler with projected afternoon highs in the 60s. Another moderate day is in the forecast Friday before temperatures crank up for the weekend, according to Channel 2.
Some areas on Sunday could see highs near 90 degrees.
Volume on metro Atlanta roads has been slowly increasing as coronavirus-related restrictions are lifted and more of Georgia gets back to work, WSB traffic reporter Mark Arum said Wednesday.
The interstate system remains mostly delay-free Wednesday afternoon, except for a jam in Henry County. A tractor-trailer crash has shut down all lanes of I-75 South at the I-675 interchange, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
Drivers are advised to avoid the interstate and use U.S. 19/41 as an alternate out of Stockbridge, the Traffic Center reported.
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
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