LIVE WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Delays continue for Hartsfield-Jackson flights due to south Atlanta storms

ATLANTA FORECAST 

Wednesday: High: 90

Wednesday night: Low: 72

Thursday: High: 91

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

[9:57 p.m.]: Downed big trees have been reported in Roswell and LaGrange. Channel 2 Action News obtained these photos of the trees, which fell during today's severe storms.

A large oak tree fell in LaGrance and knocked over a few power lines, the City of LaGrange Utility said on its Facebook page.

[9:08 p.m.]: The delays at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport have decreased to 16 to 30 minutes for departures and taxi delays, according to the FAA. Delays for arriving flights are under 15 minutes.

[8:21 p.m.]: Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport tweeted that it's currently under a ground stop because of the storms moving through south Atlanta. This means departures and taxi delays are greater than 45 minutes, and arrivals might also be experiencing 45-minute-plus delays, according to the FAA. 

[6:54 p.m.]: In Roswell, trees have been reported down near Post Oak Tritt Road, according to Channel 2 meteorologist Katie Walls.

[6:42 p.m.]: The Traffic Center reports a vehicle fire on I-85 North in Fulton County near Senoia Road, which has left only the left lane open, causing delays.

[6:29 p.m.]: A house fire in the 200 block of Mateo Walk in Lawrenceville appears to be the result of a lightning strike, the Gwinnett Fire Department told Channel 2. The fire is out, but crews remain on the scene.

[6:24 p.m.]: The Federal Aviation Administration reported that gate hold and taxi delays at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are between 31 and 45 minutes and increasing, Channel 2 meteorologist Katie Walls tweeted.

[6:12 p.m.]: Georgia Power reports that more than 10,000 customers are without services. Channel 2 meteorologist Brad Nitz tweeted that about 4,300 customers are without power in Cobb County.

[5:31 p.m.]: Channel 2 reported that strong storms are moving through metro Atlanta at the moment. Winds could reach more than 40 mph, and heavy rain and frequent lightning are also threats.

[5:24 p.m.]: 

Downed trees and power lines have been reported near Cedarcrest Road and Graves Road and near Acorn Tree Way and Dallas Acworth Highway in Paulding County, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brad Nitz tweeted.

[5:15 p.m.]: Video from Paulding County obtained by Channel 2 Action News shows the heavy amount of rain that fell during the past hour.

[5:01 p.m.]: The thunderstorm warnings for Cobb, Paulding and Polk counties expired at 5 p.m., the National Weather Service said. The warning for Bartow County was canceled around 4:50 p.m.

Channel 2 Action News reported storms are still moving into metro Atlanta from Alabama.

UPDATE [4:15 p.m.]: The NWS has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Cobb, Paulding, Bartow and Polk counties until 5 p.m.

A few west and far North Georgia counties were also under thunderstorm warnings earlier, and damages include downed trees and power lines in Chattooga County, Channel 2 Action News reported.

ORIGINAL STORY: Metro Atlanta traffic conditions have remained mostly clear since lunchtime, which is much improved from this morning's crashes that gridlocked Northside interstates.

Only a few troubled areas have notable congestion on the roads, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

However, severe weather has begun to move into west Georgia and far North Georgia, which could complicate the afternoon commute.

Two I-285 North lanes are closed for construction near Northlake Parkway, which is causing backups for about seven miles, the Traffic Center reported.

In Cobb County, an I-285 lane is closed for construction near South Cobb Drive.

But it’s nothing compared to the morning commute, which saw major jams on I-285, I-75, I-85 and Ga. 400 as the result of a predawn deadly crash on the Outer Loop in Sandy Springs.

MORE: Deadly crash on I-285 in Sandy Springs jams metro Atlanta traffic for hours

Delays were heavy on I-285 in both directions through Cobb and Fulton counties after two Wednesday morning crashes. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

It remains sunny and hot outside, and Atlanta’s daily dose of showers and storms isn’t expected until later, according to Channel 2 Action News. It’s currently in the upper 80s and could break 90 degrees.

Channel 2 is tracking storms moving across Tennessee, through Georgia and into North Carolina. Combined with humidity, rising heat and the outflow of Tuesday’s storms, the weather in the metro area could turn severe in time for the evening commute.

“Again, we have a risk for strong to severe storms — with the primary impact being the potential for 40- to 60-mph wind gusts,” Channel 2 meteorologist Katie Walls said.  “Before storms develop, expect a hot day with highs near 90 degrees.”

RELATED: Dangerous heat-related illnesses: What you need to know to stay safe

MORE: 6 ways to combat the dangerous effects of heat stroke

ALSO: Stay cool at Atlanta's 9 most shaded playgrounds

The storm chance stays high at 60 percent, according to Channel 2.

If you have plans to spend Wednesday afternoon outdoors, there’s no need to cancel them on account of rain, Channel 2  meteorologist Karen Minton said.

“Go ahead with whatever you’re planning to do outside today,” she said. “However, just be listening for any rumbles of thunder. When that happens, bag it up and go indoors and wait until the storm has passed.”