Severe Weather Forecast for Atlanta: Rain and Wind Expected

News Summary

Metro Atlanta is preparing for severe weather this weekend with heavy rain and strong wind gusts predicted. Residents should brace for up to three inches of rain, thunderstorms, and potential tornadoes. The storm will lead to hazardous travel conditions, especially with dense fog and flash flooding. A state of emergency is declared as Hurricane Helene approaches, which could worsen the already precarious weather. Power outages and disruptions may occur, so safety and preparedness are advised as the system develops.

Severe Weather Hits Georgia: Heavy Rain, Wind Gusts, and Flooding Predicted for the Weekend

As the weekend approaches, the city of Atlanta and surrounding areas are bracing for some pretty intense weather conditions. Are you ready for it? As a strong storm system rolls in, meteorologists are forecasting that Metro Atlanta could receive up to three inches of rain. Let’s break down what you can expect.

Cooler Early Temperatures

On Friday, residents in northern Georgia can expect a cooler day; temperatures are projected to hover in the 40s and 50s. Morning drizzle will begin to develop, transitioning into scattered showers by the afternoon. Keep your umbrellas handy if you have plans to step outside. And don’t forget to bundle up!

Friday Night Thunderstorms

As we roll into Friday evening, thunderstorms are likely to hit the area, and they could continue into Saturday morning. Make sure to stay indoors if possible as the storm progresses. Winds are predicted to gust up to 40 mph, making it more dangerous to be out and about. Sounds like a perfect night for a cozy movie marathon, doesn’t it?

Hazards from the Storm

Waking up on Saturday? You may want to proceed with caution. After a night of storms, dense fog will greet us on Saturday morning, posing some hazardous travel risks. For those planning to venture out, be extra careful as visibility may be reduced significantly. During the day on Saturday, intermittent showers will persist, with temperatures rising into the low 60s under mostly cloudy skies.

Stronger Storms Ahead

Heads up! A stronger line of thunderstorms is forecasted to roll in late Saturday night into Sunday morning, and this is where things can get serious. The risk of severe weather will escalate, so make sure to stay informed with the latest updates over the weekend. Unexpected weather patterns can unfold quickly, leading to risks like localized flash flooding, especially in areas already saturated from recent downpours.

Wind Damage and Tornado Risks

Not to pour more rain on your parade, but the storm’s strong winds could lead to downed trees and power lines. Isolated tornadoes, particularly south of Atlanta, are not completely off the table either. Have a flashlight ready, just in case you lose power!

Respite on Sunday

But there is some good news on the horizon! Weather conditions are predicted to improve by Sunday afternoon with temperatures warming up to the low 70s. Now that sounds like a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors once the storm clears.

Hurricane Helene Approaches

Adding to the mix, Hurricane Helene is also expected to make an impact on Georgia following its landfall in Florida. This major hurricane could bring additional heavy rain and wind to areas in southern Georgia, complicating the already tricky weather situation. A state of emergency has been declared to help facilitate preparedness and response activities in anticipation of Helene’s effects.

Power Outages and Flood Watch

As of now, over one million homes and businesses in Florida have lost power due to the storm, and more than 50,000 homes in Georgia are also experiencing outages. DeKalb County has been hard hit with over 39,000 outages. Flood watches are in effect for multiple counties, and rainfall totals in some areas could reach up to 18 inches through the weekend.

Safety First

It’s crucial to stay safe and be prepared. Traffic disruptions, power outages, and potential tornadoes are reminders of nature’s might. Keep an eye on the weather, stay alert, and prepare yourself and your family for the weekend ahead. We’ll make it through this storm together!