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Severe Weather Threats Increase in Western Georgia This Weekend

Storm clouds and lightning over western Georgia

News Summary

Residents in western Georgia, including Cobb, Douglas, Bartow, and Coweta counties, face increased severe weather threats this weekend with a warning reaching level 4. Damaging winds and possible tornado activity are expected. As rainfall begins Saturday morning, heavy storms are projected to hit late Saturday night into Sunday morning. Emergency shelters are being opened in several counties, with strong winds and potential flooding concerns also highlighted. Citizens are urged to stay informed and prepared as the weather situation develops.

Severe Weather Threats Increase to Level 4 for Western Georgia This Weekend; Emergency Shelters Open

This weekend, residents of western Georgia, specifically in Cobb, Douglas, Bartow, and Coweta counties, face looming storm hazards as the severe weather threat level rises to level 4. This level signifies a very high chance of damaging winds and potential tornado activity, prompting citizens to take necessary precautions.

What to Expect on Saturday

Rain is anticipated to begin on Saturday morning; however, the heavy storms are not expected to roll in until Saturday night. Weather experts indicate that the late evening to early Sunday morning timeframe presents the greatest risks, with strong, damaging winds and heavy rainfall on the horizon.

Stay Alert, Know Your Alerts

Residents need to stay updated. A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for tornado formation and individuals should remain vigilant, reviewing their emergency plans. In contrast, a Tornado Warning indicates that a tornado has been sighted or detected on radar; immediate shelter is required.

Emergency Shelters Available

In light of the severe weather forecast, several counties are opening emergency shelters:

DeKalb County is opening four severe weather centers starting at 8 p.m. on Saturday night.
Carroll County will provide a temporary storm shelter at the Sheriff’s Office Training Room, which will be available from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on March 15-16.
Pickens County has a tornado shelter located in the basement of the Administration building, with notifications about its status to be shared via Facebook.

For those planning to bring pets along to the shelters, it’s crucial that they are contained in carriers; please note that the Carroll County shelter will not provide cots or bedding.

Severe Weather Forecast

Meteorologists are warning of the potential for strong, long-track tornadoes particularly in areas marked as level 4, due to a combination of storm energy and wind shear. Wind gusts could escalate to between 60 and 70+ mph, raising alarm about the possible tornado threats.

Flooding Risks

In addition to winds and tornadoes, flooding is a concern with projected rain totals ranging from 2-3 inches in certain affected regions. Fortunately, this flood risk may be diminished by the quick movement of the storm front.

Timing is Everything

As severe weather develops during the late evening and overnight hours, storms are expected to reach the Atlanta metro area around midnight. Residents are urged to stay informed, have a plan in place, and keep a reliable method for receiving weather alerts amid this serious situation.