Severe Weather Inbound for Georgia

Good afternoon, Dawg Nation!

It may look nice outside for much of the afternoon for much of the state, with the sun peeking through a few puffy cumulus clouds, and temperatures reaching up to 80, but the stage is being set for multiple rounds of severe weather this evening. Not much has changed since yesterday's forecast for what is to come this evening and overnight for the state. A strong line of thunderstorms is expected to make its way into the state this evening around sunset and continue to trek its way across the state through the overnight hours.

What we can expect:

The Storm Prediction Center has labeled far western portions of Georgia in a level 4/5 Moderate risk for severe storms, while remainder of the metro-Atlanta area has been placed under a level 3/5 Enhanced risk for thunderstorms. All severe hazards are on the table and can be expected with this storm system. This includes the chance for flooding, hail, strong and damaging straight-line winds, and tornadoes, some of which could be strong (EF2 or greater in intensity). The greatest tornado risk lies on the western side in the state, where the potential for supercell thunderstorms is greater. As the system track to the east, it will congeal into a squall line, which will reduce the tornado threat and increase the strong straight-line wind threat. We also cannot rule out the possibility of a spin up tornado in the squall line.

Timing:

The first storms will be impinging on far west Georgia around sunset tonight, around 7pm. These could be the most severe, as some of these storms could be supercells out in front of the main line of thunderstorms. The rest of the showers will follow suit, arriving to the metro-Atlanta area around 11pm to midnight, where the threat for embedded supercells is still present. Around 2am is when we'll start to see thunderstorms beginning in the Athens area. By around 8am tomorrow morning, we will see the line of storms push out of the metro and into South Carolina, with East and South Georgia still feeling some impacts.

How can you prepare?

• Go ahead and make a severe weather plan, should conditions deteriorate in your area, and know what to do if a tornado warning is issued for your location.

• Charge all of your devices so you have a reliable way to receive important weather information, should the power go out in your area.

• Make sure to have access to reliable weather information, and stay tuned to updates from your local National Weather Service office, your local broadcast news station, and the WeatherDawgs.

• Keep a level head and stay calm. The worst thing you can do is panic. Remember your plan should you have to take cover, and be prepared, not scared, so that you can keep you and your family safe!

Tornado Safety: In the case of a Tornado Warning, here's what you should do

• Get to the lowest level of your house, away from windows, and the most interior room, this is the most stable part of the house and often times will be the only part left standing when hit.

• Protect your head! If available, wear a helmet, as your head is the most vulnerable to flying debris.

• Wear good tennis shoes! Walking around in debris is safer if you have sturdy shoes on your feet!

Tornado Watch: The ingredients for the formation of a tornado are present, but there is no imminent threat.

Tornado Warning: The threat of a tornado is imminent, seek shelter immediately!

It could get bad for some areas of North Goergia this evening, but if you have your plan in place and prepare accordingly, you will make it through just fine with no worries. Remember, done be scared, be prepared. Stay safe out there, Dawg Nation!

Jacob Peace