Stormy Night Ahead

It's going to be a very active night tonight, as an intense line of thunderstorms is forecast to traverse the state in overnight tonight in the early morning hours of Monday morning. Strong winds and tornadoes are expected as this squall line approaches tonight. Here's what you can expect:

What:

A strong line of thunderstorms will move in early Monday morning. With this storm we can expect very strong winds, with some severe thunderstorms having close to hurricane force winds (upwards of 70 mph). On top of this, confidence is increasing in a chance for tornadoes embedded within the line. These tornadoes will most likely be brief spin-ups, but they can happen at any time anywhere in the squall line, so it is important to remain vigilant.

The Storm Prediction Center has outlined far western Georgia in a level 3 out of 5 enhanced risk for severe weather, where the chance for these hazards are greatest. The rest of north Georgia is under a level 2 out of 5 slight risk. Those in the slight risk should not let their guard down as this will still be a very potent system throughout the night.

Timing:

The line of thunderstorms will begin to hit far northwestern portions of Georgia around 2-3am. Most of the metro Atlanta area will be under the gun by 6am, and the storms will begin to impact the Athens area between 7-8am. The most intense thunderstorms will have moved out of the area by noon to 1pm, but there will still be some lingering showers that persist throughout the afternoon after the initial passage of the squall line.

How you can prepare:

These storms are expected to impact the state while most people are asleep, so it is imperative you have an alert system to wake you up should you fall in the path of dangerous weather. Turn your phone ringer on so you can receive important severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service. Secondly, make sure you have a plan in the event things go south. Have your phone charged in the event your power goes out, and know where your safe spot is in the case of a tornado (the most interior room of your house, away from windows and outside walls).

The WeatherDawgs will be on standby to do live, wall-to-wall severe weather coverage should it be necessary. Stay informed, be prepared, and stay safe out there, Dawg Nation!

Jacob Peace