Cold Front Expected To Cause Severe Storms In Georgia

GEORGIA — Rain is expected in the metro Atlanta region starting late Wednesday afternoon with possible showers and thunderstorms, forecasters told Patch.

The anticipated wet weather is going to be an active start to the month of March, said Meredith Wyatt, meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Peachtree City office.

"Be prepared and be proactive before severe storms occur," Wyatt told Patch.

There is a marginal risk for severe storms Wednesday with possible wind gusts developing overnight into Thursday, she said.

Thursday is looking pretty dreary and mostly cloudy with possible showers and thunderstorms forecast throughout the day and night with a wet morning commute.

But, even so, Wyatt said the main event is expected to arrive Friday due to a cold front moving in from the northwest. The weather service's storm prediction center has the front slightly affecting the area statewide.

Wyatt said there is a chance for strong to severe thunderstorms to move across the state with all hazards possible, including locally heavy rainfall, small hail and tornadoes. She said the main threat are damaging wind gusts.

Sustained winds Friday are expected to be around 15-20 mph through the afternoon while wind gusts are forecast to reach as high as 40 mph.

Wyatt warned that wind gusts, even as low as 20 mph, can toss around unsecured outdoor furniture.

"It may not seem like a lot but (it) can certainly do some damage," she said.

Temperatures are expected to be mild this week, being in the lower 60s Wednesday night through Thursday night before rising to the upper 70s Friday.

The temps should drop Saturday and Sunday with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the 40s.

Wyatt encouraged people to check for weather updates on the weather service's Twitter and Facebook.