GA Weather: Severe Thunderstorms, High Winds Anticipated Monday

GEORGIA — In the wake of heavy thunderstorms Sunday, forecasters told Patch Monday more rainfall is expected to pour into the Peach State early this week due to a trough that is pushing down a wave of storms into the area.

A strong line of thunderstorms should travel from the north/northwest region and make its way from north to central Georgia from 3-10 p.m. Monday, said Carmen Hernandez, meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Peachtree City office. The rain will be heading southeast.

Metro Atlanta can anticipate the storms to come through the area sometime between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The metro is at an enhanced risk of 3 out of 5 for storms, Hernandez said.

Damaging wind gusts, possibly of 80 mph, are expected to accompany the storms and are predicted to be the main hazards with Monday's storms.

No metro Atlanta counties were under any warnings or watches as of Monday morning, but Hernandez said severe thunderstorm alerts are anticipated as the day continues.

"Make sure to take them as seriously as you would a tornado warning," she said.

At 80 mph, the possible wind gusts have the potential to be equivalent to tornado speeds, Hernandez said. These winds can knock down trees and power lines.

Frequent lightning and possible hail may also be threats to residents Monday. Temperatures for the metro are forecast to have a high of 94 and a low of 71.

The risk for thunderstorms could be lower for metro Atlanta residents Tuesday as the state may enter a general storm risk, Hernandez said.

As of Monday morning, counties from central to south Georgia had the most significant threat for thunderstorms Tuesday though the metro could see some less intense thunderstorms.

Temperatures for the metro Tuesday are forecast to have a high of 89 and a low of 70.

The early week's rainfall follows Sunday's strong storms that passed through Georgia, causing downed trees in the west and central portions. Hernandez said as of Monday morning, no injuries had been reported but that could change as the weather service completes its damage reports.

Updates will be posted to the weather service's Twitter page, the weather service's Facebook page and on its website.