Severe storms with possible flash flooding and 60 mph winds are set to target portions of Georgia this week as wildfires continue to burn through the state's southern region.
The storms are expected to arrive after 2 p.m. Wednesday and could resume through Thursday morning in metro Atlanta, according to the National Weather Service on Monday.
Some storms may transition from strong to severe, with "locally excessive rainfall" possible, the NWS reported.
"Dry soils may see initially quick run-off and increase flash flood risk," the NWS said.
Nickel-size hail may also appear with the storms. While the probability of a tornado was not non-existent, the NWS said a twister was unlikely. (See detailed forecast below.)
Crews are still battling south Georgia wildfires burning thousands of acres though recent rainfall has helped conditions slightly improve this weekend.
The Georgia Forestry Commission on Monday reported the Pineland Road fire in Clinch County was at 44 percent containment while the Highway 82 fire in Brantley County was under control by 75 percent.
Down from double digits, the GFC reported responding to three new wildfire that burnt 23.4 acres on Sunday.
"Even with improving containment, conditions remain dry and wildfire risk is still present," the GFC said Monday.
The destructive fires have been ripping through Clinch and Brantley, impacting nearby areas, for about two weeks.
A severe drought fueled the fires, weather and state officials have said. The GFC reported a Level 4 drought on Saturday.
An inch to an inch-and-a-half of "soaking, beneficial rain" and some lightning passed through Clinch on Saturday.
Crews hoped the rainfall could make way for offense operations to begin and "some much-needed rest." Though rain will not completely douse the fires, the GFC said it will ease up the fire activity a bit.
"We’re continuing to see progress, but both fires remain active and require ongoing response efforts. ... We’re grateful for the continued efforts of firefighters, first responders and partners—and for the support of communities across Georgia. Every call, every acre and every response matters—and so does prevention. Fighting fire. Protecting forests. Serving Georgia," the GFC said Sunday.
As part of the state response, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division promoted water conservation and mandated more public awareness.
The State Operations Center was activated, and a state of emergency on April 22 was put into place for 91 counties to span 30 days. Both county and state burn bans have taken effect.
The wildfires have caused residents to evacuate or be displaced. Since then, a mandatory evacuation in Echols County has been lifted, and residents are starting to return to their homes, the GFC said.
No fatalities or injuries due to the fires have been reported.
Here is the National Weather Service's Monday morning forecast for metro Atlanta:
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. South wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 5-10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 p.m. Low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.
Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High near 74. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 70.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
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