Pea-Sized Hail, Lightning Possible With Metro Atlanta Storms

ATLANTA, GA — A line of storms coming into metro Atlanta from the north region is expected to last through mid-afternoon Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Though the storms are not expected to be severe for the metro, gusty winds of 30-40 mph and lightning are possible along with pea-sized hail, Carmen Hernandez, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Peachtree City office, told Patch.

Cherokee, Douglas and Paulding counties were under a severe thunderstorm warning early Friday afternoon because storms in those areas formed ahead of the metro's storms, which caused them to be stronger and intensify vertically.

Hernandez said the storms coming into metro Atlanta are linear and have been in the north for quite some time. She cautioned residents to not be outside during lightning and said the rain should clear by Friday night.

As for the Independence Day weekend, Hernandez said rain is expected though the weather service is not sure what time the rain will start pouring.

Aside from storms, metro Atlanta is also under a code orange alert that was issued Friday due to smoke.

The air is considered unhealthy for people in sensitive groups, including groups like children and those with heart or lung disease.

People affected by the code orange alert should limit their outdoor exertion in the afternoon and evening.

High heat is also a concern for the metro through the weekend, with Friday afternoon heat index values forecast at 95 degrees. High temperatures are expected to be in the 90s through early next week.

Updates can be found on the National Weather Service's website.