Flooding, Tornado-Producing Winds Possible With 'Potent' GA Storm: NWS

GEORGIA — After a few days of showers, a "potent storm system" is forecast to enter Georgia Monday night and could flood some areas, according to the National Weather Service.

Early Monday morning, the weather service predicted 2-3 inches of widespread rainfall with some areas forecast to see rainfall amounts of at least 4 inches overnight Monday into Tuesday.

"Rain showers will spread from southwest to northeast on Monday night, then become more widespread on Tuesday," the weather service said in its outlook.

Localized flash flooding and river flooding are potential hazards in the Peach State, the weather service said.

Light freezing rain could occur in far north Georgia Monday night while showers and thunderstorms are expected to travel across the north and central portions of the state. Areas south of Columbus could receive some strong to severe storms.

"Severe thunderstorms that develop will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes," the weather service said in its outlook.

Cities from Columbus to Gainesville could feel at least 3 inches of rainfall while the northeast mountains could expect higher amounts, the weather service said.

North Georgia counties, from Murray to White, will undergo a high wind warning starting at 4 p.m. Monday and ending at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Southeast winds of 20-30 mph paired with gusts of up to 50 mph are expected for north Georgia. These winds could down trees and power lines, affecting travel and possibly cause power outages.

"People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive," the weather service said in the advisory.

A wind advisory was issued for multiple metro Atlanta counties, starting at 4 p.m. Monday and lasting until 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Southeast winds of 15-25 mph with wind gusts of up to 45 mph are predicted for Cherokee, Forsyth, Paulding, Cobb, Douglas, Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Bartow and several other counties.

Coastal Georgia counties, including Chatham, will enter a wind advisory from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday due to south winds of 25-35 mph with gusts of up to 45 mph.

The weather service once again warned of potential power outages and downed tree limbs in these areas, adding "gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects."

Meanwhile, counties stretching from Clarke to south of the metro will undergo its own wind advisory from 4 a.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday as southwest winds of 20-30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are anticipated.

After the rain passes Tuesday, a second storm system should arrive Thursday night into Friday, the weather service said.

The weather service predicted the following detailed forecast as of 11 a.m. Monday:

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 50. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tonight: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 42. East wind 15-20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 59. Windy, with a southeast wind 20-25 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers before 8 p.m., then a chance of rain between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. West wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. West wind 10-15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 56.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Friday: A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 a.m. High near 59. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., then a slight chance of showers after 2 a.m. Low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.