A line of strong storms is slowly progressing through Georgia on Sunday with risk of damaging winds, flash flooding and a brief tornado threat.
Storms entered the northwest part of Georgia by midmorning and will advance throughout the region before exiting Monday afternoon. About 6,000 Georgia Power customers were without power at approximately 4:45 p.m., including about 1,500 in metro Atlanta.
The National Weather Service cited a growing concern for flooding given the slow-moving nature of the system.
“If any storms train (persist) over the same area and/or if the system as a whole stalls, flooding will most certainly be an issue,” the agency said.
A flood watch is in effect for North and central Georgia from Sunday morning until Monday evening. Rainfall is expected to be between 2 to 4 inches, with possible flash flooding in isolated areas of up to 5 inches where repeated rounds of heavy rainfall with occur.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” NWS said. “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
A tornado watch is in effect for Atlanta and parts of west Georgia until 7 p.m. Sunday with possible scattered wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour and isolated hail. All metro Atlanta counties are affected.
At 4:13 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Baughville in Talbot County, about 25 miles northeast of Columbus, according to NWS. A tornado warning in the area was in effect until 4:45 p.m.
“Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms,” NWS said. “If you spot a tornado, go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.”
Gov. Brian Kemp said the state is coordinate closely with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and other state agencies to ensure the region is prepared for the storms.
“As we monitor this incoming storm front, I’m urging Georgians to stay tuned to trusted news sources and take proper precautions now to prepare,” he said.
All departures to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are grounded until 5 p.m., with the probability of an extension around 30% to 60%, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Departures from the airport are delayed an average of 45 minutes.
North and central Georgia are under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather. The risk for damaging winds, heavy rainfall and flash flooding is “slight” at a Level 2 out of 5. The risk for tornadoes is “marginal” at a Level 1 out of 5, but the NWS said it cannot rule out the possibility of brief, isolated tornadoes.
The Atlanta Braves game against the Miami Marlins, originally scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Truist Park, was postponed due to the inclement weather and rescheduled for 1:15 p.m. Aug. 9.
This line of storms comes just a week after Atlanta saw a heavy downpour that helped wash away record-breaking levels of pollen.
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