Georgia is currently grappling with extreme weather conditions as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for multiple counties. Residents can expect damaging winds, large hail, and the potential for flash flooding. In addition, a heat advisory is now in effect for certain areas, with heat index values projected to soar between 99 and 104 degrees, which could pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
The ongoing severe storms that began on Wednesday afternoon are anticipated to continue into the early hours of Thursday. The FOX 5 Storm Team has advised that scattered thunderstorms may persist each afternoon and evening at least through next Tuesday. There is a significant risk of damaging wind gusts potentially reaching up to 60 mph, along with heavy rainfall and hail associated with the more intense storms, especially on Thursday and Friday.
A Level 3 out of 5 severe weather risk has been declared for northeast Georgia, with a considerable threat also identified for metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. As temperatures rise, the heat index in several regions could increasingly endanger sensitive populations, particularly in the northwestern parts of Georgia, where conditions could feel as hot as 107 degrees.
In conjunction with these weather alerts, a Code Orange Air Quality Alert has been issued for Thursday in metro Atlanta, indicating that ground-level ozone levels may pose health risks, particularly for children and individuals with respiratory conditions. As a precaution, limited outdoor activity is recommended during peak ozone hours in the late afternoon and early evening.
The forecast for Thursday indicates mostly sunny conditions with a high approaching 96 degrees and a 60% chance of thunderstorms developing later in the day. Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to remain high on Friday, but a slight cooldown is predicted for early next week.
It’s vital for residents to stay updated with local weather reports, prepare for the potential impacts of severe storms, and take precautions against the heat. With proper awareness and safety measures, communities can navigate these challenging weather conditions effectively.