Tornado watch covers entire north Georgia as second wave of severe storms approaches

A tornado watch is in effect across North Georgia and the Atlanta metro area Thursday morning, just hours after a series of severe weather hit counties north of the city.

The first band of storms brought incredible amounts of rain to the North Georgia mountains and triggered tornado watches and warnings in some counties north of the metro. The latest watch, which extends into middle Georgia, is in effect until 1 p.m. Thursday, the NWS reports.

The second round of widespread heavy rain arrived in northern Georgia around sunrise. Showers reached the city shortly before 8:30 a.m. and more widespread rain is expected around 11 a.m., said Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan.

With so much rain, “it’s not safe to drive on the road,” he said. “Stay home, work from home if you can.”

Wet roadway and wet camera lens here on I-75 in Cobb County between North and South Marietta Pkwy. Lots of water on the roads. Please reduce your speed and remain vigilant. #ATLtrafic pic.twitter.com/ehluVSCjQE

– Triple Team Traffic (@WSBTraffic) May 9, 2024

As the morning progresses and temperatures rise, storms will become more severe.

“Especially when (the line of storms) comes down into metro Atlanta – we didn’t have any storms, really, last night in and around the city, and that’s important because the air is stayed very warm and humid, so there’s going to be a lot of storm energy as that line moves forward,” Monahan said.

RIGHT NOW: Severe thunderstorms are moving across northwest Georgia and the Atlanta metro area. Damaging wind gusts, hail and brief tornadoes are possible.

I’m live with @AshleyKramlich broadcast live and on Channel 2. @wsbtv

– Brian Monahan, BMS (@BMonahanWSB) May 9, 2024

A Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk will set in as storms intensify, bringing the threat of strong wind gusts of at least 60 mph, quarter-sized hail and a chance of 5% to see a brief rotating tornado inside. 25 miles from any given point, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center.

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Today’s storms are part of a deadly system that this week brought torrential rains and tornadoes across the country, from the Plains to the Midwest and now the southeastern United States, the Associated reported Press. At least four people have died in the storms since Monday.

Overnight, at least three people were killed in storms that brought devastating tornadoes and massive hail to Tennessee and North Carolina, according to the AP. This morning’s storms are a reminder of this system, which has a history of causing flash flooding, uprooting trees and damaging buildings in northern Georgia counties.

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But “as we move into the late afternoon, much drier weather arrives,” Monahan said. “So hang in there.” About six to seven more hours, and the severe weather threats will end for the time being.

However, another threat looms on the horizon this evening. But it will mainly affect areas south of the city overnight and Friday morning, meteorologist Ashley Kramlich said. Severe storms are expected to strengthen into severe storms with heavier precipitation.

This is expected to be the last round of severe storms before a cold front moves into the region, bringing drier air and setting us up for a mild, sunny weekend just in time for Mother’s Day.