Storms trail across metro Atlanta as holiday travelers hit roads, skies

The brunt of the initial line of storms moved past the region by noon, but another round is expected around 7 p.m.

The western portion of Georgia is still under a Level 1 of 5 risk for severe weather, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center. Several severe thunderstorm warnings were issued as the morning storms trailed across the region, and we could see a repeat this evening.

Credit: Ben Hendren

Credit: Ben Hendren

The storm system already caused wind damage in Alabama, where a Level 2 severe weather risk is in place Tuesday. Trees and power lines were downed around the Birmingham area, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said.

Storms should weaken as they approach the Peach State and then lessen overnight and make way for sunnier skies Wednesday.

Credit: Ben Hendren

Credit: Ben Hendren

Just under 3 inches of rain are possible in some isolated locations in far North Georgia, according to the Weather Service. But most areas can expect between 1 and 2 inches or less.

This week, travel experts predict highways will be at their most congested from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and then again Sunday evening. Monahan cautioned motorists to be prepared Tuesday for “some significant slowdowns” on the roads.

Heavy rain and damaging winds pose the biggest concern with this system, he said.

And, “when you have a big change in temperature, like we’re going to see today over the next couple of days across North Georgia, the brief tornado risk is overall low, but not zero,” Monahan warned.

Tuesday’s rain, while heavy at times, shouldn’t lead to much flooding because of drought conditions across the state, according to NWS. We will need several days of sustained rain to pull us out of that drought.

A cold front is pushing the storms across the state Tuesday. That will bring chillier air just in time for Thanksgiving.

After several days with highs in the 70s, peak temperatures will drop into the upper 60s on Wednesday and stay in the 50-degree range Thursday through the weekend. Lows are expected to drop into the 30s during that same period, prompting some local governments to open warming centers.

— Staff writer Emma Hurt contributed to this article.