Georgia – As a persistent storm system continues to affect the South, Georgia residents are being warned of ongoing severe weather and rainfall throughout the next week. The National Weather Service (NWS) and The Weather Channel have both issued hazardous weather outlooks, advising that this stormy pattern will not ease anytime soon.
What to Expect This Week in Georgia
The NWS has warned that Thursday will bring isolated to scattered thunderstorms across parts of north and central Georgia. These storms could bring heavy rainfall, wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, posing potential hazards for travel and outdoor activities.
Looking ahead, Friday night into early Saturday, a potentially organized cluster of storms could impact northern Georgia, with damaging winds and hail as the main threats. The storm system is expected to affect a large area, including parts of North Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Major cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Dallas, and Memphis will be at risk for wind damage, frequent lightning, and potential flash flooding.
Additional storms may redevelop Saturday afternoon, continuing to pose risks for damaging winds and hail. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist from Sunday through Wednesday, with daily chances for thunderstorms across the region.
When Will the Rain End?
Unfortunately, it looks like Georgia residents will be dealing with rain for the foreseeable future. “We are looking to be entering an extended rainy pattern,” said NWS Meteorologist Lindsay Marlow. “Right now, I can confidently say that we are expecting afternoon chances for showers and thunderstorms through at least the next seven days.”
For those hoping for a break in the rain, the first dry days are not expected until beyond the long-term forecast. According to AccuWeather, here are the first predicted sunny days in Georgia’s major cities:
- Atlanta: Sunday, June 22
- Athens: Wednesday, June 18
- Augusta: Wednesday, June 18
- Savannah: Wednesday, June 18
- Macon: Sunday, June 22
What Can Residents Do?
As the storm system continues to affect Georgia, residents should stay alert to weather updates and take necessary precautions to stay safe during severe weather events. This includes avoiding travel during storms, securing outdoor items that may be affected by high winds, and having an emergency plan in place in case of flash flooding.