Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Metro Atlanta Thursday Night

ATLANTA, Ga. — A new wave of strong thunderstorms is set to hit metro Atlanta Thursday night, raising concerns about possible adverse effects on evening events and disruptions for travelers. The FOX 5 Storm Team forecasts severe weather, including high winds and large hail, impacting areas across central Georgia.

The storms are expected to move southeast into the Atlanta metro area and beyond during the evening, with models suggesting the most severe weather could last until around 2 a.m. Friday.

Forecasters have issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch covering Baldwin, Butts, Jasper, Jones, Monroe, and a total of 37 counties across north and central Georgia until midnight. The primary threats include damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, large hail, and potential tornadoes.

“These cells may seem small at first, but they can escalate quickly,” warned FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Jonathan Stacey. He cautions that storms could impact the Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park, particularly near the Cobb Cloverleaf and into DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.

Stacey elaborated that intense rainfall, lightning, and hail could accompany the storms, noting, “We expect heavy downpours and potential damage as these systems move in.”

While the intensity of the storms is likely to subside in Atlanta after midnight, areas to the east may continue experiencing severe conditions into the night. “From Madison to Eatonton, expect strong activity during the early hours, which could wake residents with thunder,” Stacey said.

Looking ahead to Friday, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated in the afternoon, with another chance for showers but without severe threats. The outlook provides a brief cool-down over the weekend, with frost likely in parts of northeast Georgia.

Residents are urged to stay tuned to weather updates and have safety measures in place as severe weather unfolds in the region.