Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for North Georgia Counties

ATLANTA, Georgia — A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for 26 counties in North Georgia until midnight, as isolated severe storms are expected to affect the area tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters at the FOX 5 Storm Team reported that morning temperatures were in the 60s, with warm and muggy conditions ahead of the storm system moving in from the Tennessee Valley. The watch area includes Banks, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Murray, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, White, and Whitfield counties.

As of 10:59 p.m., a strong thunderstorm was impacting parts of northwestern Gilmer and northeastern Murray counties, with damaging winds of 40 to 50 mph, penny-sized hail, and frequent lightning expected. Similar conditions were reported for other counties, including a severe thunderstorm over Cassville that could produce wind gusts up to 60 mph.

FOX 5 meteorologist Jonathan Stacey noted that scattered storms are likely to break out, particularly in East and Middle Georgia, driven by a weather system that has already produced severe storms in surrounding areas. “Around the metro area, no issues right now,” he said. “If you need to get something done outside, there’s no need to stop because the timing of today’s weather is really more sunset or post-sunset driven.”

Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather updates as conditions can change rapidly. A severe thunderstorm can produce damaging winds, large hail, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall, which could lead to flooding. “When thunder roars, go indoors,” officials emphasize.

The threat of severe weather is expected to decrease by Friday morning, though lingering storms may still pose risks. Stacey reported that after a brief dry spell, additional rain is forecast for the weekend.