Atlanta is expected to turn wet and stormy around lunchtime Friday when a line of strong thunderstorms marches through the region.
A threat of severe weather is embedded in those storms, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Jennifer Lopez. Anywhere from Atlanta to the Alabama line, Lopez said there is an enhanced risk of severe storms, damaging winds, hail and even an isolated tornado.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Ahead of the system, metro Atlanta is starting Friday dry and mild with temperatures in the low 50s.
“The morning is going to be nice and quiet, so don’t procrastinate on doing any errands,” Lopez said. “Get them done in the first part of the day, because by the afternoon it could be quite messy.”
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Lopez said the showers and thunderstorms will have reached west Georgia by 11 a.m. The storms are wreaking havoc Friday morning over parts of Alabama and Mississippi, where tornado watches are in effect.
Atlanta will be covered by the rain from lunchtime until about 2 p.m., according to Lopez.
“Some of this is going to be significant rain causing some isolated flooding, and there is that risk for some of those thunderstorms to become severe,” she said.
Severe weather is possible for all of North Georgia, but the risk is greatest for those closest to Alabama, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center. The risk is considered marginal for northern and eastern Atlanta suburbs.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
With the clouds and wet weather, the region is only expected to warm into the 60s this afternoon. Atlanta’s projected high is 66 degrees.
The storm system will make its way east throughout the afternoon, and Lopez said parts of North Georgia will start to see some improvements before sunset. While isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible after dark, the forecast still looks pretty good for any Friday night plans, she said.
“Once this rain gets out of here, we’re in store for some nice weather,” she said. “Back to some sunshine on Saturday, and mostly sunny skies on Sunday. Temperatures this weekend will be up into the middle 60s.”
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Ahead of the rain, the Friday morning drive is off to a decent start. There are no major delays or longstanding interstate closures inside the Perimeter at 7 a.m., according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
North of the city, delays are stacking up on I-85 North behind bridge repair work in Jefferson County. The right lane remains closed, but state officials expect to reopen the interstate sometime Friday.
There are also delays on U.S. 78 in DeKalb County. A crash at Brockett Road is blocking all westbound lanes at times, the Traffic Center reported. Commuters can take Lawrenceville Highway to avoid the backups.
Later this afternoon, heavy traffic is expected on I-75 ahead of NASCAR’s return to Atlanta Motor Speedway. Several events are planned at the track this weekend, including the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 on Sunday.
“I expect extra volume this afternoon southbound between Stockbridge and McDonough,” traffic reporter Mike Shields said.
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.
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