A major severe weather outbreak is looking more likely for the end of Easter weekend, according to the latest forecast models.
Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said there is a high risk of heavy rain and storms and a moderate risk of long-tracked tornadoes when a system of strong storms moves into North Georgia on Sunday night. Ahead of that system, rain showers are likely, he said.
A rainy Sunday forecast does not bode well for those wishing to enjoy Easter festivities outdoors. There will still be an opportunity for sunshine on Saturday, Monahan said.
“Saturday is going to be the day for anything you’ve got to get done outside,” he said. “Whether that’s the Easter egg hunt, whether you want to take care of some yard work this weekend, Saturday is your day. Sunday is going to be pretty rough.”
Clouds will start to fill the sky later in the day Saturday in advance of the storm system, but it should stay dry, he said. The first showers are not expected until early Easter morning.
By Sunday evening, all of metro Atlanta will be under an elevated Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather, according to the National Weather Service. A Level 4 risk is forecast for middle Alabama.
“As low pressure cranks up to our west and sends rain our way, it’s going to send a line of very powerful storms our way Sunday night into Monday morning,” Monahan said. “With the wind racing above the ground, damaging wind gusts (are possible), and there is a tornado risk.”
He said the region could see two distinct periods of severe weather threats Sunday. The first will come late Sunday afternoon, while the second will come during the overnight hours. The second wave is likely to be more widespread, according to Monahan.
The chance of rain ramps up to 90% on Sunday and stays elevated at 70% through Monday, according to Channel 2. Monahan said much of North Georgia is likely to see an inch to 2 inches of rainfall, and damaging wind gusts could top speeds of 60 mph.
Despite the rain and storms, temperatures will be comfortable most of the weekend. Saturday morning is expected to start off chilly with 40s in the forecast for metro Atlanta and 30s in the mountains.
It may be a good idea to bring in potted plants overnight Friday, Monahan said.
Temperatures are expected to reach the lower 70s during the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday, according to the latest forecast. The average temperature for this time of year is 71 degrees.
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