UPDATE [1:30 p.m.]: A thunderstorm warning that included parts of metro Atlanta has been allowed to expire.
The National Weather Service has issued additional warnings for northwest Georgia and the mountains as thunderstorms move through the top of the state Friday afternoon.
Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Katie Walls said those areas will see the most storm activity Friday.
“This afternoon, heat and humidity will help to fuel scattered showers and storms,” she said. “Some could be severe, producing gusty wind and hail, alongside heavy rain and lightning.”
UPDATE [12:46 p.m.]: The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 1:30 p.m. for parts of metro Atlanta.
The warning covers north Fulton, southeast Cherokee, Forsyth, southeast Dawson and southwest Hall counties, according to the Weather Service.
Wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail damage are possible.
“Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees,” the Weather Service said.
ORIGINAL STORY: Most North Georgians will not have to adjust their plans for showers and storms in the forecast Friday.
Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Katie Walls said the rain could be widespread at times, but there is no reason to cancel outdoor activities.
“I think we'll have the opportunity for rain this morning, then we'll head into a break, and we'll have another chance this afternoon,” she said. “Will it be canceling plans? Hopefully not, but it might chase you inside for 20 to 30 minutes, and then you can return to outdoor activities.”
Downpours are developing in parts of the western and southern suburbs Friday morning. They should reach the heart of metro Atlanta by 7 a.m. and the Northside by 9 a.m., Walls said.
Rain chances are high at about 60%.
“I think most of us at some point around 8 a.m. are going to be impacted,” Walls said.
With the break in the rain, Friday afternoon will heat up quickly, she said. Temperatures are headed for the 80s across North Georgia, with a projected high of 84 in Atlanta.
The heat and humidity will help to fuel more showers and storms. Walls said there is a better chance of strong storms developing Friday afternoon and evening.
Nearly all of the region is under a Level 1 of 5 threat for severe weather, according to the National Weather Service.
“Damaging wind gusts, hail, alongside the typical heavy rain and lightning are to be expected,” Walls said. “It’s just one of those afternoons to stay weather aware.”
Afternoon thunderstorms are also in the forecast for Saturday, Sunday and Monday as North Georgia settles in to a typical summertime pattern.
For Memorial Day, rain chances are 40% and the projected high is 83 degrees, according to Channel 2.
RELATED: MEMORIAL DAY FORECAST: Warm with summertime pattern of storms
More volume is expected on metro Atlanta roadways Friday as travelers head out for Memorial Day weekend. As of 6 a.m. Friday, most interstates are not congested, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
The only trouble spot is Spaghetti Junction in DeKalb County. Part of the interchange has been shut down since 4:30 a.m. while authorities work to clear an overturned tractor-trailer.
While the tractor-trailer has been moved from the interstate, the ramp from I-285 North to I-85 North is still blocked, the Traffic Center reported. Three right lanes on I-85 North are also closed.
“Thankfully, volume is light,” traffic reporter Mark Arum said. “No big backups.”
Vice President Mike Pence's visit to Atlanta on Friday is also expected to impact traffic. Pence is expected to arrive at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta shortly after 11 a.m. and have lunch with Gov. Brian Kemp. He is then scheduled to travel to Norcross for a roundtable discussion at Waffle House headquarters at 2 p.m.
After the event, Pence will return to Dobbins to fly back to Washington, D.C. Roads along the route are expected to be closed as the vice presidential motorcade rolls through.
» 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.
» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.
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