ATLANTA — A cluster of thunderstorms could bring damaging winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning to north and central Georgia on Monday morning before dangerous heat builds across the region again.
The National Weather Service office in Peachtree City said in a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued at 10:09 p.m. Sunday that the cluster was expected to reach northwest Georgia late Sunday night and continue southeast Monday morning into midday.
A few storms could become strong or severe. The primary threats Monday are damaging winds, locally heavy rainfall and frequent lightning, according to the outlook.
The forecast does not provide exact arrival times by county or expected rainfall totals. Residents should monitor current National Weather Service alerts and radar as conditions develop.
What an outlook means
A Hazardous Weather Outlook identifies potential weather hazards over the coming days. It is not the same as a warning that a dangerous storm is occurring or imminent at a specific location.
Because conditions and alerts can change, people should use current forecasts and warnings when making Monday travel or outdoor plans. The outlook did not indicate that weather spotter activation was needed through Sunday night.
Drivers encountering heavy rain should reduce speed and allow more room between vehicles. Water can collect on roads quickly during intense downpours, and visibility may fall.
The National Weather Service urges drivers never to enter a flooded roadway. Water can hide road damage, and its depth can be difficult to judge from inside a vehicle. If a road is covered, turn around and choose another route.
Lightning safety
Frequent lightning is among the main hazards expected with Monday’s storms. The National Weather Service advises people to move indoors when they hear thunder. A substantial building or an enclosed, hard-topped vehicle offers better protection than remaining outside.
People should stay away from windows and avoid contact with plumbing or plugged-in electrical equipment during a thunderstorm. Outdoor activities should not resume until the lightning threat has passed.
Strong wind gusts can also bring down tree limbs and affect unsecured outdoor objects. Any warning issued for a person’s location should be followed immediately.
Heat returns behind the storms
Heat index values are expected to return to the triple digits for many areas early this week. The National Weather Service said a Heat Advisory may be necessary across a large portion of the area Monday or Tuesday.
Heat index values describe how hot conditions feel when humidity is combined with the air temperature. Even after morning storms, residents should prepare for potentially dangerous heat later in the period.
The weather service recommends limiting strenuous outdoor activity, taking breaks in shade or air conditioning and drinking water. People should check on those who may be more vulnerable to heat and never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
Isolated to scattered thunderstorms remain possible Tuesday, mainly across north Georgia. The combination of recurring storms and high heat means residents should continue checking updated forecasts beyond Monday morning.
