ATLANTA — The 11Alive StormTrackers are tracking the possibility of heavy rain and strong storms Tuesday across the Atlanta area and north Georgia. We will pick up much-needed rain in the middle of what's been the area's worst drought in more than 6 years, but storms will come along with the territory.
A strong incoming cold front and low-pressure system will pull in ample moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and bring widespread and sometimes heavy rain across the Peach State. Storms will be possible between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. this afternoon and evening, and some of them could be strong to severe.
What to Know:
- Rain will fall during the day on Tuesday
- Strong storms are possible from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. with damaging winds. A weak tornado can't be ruled out.
- Rain totals will range from 1/2 an inch to over two inches
- Outside of storms, it will be windy. Gusts in northwest Georgia could top 40 mph. In the metro, they could top 30 mph.
- Colder, drier weather follows through Thanksgiving day
Storm Threats:
As a warm front lifts north this afternoon, parts of north Georgia will become more favorable for thunderstorms. The Strom Prediction Center still has a Level 1 out of 5 threat of severe weather across parts of north and central Georgia. The Atlanta metro area is included. That storm threat goes up to Level 2 out of 5 from Columbus up through McDonough, and southeast into the Macon Area.
We expect heavy rain, which could lead to ponding/standing water on roads and rises in creek/stream levels. For severe weather ingredients, stronger storms could contain damaging winds. We are also watching the threat for a brief, weak tornado. That threat is greatest within the Level 2 risk area south of I-20.
Timeline:
The critical timing for stronger storms is between now and 7 p.m. this afternoon and evening.
By mid-afternoon, stronger storms could develop within that broken line of showers as it enters the Atlanta metro. Critical timing for the metro is between 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. This model shows the line passing through closer to 4 p.m. for the heart of the city, but it could be any time between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
As the evening commute wares on, areas of heavy rain and storms push through our eastern counties. Still, isolated stronger storms will be possible.
Storms race out of the area later after sunset. All of north Georgia will be dry after 10 p.m.
Direly-Needed Rain
Although this system alone won't wipe out our drought, it will put a small dent in it. We also have a second chance for rain this week coming on Friday. Rain totals from that are yet to be determined.
