Severe Weather Outbreak Expected Saturday Night

Good afternoon, Dawg Nation!

Today is looking like an absolute beauty! Temperatures will punch their way into upper 70s across North Georgia this afternoon, with plenty of sunshine, so make sure to spend some time outside today. Unfortunately, this is setting the stage for a period of active weather this weekend, particularly Saturday night.

Many folks in far North Georgia will be waking up to some rain showers tomorrow morning, with scattered showers in the northwest corner of the state throughout the morning. These are not expected to be severe but nevertheless will be slightly inconvenient if you have plans for tomorrow morning. The main show will be developing out to the west at this time and tracking to the east. Temperatures tomorrow are expected to reach up into the 70s, with areas not receiving the morning rain pushing up closer to 80. By the early afternoon timeframe, the morning showers will have moved out, giving way to sunny skies for much of the afternoon.

The main risk for strong and severe storms ramps up tomorrow after the sun goes down, with potentially strong storms pushing into the western side of the state around 8-10 o' clock. A very unstable atmosphere will allow for the potential for heavy thunderstorms, straight line winds, and the potential for tornadoes, some of which could be strong. Currently, the Storm Prediction Center has issued a level 4/5 Moderate risk for the far western portion of Georgia, with the rest of the metro Atlanta area well with a level 3/5 Enhanced risk for severe weather.

The main threats associated with the arrival of these storms are strong, damaging winds that can knock over trees and powerlines, and tornadoes, some of which could be strong (EF2+). Regardless of which area of risk you are in tomorrow night, it is important to have a plan in place should you be under the gun for a strong storm or a tornado.

• First, ensure that you keep up with the latest forecasts and information from the Weather Dawgs, your local media, and the National Weather Service.

• NOW is the time to prepare a severe weather plan (advice given below) and practice it with your family. Do not wait until the event starts to plan and take action.

• Have a way to receive warnings! A NOAA weather radio is preferable; however, if you do not have one, ensure you charge your mobile devices! You must have an easy way to receive life-saving information.

• Make sure your devices are charged, and prepare in case the power goes out!

• Do not panic. Be prepared, not scared! Follow these steps below and we will all maximize our chances of making it through this turbulent weather weekend unscathed.

Timing:

As mentioned earlier, the first arrivals of thunderstorms will be around 9pm Saturday night, so it is important that your preparations are made before this time. It is very likely that some of these initial storms could be discrete and supercellular, which would increase the risk of strong, long-tracked tornadoes. Moving through the evening, rain should begin in the metro area by around midnight and should reach the Athens area by around 2-4am. These supercells should persist before congealing into a squall line, where the risk shifts more to a strong wind threat, with straight line winds reaching upwards of 60mph, though a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. Most of the metro area, other than the far eastern portions such as Augusta, should be in the clear by 8am Sunday morning.

Tomorrow is looking like an active day for severe weather, so make sure to stay up to date with the latest weather information so that you can be prepared for this upcoming storm system. The WeatherDawgs will continue to post updates on Facebook and Twitter, and an updated blog will be posted with a more refined look at timing and risks for tomorrow night. Stay safe out there and Go Dawgs!

Jacob Peace