March 17, 2021–10:53 a.m.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE/FLOYD COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Northwest Georgia has been upgraded to an Enhanced Risk of possible tornadoes developing from the severe storms moving into our area today.
The severe threat is predicted for later this evening into the late-night hours.
Remember to have some type of emergency notification in place to alert you of potential threats from tornadoes, flooding, and flash flooding in our area.
Have a safe place identified at your residence to go to in the event of a tornado during the nighttime hours.
Highlights:
- We have upgraded to a Moderate Risk (level 4 of 5) across east-central GA for Thursday. We still have an Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) across west GA tonight.
- Some isolated strong to severe storms will be possible during the afternoon and evening today. All hazards will be possible with these (tornadoes, strong winds, hail, flash flooding).
- The primary concern remains late tonight into Thursday with a line of storms moving across the state from west to east. These storms will be capable of tornadoes, some of which could be significant or long-tracked, damaging winds, flash flooding, and hail.
- NWS Peachtree City/Atlanta will be conducting another SPECIAL Weather Briefing (Webinar) Today (3/17) at 1:00 PM EDT.
- This webinar will be recorded and shared with our entire partner list almost immediately after the “live” webinar.
Today (afternoon):
- Isolated thunderstorms which could be strong to severe will be possible across north and central GA.
- Primary threats:
- Damaging winds (> 60 mph)
- Brief tornado
- Hail up to 1″
- Flash flooding from heavy rainfall
Tonight into Thursday:
- An Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) is in effect today across west Georgia. A Moderate Risk (level 4 of 5) is in effect tomorrow across east-central Georgia.
- We expect a severe threat for most of north and central Georgia as a line of storms moves from west to east across the state, which will include all threats (tornadoes, wind, hail, flash flooding).
- Timing (note – this is our current best estimate, and may change as we get more information through the day):
- The line of storms should arrive in west GA (including Columbus) between 2-6 AM.
- The Atlanta metro will likely be affected between 6-10 AM.
- Athens and Macon between 8 AM-12 PM.
- Eastern GA will possibly have an extended threat through the afternoon into the evening.
- Primary threats:
- Tornadoes, a few of which could be strong or long-tracked
- Damaging winds (> 60 mph)
- Hail up to 1″
- Flash flooding from heavy rainfall
