Another wave of severe storms is expected to impact the Atlanta metro area, including Clayton County, on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Meteorologists have issued a Weather Impact Alert, warning residents of potentially hazardous conditions including damaging winds, heavy rain, hail, and isolated flooding.
What to Expect from This Storm System
Forecasters are tracking a line of strong thunderstorms expected to develop in the late afternoon and continue into the evening hours, with the most intense window between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The main threats include:
- Damaging Winds: Gusts may reach up to 60 mph, especially in open areas and along ridgelines. These winds have the potential to down trees, snap power lines, and damage lightweight structures.
- Heavy Rainfall: Thunderstorms could dump one to two inches of rain in short periods, leading to water pooling on roads and flash flooding in poor drainage zones and low-lying neighborhoods.
- Hail: Quarter-size hail or larger may occur within some of the stronger storm cells, posing a risk to cars, rooftops, and outdoor structures.
- Lightning: Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is expected and can strike far from the storm’s center, making outdoor activity dangerous even before the rain begins.
Area of Concern
While all of North and Central Georgia could see storm activity, the highest risk zone is currently projected to be south of Interstate 20, including counties such as Clayton, Henry, Fayette, and DeKalb. These areas fall under a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk, according to forecasters.
Communities in these zones should be especially vigilant between mid-afternoon and evening.
Ongoing Conditions
The unstable pattern is part of a broader frontal system sweeping across the Southeast. After a weekend of scattered showers and mild conditions, warmer air from the south is clashing with cooler air pushing in from the west—creating prime conditions for thunderstorm development.
Officials are urging the public to remain alert as even isolated storms in this setup can rapidly intensify.
Public Safety Measures and Advice
Local emergency services and utility companies are on standby in preparation for potential outages or storm-related hazards.
Residents are advised to:
- Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, grills, and garden tools
- Charge mobile devices and backup power sources ahead of time
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the late afternoon and evening
- Stay indoors during storms and keep away from windows
- Use flashlights instead of candles in the event of power loss
Parents are encouraged to have a storm plan in place for school pickups or evening commutes, and pet owners should secure animals indoors before storms begin.
Looking Ahead
Although Tuesday is expected to bring the most severe weather of the week, scattered thunderstorms will remain possible through Thursday. A gradual return to calmer and drier weather is forecast by Friday and into the weekend.
Officials remind residents that severe weather can change rapidly, and staying informed through trusted forecasts is key to staying safe.
Do storms like these disrupt your neighborhood or daily routine?
Let us know how you’re preparing or what you’ve experienced in the comments below.
