A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for north and central Georgia, warning residents of the potential impact of scattered thunderstorms expected this afternoon and evening, particularly in Cobb County and surrounding areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) announced that the thunderstorms could bring gusty winds, frequent lightning, and localized flooding as weather conditions are projected to persist throughout the week.
According to the NWS statement, the hazardous weather outlook specifically details that today and tonight will see scattered thunderstorms, with the main threats being gusty winds and frequent lightning.
Local flooding remains a possibility where heavier rainfall occurs.
Looking ahead, the forecast indicates daily thunderstorm activity from Tuesday through Sunday, with the likelihood of storms peaking during the afternoon and evening hours.
Although the risk of severe weather is considered low, stronger storms cannot be completely ruled out.
The hazardous weather outlook affects a wide range of counties across north and central Georgia.
The following counties are included in the advisory: Baldwin, Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Bleckley, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattahoochee, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Crawford, Crisp, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Dodge, Dooly, Douglas, Emanuel, Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Glascock, Gordon, Greene, Gwinnett, Hall, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Heard, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Lumpkin, Macon, Madison, Marion, Meriwether, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Murray, Muscogee, Newton, North Fulton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Peach, Pickens, Pike, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, Rockdale, Schley, South Fulton, Spalding, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taliaferro, Taylor, Telfair, Toombs, Towns, Treutlen, Troup, Twiggs, Union, Upson, Walker, Walton, Warren, Washington, Webster, Wheeler, White, Whitfield, Wilcox, Wilkes, Wilkinson.
In understanding the terms used by the NWS, it defines “isolated” as a descriptor for weather phenomena that indicates a 10 percent chance of precipitation.
This term refers to thunderstorms that are relatively rare and occur sporadically within a limited area, covering less than 20% of the forecast area.
Despite being isolated, these thunderstorms can still produce significant weather, such as heavy rain and lightning.
Conversely, “scattered” thunderstorms cover a more extensive area, affecting 30% to 50% of the forecast region with numerous individual storms that are not part of a continuous line.
Scattered thunderstorms leave considerable gaps between storm cells, meaning that while they are more common, not every location in the forecast area will experience a thunderstorm.
In summary, isolated thunderstorms are few and localized, while scattered thunderstorms are more widespread with a greater number of occurrences throughout the area.
The National Weather Service is a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and plays a crucial role in providing weather forecasts, warnings, and education aimed at enhancing public safety and preparedness.
The NWS emphasizes its mission to protect lives and property while promoting the understanding of weather and climate events as a means to build a Weather-Ready Nation.
With the updated hazardous weather outlook, residents in the affected counties are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for potential severe weather conditions that could disrupt daily activities this week.
Ensuring readiness in the face of unpredictable weather patterns will help communities withstand the challenges posed by these thunderstorms.
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