Atlanta, get ready for a dangerous day of weather that could bring powerful tornadoes, giant hail, and widespread flash flooding. Forecasters are warning that severe thunderstorms will explode across Georgia on Tuesday, putting the metro area at risk for destructive winds, torrential rain, and dangerous lightning.
The timing couldn’t be worse—storms will likely hit during the morning and afternoon hours, catching many commuters off guard and creating dangerous travel conditions. Roads could flood, power could go out, and some areas may see tornado warnings before noon.
When Will the Storm Arrive?
Forecasters warn that storms will fire up early Tuesday, intensifying rapidly as they move into the Atlanta metro area.
- Tuesday Morning (6 AM – 10 AM): Storms begin forming in western Georgia and push toward Atlanta. Some early warnings for severe weather may be issued before sunrise.
- Tuesday Late Morning to Afternoon (10 AM – 4 PM): This is the most dangerous period. Storms will intensify, bringing the highest risk for tornadoes, giant hail, and winds over 70 mph. Some flash flooding will likely occur, making travel dangerous.
- Tuesday Evening (4 PM – 8 PM): Storms begin moving east, but leftover rain, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorms could still cause issues into the evening hours.
Why Is This Storm So Dangerous?
This isn’t just an average thunderstorm—it’s a serious severe weather event that could bring destruction. Here’s what makes it so concerning:
- Tornadoes Are Possible – The storm setup is perfect for tornado formation, and any severe thunderstorm could spawn a fast-moving, dangerous tornado with little warning.
- Giant Hail Could Wreak Havoc – Some storms may produce hail the size of golf balls or larger, which can damage homes, smash windshields, and destroy crops.
- Winds Up to 70+ MPH – Winds this strong can tear down trees, knock out power, and create flying debris that turns deadly.
- Flash Flooding Could Trap Drivers – If heavy rain falls in a short time, storm drains won’t be able to keep up. Low-lying areas could flood quickly, making roads impassable within minutes.
How to Stay Safe Before and During the Storm
With conditions changing fast, you need to be prepared now. Here’s what to do before the worst weather arrives:
- Stay Informed – Set up emergency alerts on your phone and keep a NOAA weather radio nearby. Tornado warnings can be issued with little notice, so stay updated every hour.
- Know Where to Take Shelter – If a tornado warning is issued, head to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home—avoid windows and stay away from outside walls.
- Charge Your Devices – Power outages are likely, so charge your phone, flashlight, and any battery-powered emergency devices now.
- Do Not Drive Through Flooded Roads – If you see water covering the road, turn around—don’t drown! Just six inches of water can stall your car, and two feet can sweep it away.
- Bring In or Secure Outdoor Items – Trash cans, patio furniture, and anything not tied down could become airborne in high winds.
What to Expect After the Storm
Once the storm moves out Tuesday evening, residents may have to deal with fallen trees, power outages, and possible structural damage in areas that experienced the worst of the storms.
- Roads may be blocked by debris or flooding—check travel updates before heading out.
Some areas could be without power for hours or even days if strong winds knock out major transmission lines. - Cooler, drier air will move in behind the system, giving Atlanta a brief break from severe weather before more rain chances later in the week.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just another rainy day—this is a severe weather event that could put lives at risk. Tornadoes, destructive winds, and flooding could cause serious damage across Atlanta, and the worst part is that many people won’t be prepared.
