Daily Lightning Storms Hit Georgia

The National Weather Service said Thursday, May 21, that scattered thunderstorms were likely again across north and central Georgia, continuing a stretch of daily storm chances heading into Memorial Day weekend. The agency’s Peachtree City office said the storms were expected to develop mainly in the afternoon and evening, with gusty winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning as the main hazards. Widespread severe weather was not forecast, but forecasters said localized flooding remained possible after another round of soaking rain in metro Atlanta on Wednesday. The latest seven-day outlook said showers and thunderstorms were possible nearly every day this week, with chances increasing from the north and west through Friday. ### Where in Georgia are storms most likely first? The National Weather Service said the highest chances on Thursday were along and north of Interstate 85 in north Georgia. Its Hazardous Weather Outlook, issued at 5:52 a.m. EDT, said scattered thunderstorms were likely again that afternoon and evening in those areas. The Peachtree City forecast office said the storm chances would then spread south and east through Friday. Its public outlook for Memorial Day weekend said north and central Georgia could see heavy rainfall in pockets, with some places getting well over 1 inch in a day while other areas receive little or no rain. ### Why are forecasters emphasizing lightning? The National Weather Service put lightning safety at the center of its forecast messaging on Wednesday and Thursday. In its Area Forecast Discussion, issued at 2:45 p.m. EDT on May 20, the office said “daily rounds of rain and thunderstorms” were expected through the holiday weekend and reminded residents to follow lightning safety rules for outdoor plans. The agency used its standard warning line — “if thunder roars, go indoors” — in that forecast discussion. That means people at ballfields, parks, lakes and backyard gatherings should treat thunder as an immediate signal to move inside a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle. ### How does this connect to the flooding already seen in Atlanta? Atlanta-area flooding on Wednesday followed heavy downpours during the evening commute. Local reports from Atlanta media said water covered parts of the Downtown Connector and other roads, with traffic disrupted in the city after the storms moved through. The National Weather Service said Thursday that more heavy rain was possible in stronger cells, even though widespread severe weather was not expected. Its seven-day outlook said daily storms could produce local rainfall totals well above 1 inch, a setup that can worsen drainage problems in low-lying or already saturated areas. ### Is this a severe-weather outbreak? The National Weather Service said no widespread severe weather was expected at this time. Its Thursday Hazardous Weather Outlook said storms could still produce gusty winds and heavy rain, and the outlook for Friday through Saturday added a risk of locally heavy rainfall and frequent lightning. The agency’s forecast discussion said an isolated strong to severe storm could not be ruled out on some days, but it described the broader pattern as typical warm-season thunderstorms driven by heat, moisture and passing disturbances. That leaves lightning and flooding as the more consistent concerns for most people making outdoor plans. ### What does the Memorial Day weekend forecast look like now? The National Weather Service said the pattern should continue through the holiday weekend and beyond. Its latest discussion said daily rounds of rain and thunderstorms were expected across north and central Georgia from May 20 through at least early next week. Temperatures were forecast to stay mostly in the 80s to near 90 degrees, with lows in the 60s to near 70. Storm chances were expected to peak in the afternoon and evening each day before decreasing overnight and in the early morning hours. ### What should residents watch next? The National Weather Service office in Peachtree City said updated forecasts, hazard outlooks and any flash flood or severe thunderstorm warnings would be posted as conditions change. The agency’s current hazards page for north and central Georgia lists active bulletins by county and is the next place residents can check as Memorial Day weekend approaches.