Weather alert: Georgia bracing for severe storm threat early Sunday

ATLANTA - Metro Atlanta is bracing for a wave of strong to severe storms early Sunday. While this is nothing we haven't seen before, it's been a while since a system of this type has moved through the state.

A significant severe weather outbreak is expected west of Georgia this afternoon. Those same storms will move toward North Georgia Sunday morning but will not be as strong as they are to the west of us. Temperatures on Saturday will continue to warm, reaching the 60s during the overnight hours. The threat of storms will begin at midnight with isolated cells ahead of the main line.

The main squall line will start crossing the Alabama-Georgia state line around 4 a.m. It will take from 4 a.m. until 11 a.m. for the line to move through all of North Georgia. The worst weather is expected in the metro area between 5 and 8 a.m. Because of the timing of this system, it is important to have a way to receive weather alerts overnight that will wake you up. This could include wireless emergency alerts on your phone or a weather radio.

Saturated soils, combined with heavy rainfall, could lead to localized flash flooding. Strong winds associated with these storms may bring down trees and power lines, and isolated, brief tornadoes cannot be ruled out, particularly in areas south of Atlanta where conditions will be most conducive.

Conditions are expected to improve by Sunday afternoon as the storm system moves out of the region. Temperatures will warm into the low 70s, providing a break from the weekend’s active weather.