Tornado Watch allowed to expire for parts of north Georgia

ATLANTA - Severe thunderstorms are likely across the Southeast the next few hours as a powerful storm system moves in from the west. The impending weather has already caused some schools, government offices, and businesses to close, delay or change plans for Thursday.

The front has been sweeping through the Deep South on Wednesday, spinning up tornadoes and leaving behind damage in Alabama and Mississippi. Those states were under a Storm Threat Level 5 of tornadoes, hail, and other severe weather. That risk tapers off to a Level 4 closer to the Georgia line.

Thursday morning forecast

The overnight rain in metro Atlanta expected to turn into possibly big storms during the morning rush as the cold front passes through Georgia.

CLOSINGS AND DELAYS: Get the latest closings, delays, and school changes due to this impending severe weather

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By late morning Thursday, that power front should be past Athens and heading out of the state. The rest of the day will be relatively clear & mild, but strong non-thunderstorm-related winds will create blustery conditions.