The National Weather Service says that as a cold front passes through Georgia on Wednesday, numerous thunderstorms will develop. Forecasters say the main concerns will be damaging winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning.
In metro Atlanta, the thunderstorms are expected to occur mainly after 9 a.m., with up to 2 inches of rain possible.
The weather service has issued a flood watch from late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening for parts of northeast Georgia, where forecasts call for up to 2.5 inches of rain -- and higher amounts possible in some areas. The flood watch covers seven counties and includes the cities of Blairsville, Dahlonega and Cleveland.
In addition, a hazardous weather statement has been issued for about 100 counties across north and central Georgia. It includes Gainesville, Atlanta, Athens, Toccoa, Cornelia and dozens of other cities and towns from Dalton to Eatonton to Columbus. Strong thunderstorms are expected in these areas with winds of 20-30 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph through Wednesday evening.
And, a high wind watch has been issued for the higher elevations in the mountains of northeast Georgia. (Click on link below for details on all three of these advisories.)
(AccessNorthGa.com's Ken Stanford contributed to this story.)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/1/257709