Forecasters still predict severe storms for Ga. just before Christmas

ATLANTA (AP) Forecasters say the potential for severe thunderstorms will be greatest Tuesday in parts of western and south Georgia -- an area south and west of Macon that includes the Columbus area. <br /> <br /> Then, as a cold front moves across the state on Wednesday, National Weather Service forecasters say isolated severe storms are possible across most of the state. <br /> <br /> On Christmas Eve, the storms are expected to strike areas in west Georgia -- such as Dalton, Rome, LaGrange and Columbus -- from 6 a.m. through noon Wednesday. Storms are possible from noon to 8 p.m. in eastern parts of Georgia. <br /> <br /> The storms could cause damaging wind gusts and heavy rain. <br /> <br /> Forecasters expect the heaviest total rainfall from the storms -- more than 4 inches in some spots -- in southwest Georgia.