Tuesday, May 20, 2025–9:30 a.m.
-National Weather Service-
A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will enter far northwest Georgia this evening, advancing southward tonight through early Wednesday morning.
Damaging wind gusts in the 50-70 mph will be the primary threat with any severe thunderstorms that occur.
A few brief tornadoes and large hail will be secondary threats, especially to the north and west of Atlanta.
Storms could occur between 7 PM today and 9 AM Wednesday morning, with the severe threat peaking between 8 PM and 2 AM in north Georgia.
WHAT:
- There is an Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) for severe weather in far north and northwest Georgia. Though thunderstorms will be possible across all of north and central Georgia, the severe weather potential will progressively decrease to the south and east of I-85.
- Severe thunderstorms that occur will be capable of the following:
- Damaging Winds: Gusts of 50-70 mph
- Tornadoes: A few brief tornadoes will be possible (most likely in northwest Georgia)
- Large Hail: Quarter-sized (1″ diameter) or slightly larger.
- Forecast rainfall amounts between 0.5-1″ north of I-20, with lesser amounts to the south. Flash flooding is not expected at this time.
WHERE & WHEN:
- Thunderstorms could occur any time between 7 PM today and 9 AM on Wednesday morning.
- The peak severe threat is expected in far north and northwest (north of I-85) Georgia between 8 PM tonight and 2 AM Wednesday morning.
- Storms are not expected to arrive in east-central Georgia until early Wednesday morning.
IMPACTS:
- Strong winds could bring down trees and power lines, or cause damage to structures.
- The timing of this event indicates a threat for nocturnal tornadoes.
- Large hail could cause damage to vehicles and windows.
FORECAST CONFIDENCE:
- HIGH confidence in the occurrence of several severe thunderstorms and damaging wind gusts being the primary severe threat.
- MODERATE confidence in the storm timing and period of the peak severe threat.
- LOW to MODERATE confidence in the occurrence of a couple of nocturnal tornadoes.
