Storms will bring heavy rain into Georgia. Columbus is expected to get the worst of it
Heavy rain is expected to hit Georgia Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, and Columbus may get the worst of it with a few inches of rain or more, according to the National Weather Service.
Columbus was expected to get 3 inches to 4 inches of rain and had a 40% risk of flash flooding, higher than the rest of the region. Minor to moderate river flooding also is possible, according to the NWS in Atlanta. A flood watch was put in place until Thursday morning.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the NWS said. “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.”
The NWS expected the rain to be worst after 6 p.m. Wednesday. The risk for flooding was expected to gradually rise overnight and decrease Thursday morning.
(1/3) Rain and thunderstorms will be possible late this afternoon through Thursday morning. There is currently a Slight Risk (2/5) for severe weather in far western central GA this afternoon and evening and a Slight Risk (2/5) for eastern central GA for Thursday. #gawx pic.twitter.com/xuKyz7Kn4x
— NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) April 10, 2024
(2/3) Heavy rainfall will bring flash flooding concerns to the forecast area. The heaviest rainfall is forecast for the Columbus area where 3-4" of rain is possible. There is a Moderate Risk for excessive rainfall in southwest Georgia. #gawx pic.twitter.com/OfSJW68Qbv
— NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) April 10, 2024
(3/3) Strong non-thunderstorm winds that may gust from 25-35 mph at times are forecast. Locally higher gusts will be possible in the highest elevations in far north GA. Strong winds with saturated soils may lead to an increase in instances of downed trees and power outages. #gawx pic.twitter.com/wvo4qe48ev
— NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) April 10, 2024
Dangerous winds also possible in Georgia
Wind gusts could exceed 35 mph in certain parts of Georgia Thursday, the NWS said. Wind speeds in Columbus were expected to reach 32 mph by midnight Thursday, and reach up to 29 mph in the afternoon and evening.
The NWS warned a brief tornado is possible with these storms. Pea-to-dime sized hail also would be possible.
The chance for severe weather in Columbus was expected to reduce Thursday as the storm moves into the southeast region of Georgia.
