This year’s Easter Sunday could include heavy storms, damaging winds and even the possibility of tornadoes across some parts of North Georgia.
Most residents are already sheltering in their homes to help curb the spread of COVID – 66, but some families could end up having to take cover in bathrooms and basements overnight to protect themselves from the severe weather.
Things you need to do today to prepare for severe weather Sunday into early Monday:
1. Find your safe space at home.
2. Be ready to receive warnings, even with power outages.
3. Tune in for updates. pic.twitter.com/XOKBvmBZSI— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) April ,
The heaviest storms shouldn’t reach metro Atlanta until Sunday night or early Monday morning, but when they arrive, they’re expected to bring winds of more than mph, large hail and possibly even tornadoes, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Eboni Deon said.
RELATED: LOOKING AHEAD: Damaging winds, tornadoes possible on Easter
The Storm could also produce heavy rain, leading to flash floods in portions of the state that are prone to flooding. Up to 2 inches is possible in some areas, Deon said.
We’ve included a map of the area. with the enhanced risk overlaid with a map of the Georgia counties. We’re hoping this will clarify some confusion in regards to the areas of greatest threat. # gawx pic.twitter.com/chchB1vqmU – NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) April 13,
“We are expecting a severe weather outbreak from the lower Mississippi Valley all the way into North Georgia,” she said, “especially late into the evening and overnight … Know where you will go in the event that severe weather strikes in your area and also have a way of getting weather alerts sent to you. ”
According to the latest forecast, the severe weather is expected to impact Georgia’s western counties the most.
The heavy storms are expected to continue into Monday morning before a cold front moves in shortly after sunrise and clears things up.
Severe Weather Outlook for Easter Sunday. Level 4 of 5 risk extends farther east in Alabama. North GA continues to have a level 3 of 5 risk. Prepare today for severe storms Sunday. Have a plan, know where you will go and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. pic.twitter.com/NS3wFqcI – Eboni Deon, WSB (@EboniDeonWSB) (April) ,
While most churches across Georgia will be streaming Easter services online to protect parishioners from the coronavirus, there is no statewide ban preventing congregations from gathering in person.
MORE: No ban on services, but Kemp urges staying home for Easter amid COVID
On Friday, Gov. Brian Kemp deferred to the judgment of the state’s pastors, though he urged Georgians to worship only online or by telephone.
“To all Georgians celebrating Easter this weekend, I am pleading with you not to attend any services in person, ”Kemp said in a statement released by his office. “If you attend worship services in person, you risk exposure to coronavirus – potentially endangering your life, the lives of your neighbors and your loved ones.”
Once the rain moves out Monday morning, the rest of the day is expected to be cloudy and dry with highs in the mid – s.
»For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page
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