Flood Watch, Hour-By-Hour Forecast For Halloween Storm In Georgia

GEORGIA — Halloween night could see strong storms could bring heavy rain throughout north and central Georgia, causing the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch.

Rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall can be expected across portions of north Georgia this afternoon through Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service said. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 are expected along and north of the I-85 corridor, with locally higher amounts possible. This could lead to flooding on area creeks, streams and rivers, as well as roadways and low-lying areas.

"A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts," the National Weather Service said. "You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop."

On Halloween morning, strong storms are predicted by the National Weather Service.

There is a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms across portions of northern and west-central Georgia Wednesday, that will increase early Thursday morning. The primary threat will be damaging wind gusts associated with stronger storms, with an outside chance of a weak, brief tornado for far northwestern Georgia.

So what does that mean for trick-or-treaters?

The forecast for Thursday shows a chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 9 a.m. The temperature will rise to near 73 degrees by noon, then fall to around 60 degrees during the remainder of the day. South wind will be 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. Rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch are possible.

Then Thursday night, the chance of precipitation drops to 60 percent. But there will likely be showers, mainly before 8 p.m. The sky will be partly cloudy, with a low around 36 degrees. Wind will be northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

The Weather Channel warns the highest risk for severe thunderstorms will stretch from northeastern Georgia into eastern Pennsylvania. "Damaging wind gusts, hail and an isolated tornado are possible," The Weather Channel said.

Here is the hour-by-hour forecast for the metro Atlanta region, according to the National Weather Service beginning at 7 a.m. on Halloween:

7 a.m.: 50 percent chance of precipitation

8 a.m.: 53 percent chance of precipitation

9 a.m.: 58 percent chance of precipitation

10 a.m.: 64 percent chance of precipitation

11 a.m.: 70 percent chance of precipitation

Noon: 77 percent chance of precipitation

1 p.m.: 82 percent chance of precipitation

2 p.m.: 86 percent chance of precipitation

3 p.m.: 87 percent chance of precipitation

4 p.m.: 85 percent chance of precipitation

5 p.m.: 79 percent chance of precipitation

6 p.m.: 70 percent chance of precipitation

7 p.m.: 70 percent chance of precipitation

8 p.m.: 18 percent chance of precipitation

9 p.m.: 16 percent chance of precipitation

10 p.m.: 12 percent chance of precipitation