More Georgia Tornadoes Possible Wednesday, Weather Officials Say

PEACHTREE CITY, GA — As many as 21 tornadoes touched down in Georgia during severe weather Monday, and conditions Wednesday could bring even more than that, forecasters said.

Ground teams from the National Weather Service on Tuesday were investigating 21 "locations of interest" throughout the state where damage and weather reports suggest twisters may have touched down during Monday's storms.

But National Weather Service meteorologist Sid King said the crews may not be able to make their final determinations before an even nastier band of storms hits the state on Wednesday.

"I dare say it could probably be worse," King said. "It could be more widespread and more damaging (than Monday) ... a serious, dangerous situation."

A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for much of north and central Georgia for Wednesday.

Starting late Tuesday, severe thunderstorms are possible south of Interstate 20 near the Alabama state line. Damaging wind and large hail are possible, according to the outlook.

"Scattered to numerous" severe thunderstorms are expected beginning Wednesday morning and continuing all the way into Wednesday night.

"It could be an all-day type of event," King said.

Unlike most severe weather patterns, where a single band of storms is followed by long periods of calm, Wednesday could bring one band of severe weather after another in short order, King said.

Damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes and frequent lightning are listed as the main hazards of the weather system.

Heavy rain, with minor flooding, also can be expected according to the outlook.

Wednesday's weather forecast for metro Atlanta calls for an 80 percent chance of rain, with wind gusts as high as 25 m.p.h. New rainfall amounts are expected to be from 3/4 of an inch to an inch.

Wednesday night, showers and thunderstorms will remain likely through 3 a.m., followed by showers. The chance of precipitation will remain at about 60 percent.

The high temperature Wednesday should be around 74, with the low Wednesday night dipping to about 49.

Image via National Weather Service