Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding concerns are expected across Cobb County and nearby areas Sunday as meteorologists forecast numerous to widespread storms this afternoon and evening.
What to expect
Forecasters center the forecast on Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. Conditions are mild this morning with temperatures around 71°F (feels like 72°F), high humidity and scattered clouds. The day will warm to a high near 88°F, with a west breeze of 5 to 10 mph and gusts up to 15 mph.
A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for the region because a few morning storms could produce brief heavy rain and lightning, while the primary thunderstorm threat increases this afternoon and evening. Some storms may become strong to severe, capable of producing:
- Gusty to damaging winds
- Frequent lightning
- Large hail
- Localized flash flooding
Timing, rainfall and overnight outlook
Showers and thunderstorms are most likely after 2 p.m. through the evening. The chance of precipitation for the afternoon is about 60%, increasing to roughly 80% overnight. Expected new rainfall totals during storms range from 0.10 to 0.25 inch in scattered activity, with pockets of 0.25 to 0.5 inch or higher possible where storms train or intensify.
| Period | Temp | Precip Chance | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today (afternoon) | High near 88°F | 60% | 0.10–0.25 in (higher in storms) |
| Tonight | Low around 70°F | 80% | 0.25–0.50 in possible |
| Monday | High near 82°F | 70% | 0.10–0.25 in (higher in storms) |
Practical guidance
Residents should prepare for frequent lightning and brief periods of heavy rain that can reduce visibility and produce localized flooding. Safety steps to consider:
- Have a plan to move indoors when thunder is heard; lightning can strike even outside periods of heavy rain.
- Avoid driving through flooded roadways; only a few inches of rapidly moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.
- Secure loose outdoor items ahead of gusty winds and monitor forecasts for any severe thunderstorm warnings.
Saturday’s current observations show light west-southwest wind and low wind gusts, but that can change rapidly as thunderstorms develop. Keep tuned to official forecasts and local alerts for any upgrades to warnings or more specific timing of severe cells.
