Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a potentially dangerous round of severe weather beginning today and continuing through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to move across the region, with some storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and even a few tornadoes. Northwest Georgia remains under a Level 2 out of 5 “slight risk” for severe weather.

Meteorologists warn the greatest threat window appears to be from Wednesday evening through the early morning hours Thursday as a slow-moving cold front pushes into the state. Atmospheric conditions are expected to become increasingly favorable for strong to severe storms, especially across North Georgia.

In addition to the severe weather threat, a Flood Watch has been issued from late Wednesday through Thursday morning for portions of North and Central Georgia, including areas near Chattooga County. Forecasters expect widespread rainfall totals between 1.5 and 2.5 inches, with isolated spots potentially receiving more than 4 inches of rain.

Officials say the combination of intense rainfall rates and repeated storms moving over the same areas could quickly lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks, streams, and urban drainage areas may rise rapidly during the heaviest downpours.

The National Weather Service noted that despite ongoing drought conditions, the hardened ground could actually increase runoff and worsen flooding concerns.

Storms may initially develop as isolated supercells before organizing into a larger storm complex overnight. All modes of severe weather remain possible, including isolated tornadoes.

Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings overnight, and avoid driving through flooded roadways.

Cooler temperatures are expected to arrive Thursday into Friday before warmer conditions return for the weekend.