Northwest Georgia is bracing for a weekend of severe weather, with the highest threat arriving Saturday night and continuing into Sunday morning.  Today, we will see mostly sunny skies with a high of 79 degrees, but things will change as we head into Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 out of 5) for the region, warning of potential tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. A Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) is already in effect for northwest Georgia late Friday into early Saturday, with isolated thunderstorms capable of damaging winds and hail possible before sunrise. Forecasters are particularly concerned about an organized line of storms expected to develop in the Mississippi River Valley and push eastward. The atmospheric conditions, including a strong mid-level jet stream and unstable air, are primed for severe weather across much of the southeastern United States. “Buckle up,” meteorologists are advising, suggesting that conditions will get particularly active Saturday night and into Sunday. The primary threat is expected to be damaging winds and embedded tornadoes.

Severe weather line is likely to remain potent as it crosses the region. Minor flooding and flash flooding are also a concern for North Georgia Saturday night into Sunday morning. Residents are strongly urged to plan in advance, secure loose objects, and have multiple methods for receiving weather alerts.

Following the passage of the severe weather system, the long-term forecast calls for quieter conditions with pleasant temperatures in the mid-70s and overnight lows in the mid-40s.