Northwest Georgia residents should prepare for the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms late tonight. The National Weather Service is forecasting a line of storms to enter the region, bringing with it the potential for damaging wind gusts, hail, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rain. The primary threat associated with these storms is damaging wind. Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor objects and be aware of the potential for downed trees and power lines. Today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 87 degrees. A southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph, is expected. The chance of precipitation tonight is 70%. Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly before 4 am, then showers are likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 am. The low will be around 67 degrees with a south wind of 5 to 10 mph, and gusts as high as 20 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch are expected, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue into the weekend. Saturday brings a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 87 degrees. Sunday also has a 60% chance of precipitation. While Monday offers a slight respite, with only a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms