Northwest Georgia residents can expect scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and into the evening, bringing with them the potential for gusty winds and frequent lightning. The National Weather Service has also issued a warning for possible localized flooding due to the anticipated heavy rainfall. Today’s forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms, particularly after 5 PM. While the morning will be partly sunny with a high near 86 degrees, the southwest wind will pick up, reaching 5 to 10 mph with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is currently estimated at 60%, with expected rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch. The threat of showers and thunderstorms continues into tonight, primarily before 3 AM. Similar conditions are expected, with heavy rainfall possible. The evening will be mostly cloudy with a low around 69 degrees. South wind will remain between 5 to 10 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 20 mph. The chance of precipitation remains at 60%, with another quarter to half an inch of rain possible. Looking ahead to Wednesday, showers and thunderstorms are likely again, mainly after 2 PM. The day will be partly sunny, with a high near 86 degrees. The southwest wind will be slightly less intense, ranging from 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph. The chance of precipitation remains at 60%, with new rainfall amounts expected to be between a tenth and quarter of an inch, although higher amounts are possible within thunderstorms.