Residents across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia should prepare for a wet weekend as widespread showers and thunderstorms move into the area beginning this morning and continuing through Sunday.

The National Weather Service says a few storms could become strong to severe today, especially across northwest Georgia. The primary threats include gusty winds, frequent lightning, torrential rainfall, and localized flash flooding. Some storms may produce rainfall rates exceeding two inches per hour, and repeated thunderstorms moving over the same locations could quickly lead to flooded roads and low-lying areas.

Today’s forecast calls for a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before early afternoon, with a high near 88 degrees. Rain will continue into tonight with an 80 percent chance of additional showers and thunderstorms before tapering off after midnight.

Storm chances decrease Sunday, but scattered afternoon thunderstorms remain possible with a high near 86 degrees. While rain coverage becomes more isolated early next week, afternoon and evening thunderstorms will remain in the forecast each day. Temperatures will gradually climb back into the lower 90s by the middle and latter part of the week as a more typical summer weather pattern returns.

Motorists are urged to slow down on wet roads and never drive through flooded roadways. If thunder roars, head indoors, and remain weather aware throughout the weekend.