News Summary
NE Georgia is preparing for a heat wave and potential thunderstorms as the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from Tuesday to Wednesday. With heat index values predicted to reach 108 degrees, residents are urged to take precautions. Outdoor activities may pose health risks, and frequent breaks are recommended. Scattered thunderstorms are also expected from Tuesday through Sunday. Cleanup efforts continue from previous storms, with significant power outages affecting thousands. Flash flood warnings are in place for several counties, highlighting the need for safety during extreme weather conditions.
NE Georgia is bracing for a significant heat wave combined with risks of thunderstorms, as the National Weather Service (NWS) for Greenville-Spartanburg, SC, has issued an updated heat advisory effective from Tuesday noon until Wednesday at 8 p.m. The advisory encompasses several regions, including Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, and multiple counties such as Cherokee, York, Anderson, Abbeville, Laurens, Union, Chester, Greenwood, Greenville, and Spartanburg.
According to NWS predictions, heat index values could soar to 108 degrees during this period. The combination of high temperatures and elevated humidity levels poses a substantial risk for heat-related illnesses. Consequently, individuals engaging in outdoor activities are urged to take precautions to minimize heat exposure.
The NWS advises that outdoor workers take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to mitigate health risks. In the event that a heat-related emergency occurs, it is important to seek shelter in a cool, shaded area and to contact emergency services immediately by calling 911.
From Tuesday through Sunday, areas affected can also expect a mix of extreme heat and scattered thunderstorms, with isolated to scattered thunderstorms developing mainly in the afternoon and evening hours. The hazardous weather outlook includes counties in the Athens area such as Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, and Oglethorpe. Notably, the counties under the heat advisory in the Athens region are Clarke, Oconee, and Oglethorpe.
Earlier, North Georgia experienced overnight storms that led to damage in the northwestern region and the metro Atlanta area. Cleanup efforts are currently underway to clear debris, particularly downed trees and power lines, due to damaging winds, potential tornadoes, and intense lightning. Multiple trees have been reported down in counties, including Butts and DeKalb.
As of the following morning, over 10,000 customers in Georgia are reported to be without power, with the majority of outages occurring in Henry County. In addition, flash flood warnings have been issued for metro Atlanta along with several other areas, as heavy rainfall has been recorded. Emergency management officials report that flash flooding is either expected or ongoing in various locations, with rainfall totals ranging from 1 to 2 inches.
The NWS has concurrently lifted Tornado Watches in several counties during the early morning hours. Numerous severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were activated throughout the night as the dangerous storms traversed the region, creating hazardous conditions and contributing to the widespread power outages.
Residents in affected areas should remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions and adhere to safety recommendations during this period of extreme heat and potential storms. It is advisable to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, particularly if heat index values are forecasted to exceed 100 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday in northeastern Georgia. Regular updates from local authorities will provide ongoing information as conditions evolve.
Continued vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines will be essential as the region navigates through this extreme weather event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Declares State of Emergency Amid Wildfire Crisis
South Carolina Prepares for Winter Weather Advisory
Easley Man Drowns in Saluda Lake Tragedy
Wildfires Prompt State of Emergency in South Carolina
No Kings Rally in Greenville Protests Trump Administration Policies
Disc Golfers Discover Baby Hammerhead Shark Falling from Sky
Greenville Ranked 29th for Mosquito Infestation in the US
South Carolina Braces for Severe Winter Weather
South Carolina Prepares for Major Winter Storm
Minor Earthquake Hits South Carolina Near Elgin
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Tornado Warnings Across North Georgia
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Online Athens: High Heat and Storms Advisory
- Google Search: Weather Advisory
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Boat Found Circling Near Wallace Dam
- Google Scholar: Weather related search
- The Weather Channel: Current Weather in Walhalla, SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Body Found in Lake Oconee
- Google News: Lake Oconee
