NWS Forecasters are predicting that the first round of stormy weather will begin impacting Northwest Georgia around 8 p.m., and will finally blow out of the state in Southeast Georgia by 10 a.m. on Sunday as the weather is expected to get “pretty dangerous” with local readers under a 4 out of 5 risk factor for severe weather.

During an afternoon briefing conducted by NWS Peachtree City, they noted that flooding risks are limited to Northwest Georgia.

The risk factors remain for Floyd, Haralson, Polk, Paulding and additional area counties are all within the Moderate Risk (that 4 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail and more.

Currently the peak window for the severe risk is between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. for Floyd, Polk and Haralson, and between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. for Paulding, Carroll, Bartow and others in the Metro Atlanta area.

There are no immediate watches or warnings in effect, but the NWS is expected to begin putting those in place as storms begin to move into the area this evening.

Here’s the full briefing from NWS Peachtree City:

Look for this portion of Northwest Georgia to remain under the wind advisory until 5 a.m. on Sunday morning.

The majority of the storms should be pushing through during the late night hours and into early Sunday morning, and cleared the immediate area by 2 to 3 a.m.

That tracks as Polk and the immediate surrounding area also remains under an increased risk – between 15% to 30% – of tornadic activity due to the moderate risk factors in place overall for severe weather, and those moving in from mid-Alabama into Northwest Georgia where long-track tornadoes have the highest risks today.

Even if there aren’t tornadoes, high winds are going to remain around through the rest of the day. Gusts are going to get up to 60 to 80 mph through the evening and overnight hours. Those who haven’t yet moved items under cover or within a shelter that could blow around outdoors and become an object that could cause damage still have some time remaining to complete the task.

Additional risk factors also include some localized flooding thanks to higher isolated rainfall in some of the storms moving into Northwest Georgia this evening. Some portions of Polk (western) could get upward of three inches of rain, but most of the area should get at least an inch and upward to two inches overnight. Expect those heavy rainfalls in some of the storms to produce flash flooding of creeks and streams in stronger storms.

Most of the heavy rainfall is expected northward into Floyd County.

Get prepared

High wind shear, warmer temperatures and moisture being pulled up from the Gulf are combining to create these dangerous conditions as they meet a cold front that has already proven deadly. At least a dozen people have been killed by storms between tornado touchdowns in Missouri near St. Louis and in the Mississippi Delta.

Do try and secure items around the home that are outdoors that could become dangerous to life and property during high wind events such as this.

Additionally, know where emergency supplies (72 hours of food and water for all the members of your household, batteries, flashlights, a weather radio, changes of clothing that can be kept dry and out of weather, blankets, etc.) and shelter from severe weather is in your residence. Should a tornado be in your immediate area around your residence, go immediately into an interior, closed space in your residence. Keep your head covered to avoid being injured by falling objects.

If you find yourself in a vehicle, do not attempt to outrun a tornado. Find cover outside of your vehicle in a ditch or other low-lying area where you can shield yourself from high winds and objects within the debris ball of a tornado. Overpasses and other covered roadway features can also provide some shelter. DO NOT STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE.

Additionally for those who find themselves driving in stormy conditions and come across downed utility lines and trees across the roadway: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THROUGH THE DAMAGE!

Downed power lines may still be active, and you can risk electrocution during such attempts or get your vehicle stuck by damaged power lines and poles across roadways. Turn around when encountering downed trees and power lines and find another route to your destination.

Flooded roadways are also dangerous and should not be crossed.

Check back for additional information on the impending storms as they become available.