Tornadoes, high winds possible on Friday

Published 10:25 am Thursday, January 11, 2024

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Troup County residents are being warned to prepare for severe weather conditions coming into the state Friday.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center currently has Troup County as part of a large area under an enhanced risk of severe weather for Friday, with threats including tornadoes, high winds and severe thunderstorms.

“Severe thunderstorms, with potential to produce high winds and a few strong tornadoes, are possible across parts of the Southeast Friday through Friday evening,” the Storm Prediction Center’s summary states.

The forecast will become clearer in the coming days.

“The question for us here across Georgia is going to be whether we get severe weather and instability right now,” National Weather Service Forecaster Brett Albright said. “It’s uncertain, but if we get that instability, we’re going to get severe weather, but we’re not 100% on that yet. As of right now, the main concern is damaging winds in terms of hazards.”

The storm system is set to impact Troup County in the afternoon hours with heavy rains and is expected to dissipate slowly throughout the night. Albright advised residents to monitor the weather through different channels and to remain updated on changing conditions.

“As we go into the day tomorrow, just continue to monitor the weather conditions,” Albright said. “You want to be more aware throughout the day, so make sure you’ve got your method of receiving alerts, whether it be through your phone, your weather radio, TV, or any other preferred method of getting your weather warnings, and make sure that’s available during the day on Friday.”