Strong storms and heavy rain moved through metro Atlanta and are heading south

ATLANTA — Metro Atlanta got a lot of rain and a few strong storms early Sunday morning as a powerful weather system makes its way through the state.

Severe Weather Team 2 has been tracking the system since Saturday. The line of storms could be strong to severe. A brief, spin-up tornado can’t be ruled out for eastern areas during the day on Sunday.

Severe Weather Team 2 is tracking the heavy rain, storms LIVE on Channel 2 Action News Sunday AM. Download the WSB weather app for alerts.

LIVE UPDATES:

7:45 a.m.

Most of the heavy rain and storms have moved far south of the Atlanta area. Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brian Monahan said many areas picked up over an inch of rain. More rain is expected throughout the day on Sunday with the weather turning much, much colder beginning late Sunday night into Monday morning.

5:34 a.m.

Tornado watch canceled, but risk for isolated strong/severe storm is possible for east areas Sunday morning.

5:09 a.m.

The tornado watch from earlier in the morning has been lifted but the risk of strong storms remains.

4:49 a.m.

The heaviest rain is now starting to push through metro Atlanta.

4:15 a.m.

4:12 a.m.

3:56 a.m.

Temperatures remain in the 60s and 70s across north Georgia as the line approaches.

3:23 a.m.

Heavy rains and 25-35 MPH winds moving into the metro Atlanta area.

2:59 a.m.

Tornado watch will not move further east.

2:45 a.m.

Burns says the lightning count is lowering, which is a good sign.

2:30 a.m.

The tornado watch has been canceled for a few counties.

1:30 a.m.

Burns says some areas could see localized flooding.

12:45 a.m.

11:07 p.m.

A tornado watch has been issued for Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, Floyd, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk and Troup counties until 6 a.m.

9:55 p.m.

A tornado warning has been issued for Walker and Dade counties until 10 p.m.

7:52 p.m.

A tornado watch has been issued for Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Pickens, Towns, Union, Walker and Whitfield counties until 3 a.m.

Here is what to know as the system moves through:

• Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather in northwest Georgia counties.
• Metro Atlanta area is facing a Level 2 out of 5 risk.
• Main risks are heavy rain with potential flooding, damaging wind gusts and possibility of spin up tornadoes.

Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon said the front is likely to move into the northwest part of the state as early as 9 p.m. with the stronger weather making its way into the state beginning around midnight.

The timeline for metro Atlanta appears to be between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday.

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Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Brian Monahan said showers will linger through most of the day on Sunday as the rest of the front crosses through the state.

Once it passes, he said temperatures will drop quickly as cold air comes rushing in.

Monahan and Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Glenn Burns say the lingering showers, combined with the cold air, could create areas of a rain and snow mix in the northern mountains of the state early Monday morning.

Businesses, middle school damaged by likely tornado in Newton County

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