Alert archive / Georgia / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 228, NWS Atlanta, GA

July 20, 20265 counties in Georgia

NWS Atlanta, GA issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Jul 20, 2026, 6:46 PM EDT for 5 counties in Georgia. It was in force for 44 min. 1 report came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Jul 20, 2026, 6:46 PM EDT (22:46 UTC)
Expired
Jul 20, 2026, 7:30 PM EDT
In force
44 min
Issued by
NWS Atlanta, GA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
0.75 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Dodge County, GA, Montgomery County, GA, Telfair County, GA, Toombs County, GA, Wheeler County, GA

The radar

The Robins AFB radar (KJGX), 99 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:45 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jul 20, 7:25 PM EDTTSTM WND DMGMount Vernon, GAThe 911 call center reported a fiber optic line down near the intersection of S Railroad Ave and McGregor St. Likely associated with strong outflow winds from storms.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 39 minutes after it went out.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Jacksonville, FL (KJAX), launched 12:00Z, 10.8 hours before the alert went out and 189 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Jacksonville, FL at 12:00Z on 2026-07-20Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1245 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Jacksonville, FL at 12:00Z on 2026-07-20The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 34 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
1245 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-25 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
871 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
26 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
34 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
14 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.1
Supercell composite
1.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

736 
WUUS52 KFFC 202246
SVRFFC
GAC091-209-271-279-309-202330-
/O.NEW.KFFC.SV.W.0228.260720T2246Z-260720T2330Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
646 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Southwestern Toombs County in southeastern Georgia...
  Southeastern Dodge County in central Georgia...
  Telfair County in central Georgia...
  Wheeler County in central Georgia...
  Montgomery County in central Georgia...

* Until 730 PM EDT.

* At 645 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
  extending from Wray to near Snipesville to near Baxley, moving
  north at 25 MPH.

  HAZARD...60 MPH wind gusts.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  McRae, Alamo, Mount Vernon, Vidalia, Helena, Lumber City, Glenwood,
  Milan, Uvalda, Ailey, Scotland, Chauncey, Higgston, Santa Claus,
  Alston, Jacksonville, Towns, Horse Creek Wma, Spring Hill, and
  McNatt Falls.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

If you see wind damage...hail or flooding...wait until the storm has
passed...and then call the National Weather Service toll free
at 1 8 6 6 7 6 3 4 4 6 6 or tweet us your report at NWSATLANTA.

&&

LAT...LON 3178 8303 3182 8311 3203 8320 3219 8290
      3220 8286 3227 8276 3218 8231 3193 8233
      3197 8244 3196 8250 3195 8248 3195 8249
      3196 8253 3196 8257 3193 8259 3192 8268
      3190 8269 3178 8289 3179 8298 3178 8299
TIME...MOT...LOC 2245Z 172DEG 23KT 3160 8305 3180 8276 3178 8240 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

KSmith
2 follow-up statements
357 
WWUS52 KFFC 202310
SVSFFC

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
710 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

GAC091-209-271-279-309-202330-
/O.CON.KFFC.SV.W.0228.000000T0000Z-260720T2330Z/
Toombs GA-Dodge GA-Telfair GA-Wheeler GA-Montgomery GA-
710 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 730 PM EDT
FOR SOUTHWESTERN TOOMBS...SOUTHEASTERN DODGE...TELFAIR...WHEELER AND
MONTGOMERY COUNTIES...

At 709 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near Red Bluff to near Towns to Grays Landing, moving
north at 30 MPH.

HAZARD...60 MPH wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
McRae, Alamo, Mount Vernon, Vidalia, Helena, Lumber City, Glenwood,
Milan, Uvalda, Ailey, Scotland, Chauncey, Higgston, Santa Claus,
Alston, Jacksonville, Towns, Horse Creek Wma, Spring Hill, and McNatt
Falls.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

If you see wind damage...hail or flooding...wait until the storm has 
passed...and then call the National Weather Service toll free at 1 8 
6 6 7 6 3 4 4 6 6 or tweet us your report at NWSATLANTA.

&&

LAT...LON 3178 8303 3182 8311 3203 8320 3219 8290
      3220 8286 3227 8276 3218 8231 3193 8233
      3197 8244 3196 8250 3195 8248 3195 8249
      3196 8253 3196 8257 3193 8259 3192 8268
      3190 8269 3178 8289 3179 8298 3178 8299
TIME...MOT...LOC 2309Z 173DEG 26KT 3178 8308 3197 8278 3197 8244 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

KSmith
323 
WWUS52 KFFC 202332
SVSFFC

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
732 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

GAC091-209-271-279-309-202341-
/O.EXP.KFFC.SV.W.0228.000000T0000Z-260720T2330Z/
Toombs GA-Dodge GA-Telfair GA-Wheeler GA-Montgomery GA-
732 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHWESTERN TOOMBS...
SOUTHEASTERN DODGE...TELFAIR...WHEELER AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES HAS
EXPIRED...

The storms which prompted the warning have weakened below severe
limits, and no longer pose an immediate threat to life or property.
Therefore, the warning has been allowed to expire and has been 
replaced with a Special Weather Statement. Gusty winds of 40 to 50 
MPH and heavy rain are still likely with these thunderstorms.

&&

LAT...LON 3178 8303 3182 8311 3203 8320 3219 8290
      3220 8286 3227 8276 3218 8231 3193 8233
      3197 8244 3196 8250 3195 8248 3195 8249
      3196 8253 3196 8257 3193 8259 3192 8268
      3190 8269 3178 8289 3179 8298 3178 8299
TIME...MOT...LOC 2331Z 172DEG 23KT 3191 8310 3210 8280 3210 8246 

$$

KSmith

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Atlanta, GA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Jul 20, 1:55 PM EDT, 4 hours 51 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Tropical Depression Two is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm as it meanders westward over the northern Gulf today, but no direct impacts to the local area are expected.
  • Isolated to scattered diurnally-enhanced showers and thunderstorms can be expected each day through the week ahead.
  • Hot and humid conditions persist into midweek with any potential for substantively cooler conditions holding off until late week.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 20, 1:55 PM EDT, 4 hours 51 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
155 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

...Afternoon Area Forecast Discussion...

.KEY MESSAGES...

  - Tropical Depression Two is forecast to strengthen into a
    tropical storm as it meanders westward over the northern Gulf
    today, but no direct impacts to the local area are expected.

  - Isolated to scattered diurnally-enhanced showers
    and thunderstorms can be expected each day through the week
    ahead.

  - Hot and humid conditions persist into midweek with any
    potential for substantively cooler conditions holding off
    until late week.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This afternoon through Tuesday)
Issued at 153 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

A warm and pleasant afternoon is underway across North and Central
GA. Current temperatures are in the mid 80s to low 90s across most
locations outside of the higher elevations in northeast GA. Isolated
convection has started to develop across far North GA and along the
higher elevations at the time of this writing. Though latest hi-res
guidance has trended downward in coverage with NBM also
reflecting this theme largely due to a little bit more drier air
present in the low to midlevels. Nonetheless, the highest chances
for showers and thunderstorms through early evening will be across
far North GA -- closer to where a stationary boundary resides in
Central TN -- and across portions of Central GA (Columbus to Macon
to Swainsboro south) where an initial area of convergence from
Tropical Depression Two lifts northward late this afternoon and
evening. Chances remain low (<15%) for areas in and around the
I-20/I-85 corridors.

Speaking of Tropical Depression Two, latest satellite imagery does
indicate a slightly better center but still continues to be impacted
by moderate shear. Very slow if any movement is expected through at
least the rest of today , with the latest NHC track indicating an
eventual westward trajectory towards the TX coast in the coming
days. No direct impacts are anticipated for North and Central GA.

Tuesday's forecast will be more or less than same as today's
forecast. A shortwave trough will begin swinging towards the Great
Lakes Region driving a surface front through the Ohio Valley towards
North GA. A increase southerly flow on the back side of the westward
moving tropical system will support afternoon showers and
thunderstorms across Central GA (mainly south of I-20) Tuesday
afternoon. Temperatures will also be a tick warmer on Tuesday than
today with highs in the 90s and heat indices at or just below 105
(Heat Advisory Criteria) in Central GA.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Wednesday morning through next Sunday)
Issued at 153 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

One final day of widespread heat index values exceeding 100 is
expected before temperatures ease to something a little more
reasonable. A cold front (and I use the word 'cold' liberally) is
expected late Wednesday afternoon and into the overnight hours of
Thursday. A few areas in the southern part of the CWA may continue
to see HI values as high as 100 through the week. Afternoon
thunderstorms chances increase as a result, but as of right now
there is only a marginal chance for severe weather as the best
dynamics remain off to the northeast. The front will filter in some
drier air, and while temps will remain in the upper 80s and lower
90s it won't be nearly as humid.

Afternoon thunderstorm activity will continue through the rest of
the week. As always, a few strong storms could be possible each
afternoon. Gusty winds, frequent lightning and some localized flash
flooding will be the main concerns to watch out for.

We continue to monitor the current tropical depression in the gulf,
but we agree with NHC's track and are unlikely to see significant
impacts as a result through the long term forecast period.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 1258 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

VFR continues at all sites. Biggest change from the previous
forecast was opting to remove the low-end (PROB30) chance for tsra
at the metro sites for this aftn. With some drier air working into
the area based on our position relative to a tropical system over
the northern Gulf, latest models have trended downward on
convective chances. FEW to SCT cu and high cirrus will be the
trend thru Tuesday with SE to SW winds 4-8kts each day and
light/vrb overnight.

//ATL Confidence...18Z Update...

Medium confidence on lack of tsra occurrence.
High confidence on remaining elements.

07

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Athens          74  93  75  92 /  10  10  10  70
Atlanta         75  92  75  91 /  10  10  10  60
Blairsville     68  85  70  84 /  10  10  40  90
Cartersville    74  93  75  92 /  10  10  10  70
Columbus        75  92  76  93 /  10  40  10  60
Gainesville     74  92  75  91 /  10  10  10  70
Macon           74  92  75  92 /  10  40  10  50
Rome            74  93  75  92 /  10   0  10  60
Peachtree City  73  91  74  91 /  10  20  10  60
Vidalia         75  95  76  95 /  20  30  10  20

&&

.FFC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&

SHORT TERM...07
LONG TERM....Vaughn
AVIATION...07
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 20, 12:17 PM EDT, 6 hours 29 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
1217 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

GAZ001>009-011>016-019>025-027-030>039-041>062-066>076-078>086-
089>098-102>113-211630-
Baldwin-Banks-Barrow-Bartow-Bibb-Bleckley-Butts-Carroll-Catoosa-
Chattahoochee-Chattooga-Cherokee-Clarke-Clayton-Cobb-Coweta-
Crawford-Crisp-Dade-Dawson-DeKalb-Dodge-Dooly-Douglas-Emanuel-
Fannin-Fayette-Floyd-Forsyth-Gilmer-Glascock-Gordon-Greene-
Gwinnett-Hall-Hancock-Haralson-Harris-Heard-Henry-Houston-Jackson-
Jasper-Jefferson-Johnson-Jones-Lamar-Laurens-Lumpkin-Macon-
Madison-Marion-Meriwether-Monroe-Montgomery-Morgan-Murray-
Muscogee-Newton-North Fulton-Oconee-Oglethorpe-Paulding-Peach-
Pickens-Pike-Polk-Pulaski-Putnam-Rockdale-Schley-South Fulton-
Spalding-Stewart-Sumter-Talbot-Taliaferro-Taylor-Telfair-Toombs-
Towns-Treutlen-Troup-Twiggs-Union-Upson-Walker-Walton-Warren-
Washington-Webster-Wheeler-White-Whitfield-Wilcox-Wilkes-
Wilkinson-
1217 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north and central Georgia.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight...

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon.
Any storms that form will be capable of producing gusty winds,
frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday...

Scattered afternoon thunderstorms are expected through much of the
week ahead. Any storms that form will be capable of producing
gusty winds, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall.

Heat concerns will linger through next week as maximum heat index
values are expected to rise into the triple digits for many areas.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not requested but spotters are encouraged
to submit reports of severe weather through the web by going to
weather.gov/atlanta.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 20, 4:28 PM EDT, 2 hours 18 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
428 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

GAZ080-090>097-102>111-202115-
Peach GA-Stewart GA-Crisp GA-Wheeler GA-Telfair GA-Marion GA-
Wilcox GA-Dodge GA-Pulaski GA-Macon GA-Schley GA-Chattahoochee GA-
Dooly GA-Taylor GA-Sumter GA-Houston GA-Bleckley GA-Laurens GA-
Webster GA-
428 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of southern Laurens,
Dodge, Marion, eastern Chattahoochee, eastern Stewart, southern
Houston, northwestern Wheeler, Sumter, Crisp, Macon, Pulaski,
Telfair, Wilcox, Dooly, southwestern Bleckley, Webster, south central
Peach, Schley and southwestern Taylor Counties through 515 PM EDT...

At 427 PM EDT, a line of strong thunderstorms was along a line
extending from near Preston to near Tremont to near Workmore, and
moving north at 25 MPH.

HAZARD...40 to 50 MPH wind, frequent cloud to ground lightning, and
         heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
         light, unsecured objects. Heavy rain may cause temporary
         street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.

Locations impacted include...
Americus, Perry, Cordele, McRae, Cochran, Eastman, Hawkinsville,
Vienna, Abbeville, Buena Vista, Ellaville, Oglethorpe, Preston,
Unadilla, Montezuma, Helena, Chester, Richland, Marshallville, and
Rochelle.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Motorists
should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to
hydroplaning.

&&

LAT...LON 3178 8303 3185 8318 3185 8361 3180 8361
      3180 8380 3185 8394 3191 8392 3192 8434
      3187 8434 3197 8444 3192 8446 3192 8467
      3248 8473 3248 8359 3232 8276 3178 8289
TIME...MOT...LOC 2027Z 191DEG 22KT 3210 8458 3205 8370 3197 8301

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

KSmith
Special weather statement, Jul 20, 5:28 PM EDT, 1 hour 18 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
528 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

GAZ083-084-202200-
Wilkinson GA-Twiggs GA-
528 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Wilkinson
and east central Twiggs Counties through 600 PM EDT...

At 527 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was near Nicklesville, or near
Irwinton, moving northwest at 15 MPH.

HAZARD...40 to 50 MPH wind, frequent cloud to ground lightning, and
         heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
         light, unsecured objects. Heavy rain may cause temporary
         street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.

Locations impacted include...
Irwinton, McIntyre, and Nicklesville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Motorists
should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to
hydroplaning.

&&

LAT...LON 3274 8304 3262 8316 3275 8341 3292 8320
TIME...MOT...LOC 2127Z 134DEG 13KT 3271 8316

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

KSmith
Special weather statement, Jul 20, 6:42 PM EDT, 4 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
642 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

GAZ086-112-113-202315-
Toombs GA-Emanuel GA-Montgomery GA-
642 PM EDT Mon Jul 20 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Toombs, south
central Emanuel and northeastern Montgomery Counties through 715 PM
EDT...

At 641 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was over Ohoopee, or near Lyons,
moving north at 25 MPH.

HAZARD...40 to 50 MPH wind, frequent cloud to ground lightning, and
         heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
         light, unsecured objects. Heavy rain may cause temporary
         street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.

Locations impacted include...
Lyons, Vidalia, Oak Park, Santa Claus, South Thompson, Center, Toombs
Central, Ohoopee, New Branch, Ponderosa, Johnson Corner, and
Normantown.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

People outdoors should seek shelter immediately. If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Motorists
should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to
hydroplaning.

&&

LAT...LON 3214 8220 3198 8222 3197 8233 3232 8248
      3242 8220 3235 8225 3235 8224 3228 8223
      3224 8221 3223 8221 3217 8218
TIME...MOT...LOC 2241Z 170DEG 21KT 3215 8224

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

KSmith

The office that day

Everything else NWS Atlanta, GA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 20, 4:28 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementFFCCrisp, Dodge, Dooly, Houston, Macon, Marion and 6 more47 min
Jul 20, 5:28 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementFFCWilkinson32 min
Jul 20, 6:42 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementFFCToombs33 min
Jul 20, 7:30 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementFFCDodge, Emanuel, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Telfair and 3 more45 min
Jul 20, 7:35 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementFFCCatoosa25 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Georgia, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.