UPDATE: A ground stop is in effect at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport until 5:45 p.m.

Be weather aware today – warm temperatures and a line of storms are bringing the possibility of severe weather to metro Atlanta and north Georgia.

According to WSB’s Meteorologist Christina Edwards, these are the current alerts in effect:

A tornado watch has been issued for much of north Georgia until 8 p.m. The watch includes Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Heard, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker and Whitfield counties.

WSB Meteorologist Christina Edwards says that warm and humid air will be in place over north Georgia, which is favorable for thunderstorms to develop.

“A cold front will push into Georgia Friday afternoon, sparking up thunderstorms along the edge of the front,” Edwards adds.

>> Read the latest content from WSB’s Christina Edwards here.

A wind advisory is also in effect for metro Atlanta. Wind gusts of 40-50 are possible throughout the day.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar and you should take cover immediately.

Several north Georgia school districts will close early Friday. Here’s the latest:

• Murray County schools will close early. PVIS and pre-K will dismiss at 10:30 a.m. All other schools will dismiss at 10:45 a.m.
• Gordon County Schools will dismiss elementary schools at 12:30 p.m. and middle and high schools will dismiss at 1:30 p.m.
• Troup County Schools are dismissing two hours earlier on Friday. Elementary will dismiss at 12:20 p.m. Middle and high schools will dismiss between 1:15 p.m. and 1:25 p.m.
• Fannin County schools are on a virtual learning day. All extracurricular activities are canceled.
• Gilmer County schools will close three hours early ahead of storms.
• Pickens County schools will close at noon ahead of severe weather.
• Polk County Schools has announced that schools will close at noon on Friday ahead of severe weather.

>> Download the WSB Radio App to stay up to date on the weather in your area here.

Here’s what to know for today.

• Risk of thunderstorms moving into west Georgia early afternoon.
• Wind gusts up to 45 mph in metro Atlanta
• Areas of northwest Georgia may see wind gusts up to 50 mph
• There is a wind advisory in effect from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday

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