Rainy, isolated storms this morning; breezy, partly cloudy afternoon

Gilmer County was one of the hardest-hit areas, with strong winds toppling trees and knocking over an RV. Roofs were blown off of some structures, too, and schools there canceled Friday classes due to “ongoing road conditions and power outages.” No injuries were reported, but some families were trapped inside their homes after trees fell upon them.

National Weather Service surveyors are assessing the damage Friday morning to determine if a tornado touched down there, according to Channel 2 Action News.

Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings continue for south and central parts of the state, the NWS reports. They will be in effect at least through noon.

Closer to the city, widespread rain is falling across the metro area ahead of sunrise. A few locations are seeing some isolated thunderstorms, too, so extra caution should be taken during the morning commute. Roads are slick, and there could be ponding water in some locations.

Credit: John Spink / John.Spink@ajc.com

Credit: John Spink / John.Spink@ajc.com

But “by 10 o’clock this morning, the rain from the early morning hours should be gone, pushed well down to our south,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said. “The sun will be coming out. Partly cloudy, breezy as we head through the early part of the afternoon.”

Temperatures will rise from the upper 60s this morning to about 80 degrees this afternoon.

There will still be a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm in the late afternoon on the south side of the metro, but no severe weather is expected.

Behind the rainclouds, conditions will turn gusty with wind speeds up to 30 mph, which will usher in drier and cooler northern air for the weekend.

Saturday morning temps will be in the 40s and 50s, but will climb into the mid 70s by the afternoon under mostly sunny skies. Clear sky conditions continue on Mother’s Day, but it’ll be a bit warmer with highs topping out right around 80 degrees in the city.