Updated Weather Alert: Tornado Watch extended for the local area until 7 a.m.

Update

The National Weather Service extended the Tornado watch for several counties, including Walton, Gwinnett and surrounding counties, until 7 a.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021.

Update

Significant Weather Advisory issued until 3:30 a.m. Expired

At 258 AM EDT…a strong thunderstorm was over Snellville, or 9 miles south of Lawrenceville…moving east at 60 mph. HAZARD…40 to 50 mph wind…up to penny sized hail…frequent cloud to ground lightning and heavy rain. 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. Some locations in the path of this storm include Lawrenceville, Winder, Monroe, Snellville, Lilburn, Loganville, Grayson, Bethlehem, Between, Mountain Park, Fort Yargo State Park, Bold Springs, Windsor, Harbin, Nicholasville, Youth, Big Haynes Creek Park, Rosebud, Campton and Gratis. 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.

Original story

The National Weather Service in Atlanta has issued a Tornado Watch for the local area until 2 a.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021. The area includes 37 counties in north central Georgia, including Gwinnett, Walton, Barrow, Newton, Rockdale and Oconee counties and the cities of Monroe, Covington and Watkinsville among others.

A tornado watch means that conditions are such that the possibility of a tornado is possible. Stay turned for updates from the weather service.