Alpharetta-Milton Under a Tornado Watch Until 3 a.m. Tuesday

Alpharetta and Milton are under a tornado watch until 3 a.m. Tuesday as a storm system similar to what came through the area last Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

The primary hazards from severe thunderstorms will be damaging straight line winds, with isolated tornadoes a secondary threat. Large hail also may be produced. Expect frequent cloud-to-ground lightning from all of the thunderstorms.

The primary threat area for severe thunderstorms will be northwest of an Athens to Macon to Americus line through 4 a.m. Tuesday.

A line of severe thunderstorms was ongoing across Alabama at sunset, entering northwest Georgia around 9 p.m. It was moving rapidly east toward Athens and Atlanta by midnight. Bow segments within the line will be capable of producing damaging winds gusts of 70 mph or greater, along with tornadoes. The line is expected to weaken as it moves further east into the state where the air mass is more stable along with the loss of daytime heating.

On Tuesday, wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph will be possible from late morning through late afternoon.