Storms threaten Middle Georgia tonight. Here’s what to expect and when.

Middle Georgia emergency management agency directors and other public safety officials are keeping a close watch on the potential for severe weather Saturday night.

“What we’re expecting is sometime tonight between about 9 and 11 is when we’re going to hit the biggest storm front coming through,” Bibb County EMA Director Spencer Hawkins said Saturday. “We’re going to see some really impactful winds that could be anywhere between 30 and 35 miles per hour.

“...There is a chance that we may see some tornado activity. But it’s a small chance ... There’s always that chance with this type of storm system,” he said.

With already saturated soils, high winds could knock down trees resulting in downed power lines and power outages, he said.

Houston County public safety agencies also are on high alert.

“We’re still cautious of it,” said Houston County EMA Director Chris Stoner. “...We’ve got all our public works and everybody ready.”

A tornado watch has been extended to midnight for parts of Middle Georgia.

The National Weather Service shows much of Middle Georgia — including Bibb and Houston counties — under a slight risk of severe weather. The greatest threat is near the Alabama and Georgia line, the NWS reports.

Storms are expected to move into the area as early as 7 p.m. A wind advisory is also in effect until 10 p.m.

Folks are advised to monitor the weather and plan to stay indoors for the night.

“Those high winds are my main concern,” Hawkins said. “It’s dark out, power lines could come down, traffic lights could go off ... It’s not necessarily the wind, but what the wind could pick up — a tree branch, debris — that could cause you harm as well.

“... Stay inside and be safe,” he said.

This story was originally published January 11, 2020 at 11:38 AM.