If you live in Conyers, Oxford, or anywhere in Rockdale or Newton County, tonight is a night to take seriously. A significant severe weather event is expected to impact all of North and Central Georgia — including our communities — from 4 PM this afternoon through 2 AM Thursday morning.
The Fox 5 Storm Team, citing the Storm Prediction Center's updated 12:30 PM outlook, has placed the entire Atlanta metro area — which includes our coverage zone — under a Level 2 (Slight Risk) of severe storms. That level covers damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
The Window: 4 PM – 2 AM
Storms will begin arriving this afternoon. The hour-by-hour model from Fox 5 shows storms concentrated to our north around 5 PM, but by 10 PM, widespread heavy storms are expected across the entire region — including Covington, Conyers, and the surrounding counties. The threat does not end until 2 AM Thursday.
The overnight timing is what makes this especially dangerous. A tornado warning at 11 PM or midnight is far more deadly when people are asleep and phones are silenced.
What Forecasters Are Tracking
Tornadoes — Forecasters say tornadoes are possible, and at least one could be significant. The Storm Prediction Center's updated outlook flags the potential for EF2+ tornadoes in the region.
Damaging Winds — Gusts up to 60 mph are possible, strong enough to bring down trees and power lines.
Large Hail — Hail up to 1 inch in diameter is possible with the strongest storms.
Flash Flooding — A Flood Watch is in effect from 4 PM Wednesday through 8 AM Thursday. Widespread rainfall totals of 1.5 to 2.5 inches are expected, with isolated areas seeing 4 inches or more. Do not drive through flooded roads.
What You Need to Do Before 4 PM
Act now, while conditions are still calm:
- Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. Go to Settings and make sure weather alerts are enabled.
- Have a backup way to get warnings. A weather app, local TV, or a NOAA weather radio can all reach you when your phone might not. Don't rely on a single source.
- Identify your safe place. An interior room on the lowest floor of a solid structure — away from all windows — is where you go when a tornado warning is issued. Know it before you need it.
- Do not wait for the warning to move. If a tornado warning is issued for your area tonight, get to safety immediately. You may have very little time.
- Check on neighbors, especially elderly residents or anyone who may not have reliable access to alerts.
- Charge your devices now and consider keeping a flashlight and portable charger accessible.
This is a serious threat for our communities. The preparations are simple, but they need to happen now.
Stay up to date with your preferred local weather station throughout the afternoon and overnight, and stay safe tonight.
Sources: Fox 5 Storm Team, Storm Prediction Center updated outlook 12:30 PM May 6, 2026, Atlanta News First.
— CJ Lester, CJ Lester Investigates
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