Damaging storms are expected to be confined to the afternoon hours across southern Georgia and much of South Carolina.
The evening rush hour could prove dangerous to commuters as storms pummel hubs such as Tallahassee, Florida; Atlanta; and Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina.
Blinding downpours can reduce visibility and pond on roadways quickly, making travel hazardous.
When threatening weather approaches, those on the road should pull over and seek shelter in a sturdy building.
Residents should take precautions ahead of any storms to secure any outdoor furniture or cars, or move them indoors.
Blowing debris can cause significant damage to homes and vehicles.
While tornadoes are not expected to be widespread, a few spin-ups are not out of the question.
The storms are expected to track eastward and northeastward through the evening and overnight, impacting northern Florida and much of North Carolina in addition to Georgia and South Carolina.
“The storms have the potential to bring soaking rain to drought-stricken and wildfire-threatened areas of Florida to end the week,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson.
However, overnight storms can be particularly dangerous as those in the line of fire cannot see the threat or may be asleep.
It will be important for those who live in Florida and the Carolinas to keep a weather radio or charged phone nearby with severe weather alerts enabled.
This soaking weather is expected to lift into the Northeast through the end of the week.
