ATLANTA (AP) — Forecasters say severe storms will blow into Georgia on Wednesday, bringing wind gusts of up to 50 mph to northern parts of the state.

The National Weather Service says that as a cold front passes through Georgia on Wednesday, numerous thunderstorms will develop. Forecasters say the main concerns will be damaging winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning.

In metro Atlanta, the thunderstorms are expected to occur mainly after 9 a.m., with up to 2 inches of rain possible.

The weather service has issued a flood watch from late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening for parts of northeast Georgia, where forecasts call for up to 2.5 inches of rain -- and higher amounts possible in some areas. The flood watch covers seven counties and includes the cities of Blairsville, Dahlonega and Cleveland.