Tornado watches and the threat of severe storms canceled the early morning event, which is part of the National Weather Service’s annual Georgia Severe Weather Awareness Week.

The drill now is scheduled for Friday morning.

Residents can see information about topics such as family preparedness, lightning safety and flooding on the Peachtree City-based weather service’s Web site at www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/html/swaw08_main.shtml.

Hard rain did move through the Gainesville-Hall County area Wednesday morning through the afternoon, and there were some hearty winds, but weather conditions improved later in the day.

And with the forecast calling for even better weather in the days ahead, Friday’s drill might go as planned.

Other than a slight chance for rain Friday night, skies should be mostly sunny through Sunday.

And temperatures should hover around the mid- to upper 50s, according to the weather service.