WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Atlanta’s interstates are jammed just about everywhere

ATLANTA FORECAST

Thursday: High: 53

Thursday night: Low: 45

Friday: High: 47

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

The holidays are a wonderful time, aren’t they?

For drivers this evening, that's debatable. Nearly all major interstates around Atlanta are jammed as the evening commute begins and holiday travel continues, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

The biggest slowdowns remain on I-285 in Fulton County in both directions, the Traffic Center reported. Fulton Industrial Boulevard near Bolton Road is shut down because of a small plane crash that killed three people, which is affecting traffic on the Perimeter.

MORE: 3 dead as small plane crashes in northwest Atlanta park

Fulton Industrial Boulevard also has issues near I-20, where only one lane is open in each direction because of a downed power line, the Traffic Center reported.

The Perimeter isn’t faring much better since a wreck involving three tractor-trailers previously blocked two left lanes just before I-20, the Traffic Center reported. Only one left lane is blocked now, but the damage has been done and delays linger.

Nearly one inch of rain has already fallen in Midtown on Thursday, according to Channel 2 Action News, and more is expected throughout the day.

“Of course ponding is a problem for those heading out for lunch,” Channel 2 meteorologist Katie Walls said. “We’ll have an active radar at noon.”

Spotty showers are moving north across Atlanta and into the North Georgia mountains.

“You’re still going to have some showers in the area during your commute home from work,” Channel 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said. “Take your patience with you as you are trying to get things done today.”

Katie Moghaizel and her daughters, 3-year-old Elsa (left) and 5-year-old Dori, brave the rain Thursday morning at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport domestic terminal, heading off to visit family for the holidays. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

Temperatures are expected to hit the low 50s in Atlanta. It’s currently 50 degrees.

A lull in the rain is expected through the late afternoon before a resurgence of scattered showers in the evening, according to Channel 2. By 11 p.m., metro Atlanta should get a little break, “but more of it is going to be rolling in overnight tonight,” she said.

More showers are expected to develop in the early morning hours Friday before spreading over metro Atlanta for another wet morning commute, according to Channel 2.

“The rain, not as heavy as some pockets of it (Thursday),” Minton said. “Then we see it kind of winding down as we head past lunchtime.”

Minton predicts a 70 percent chance of rain Friday for the first official day of winter. After the winter solstice Friday, the sun will set later each day.

As the rain system moves away from the state later Friday, Walls said cold air could wrap around and create conditions for a wintry mix or light snow in the mountain counties.

“I’m still seeing the potential for some snow showers in the highest elevations of the North Georgia and western North Carolina mountains Friday night around midnight,” she said. “Impacts aren’t expected since the ground temperatures will still be up.”

North Georgia should get a chance to dry out for the weekend with highs in the mid-50s, perfect conditions for any last-minute Christmas shopping. On Monday, there is a 20 to 30 percent chance of rain for Christmas Eve, according to Channel 2.

“The 24th is looking fairly quiet with the chance for a few showers Christmas Eve evening,” Walls said. “Likewise, a passing shower can’t be ruled out on Christmas Day.”

For those dreaming of a white Christmas here in North Georgia, Walls said there is “basically zero chance” of snowfall.

» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.