Some metro Atlanta neighborhoods could record highs in the 70s Thursday as rounds of rain move through the region.
The city’s projected high is 68 degrees, well above average and more typical of late March than early February. According to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan, North Georgia is on the warm side of a storm dumping snow and ice over the middle part of the country, and that system will provide a few opportunities for wet weather Thursday.
“It’s kind of a tradeoff here,” Monahan said. “You get a springlike afternoon, but you’ve got some rain to deal with.”
Widespread rain is falling across the Northside as the Thursday morning commute gets underway. Monahan said there is a good chance interstates and highways will be wet, and he is urging motorists to leave extra time and use caution on the way to work and school.
Eventually, the steadier rain will taper to scattered showers, he said. At lunchtime, rain is only 40% likely, and there could even be a few peaks of sunshine. Another round of rain expected Thursday afternoon will be heavier, according to Monahan, and it includes the possibility of a severe storm.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
“We’ll get a little break around midday, but by mid- to late afternoon, heavier rain is going to push into North Georgia,” he said. “As as this low tracks over us, a couple of rumbles of thunder are possible. In west Georgia, one or two storms could get strong.”
The heavy rain and storms will really get going after sunset, he said, and the evening commute could be a tough one. The rain will continue overnight, and a few showers could linger into Friday morning, according to Monahan.
For the most part, any strong or severe storms will stick to Alabama, but some communities just over the state line are under a Level 1 risk for severe weather, the lowest risk level out of five. Monahan does not expect any severe weather in metro Atlanta.
By Friday evening, some areas could record up to 4 inches of rainfall, according to the National Weather Service. A flood watch remains in effect for portions of North Georgia through Friday afternoon.
“Then the rain will push out and set you up for what should be a pretty nice weekend across North Georgia,” Monahan said. Temperatures will return to more seasonable levels, but it should be sunny and mostly dry both days, he said.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
With wet pavement, multiple crashes have been reported before sunrise Thursday. None are causing any major delays at 6:30 a.m., according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
“You’ve got to really take your time this morning,” traffic reporter Mike Shields said. “Allow yourself extra time to get to your destination.”
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.
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Credit: WSBTV Videos
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