After several hours of heavy rain overnight, the Thursday morning commute is going to be a tough one.
The rain is still coming down across the heart of Atlanta and all across the eastern suburbs, but showers are beginning to taper off in the western suburbs before daybreak. Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Jennifer Lopez said at 6:30 a.m. she expects rain to be “relentless” for at least the next hour or two.
“The roads are wet. I hope you are allowing for some extra time to slow things down,” Lopez said. “Towards the middle of the day, the scattered showers will still be around. Rain chances are a little bit lower as we move toward the evening drive, with just a few isolated showers.”
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
There is a chance of rain all day, she said, but the afternoon and evening variety will not be as widespread. For the morning drive, Lopez said rain is 80% likely, and areas of patchy fog have reduced visibility on the roads.
Traffic has responded in kind, with multiple predawn crashes on metro Atlanta interstates and a complete shutdown on the outer loop of the Perimeter in Fulton County. That crash at Jonesboro Road has since cleared, but delays remain, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
“It’s been a busy one,” traffic reporter Mike Shields said of the commute. “The rain has really had an impact on the roadways. You’ve just got to allow yourself extra time to get to work and school this morning.”
With all the rain around, temperatures are not expected to move much. Atlanta is starting the day in the 70s and is predicted to top out at 80 degrees this afternoon. The average high for this time of year is 88.
Warmer weather is in Friday’s forecast, but North Georgia won’t shake the rain, according to Channel 2. Showers and storms are 60% likely Friday before rain chances turn more isolated for the weekend.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
» 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.
» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.
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