Flash flood snarls Atlanta traffic during rush hour
More than 2 inches of rain fell on Atlanta during rush hour traffic Wednesday evening, prompting a flash flood warning, according to the National Weather Service.
The Downtown Connector reopened just before 7 p.m. after floodwaters left a few motorists stuck, causing major traffic delays across the city. Even after the interstate reopened, drivers were advised to avoid the area because of “heavy congestion,” according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Flash flooding, visible from GDOT cameras, hit the Downtown Connector at Baker Street in downtown Atlanta. Areas near Freedom Parkway, Peachtree Street and the Pine Street exits were impacted by flooding, according to the NWS.
All lanes of I-75/I-85 shut down just before 5:30 p.m. at J.W. Dobbs Avenue because of interstate flooding, according to GDOT. Live camera feeds showed cars attempting to drive into the floodwaters and getting stuck.
By 7 p.m., traffic started to flow again on the Downtown Connector. Some side streets, including Northside Drive, also were impacted by flooding.
If motorists encounter flooded areas, they are advised to turn around and not to drive through standing water.
An Atlanta police spokesperson said the agency had not been notified of any injuries and said officers responded “as needed to assist with traffic control.”
Officials from Atlanta fire, as well as GDOT, did not respond to inquiries from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Channel 2 Action News chief meteorologist Brad Nitz said the water receded as the rain stopped and as crews cleared drains on the interstate.
“Things are improving. We’re not going to see this get worse before it gets better, but it’s not going to get better right away,” Nitz said during the 6 p.m. newscast.
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