Flash flood warning issued for parts of Atlanta as storms slow travel
Parts of Atlanta and surrounding areas are under a flash flood warning as showers and thunderstorms threaten Saturday plans and slow traffic on water-covered roads.
The National Weather Service said storms that began during daybreak will continue through the afternoon. Parts of Fulton, Cobb and DeKalb counties are under the flash flood warning until 1:30 p.m.
Fulton and DeKalb were added to the warning zone around 9:40 a.m. after 1 to 3 inches of rain had already fallen and radar indicated ongoing storms could produce more heavy rainfall. The Weather Service said an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain is possible in areas under the warning.
Flash flood concerns are heightened Saturday because as much as 5 inches of rain was recorded the day before in some areas, the NWS said. Though severe weather is not anticipated, downed trees are possible in areas experiencing normal wind gusts because of saturated soils from Friday’s rainfall.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, rain is impacting roads across the metro area. Parts of I-285 on the northern side of the Perimeter are closed because of flooding, and a couple lanes of I-75 North near Moores Mill Road are also blocked.
Flash flooding primarily impacts small creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, as well as areas with poor drainage and low-lying terrain, according to the NWS.
Some Saturday events have already been postponed or canceled because of the weather.
The city of Atlanta and the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation were planning to host a community celebration at Quarry Yards in the Grove Park neighborhood. A spokesperson for the city confirmed with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution the event will be postponed and they’ll look to reschedule it.
In Chamblee, a portion of the 5th annual Chalk Walk and Artist Market has been canceled. City spokesperson Shannon Wiggins said in an email that the artist market is off, and the chalk walk will start later when the rain clears.
Even with overcast skies and rainfall Saturday, highs will reach the mid-80s by the afternoon. The feels-like temperature is expected to top off at 94 degrees around 3 p.m.