MONDAY’S WEATHER | Widespread, heavy rain prompting flood watches

Some roads and highways already have standing water, so use extra caution during your morning commute. It would be a good idea to delay your drive to work or work from home if you’re able.

“The big impact is all the heavy rain that just really isn’t draining off,” Monahan said. “It doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

Atlanta firefighters have been staying busy with complications from the rain. In one case, a person drove their SUV through a parking lot and down a small ravine into a rushing creek in the area of Marietta Road and Marietta Boulevard, battalion Chief Michael Roman said. The person suffered minor injuries and had to be pulled out.

While the vehicle was above the water, “it was slightly challenging, but we were able to take care of it,” Roman said.

Credit: John Spink / John.Spink@ajc.com

Credit: John Spink / John.Spink@ajc.com

Flash flood warnings have intermittently been in place for areas southwest of the metro as steady rain falls throughout the morning.

By noon, rain clouds should start to break up. But with a cold front approaching, some scattered strong or severe storms are possible along and south of I-20 in the early afternoon, according to the NWS. The south side of the metro will be under a Level 2 of 5 risk for severe weather, Monahan said. Areas on the north side will be under a Level 1 risk.

Credit: John Spink / John.Spink@ajc.com

Credit: John Spink / John.Spink@ajc.com

The main threat on the south side will be damaging wind gusts up to 35 mph or stronger in some areas, along with hail and a slight chance of seeing an isolated tornado. And with already water-logged soil, it’s very likely that some trees could come down.

“(Wind gusts) bring down trees, and they bring down some power lines, too,” Monahan said. “So the possibility of some power outages as we head through today.”

Storms and any leftover showers should clear out by about 8 p.m., setting us up for a cool, dry start to Tuesday.

Rain stays out of the forecast at least through the end of this week.

As for temperatures, Monday is staying mild in the low 60s for highs. We’ll cool down a bit Tuesday, with lows dipping back into the 30s and highs topping out in the low 50s. By Wednesday, highs will be back in the 60-degree range and lows should stay in the upper 30s and 40s at least through the end of the week.