Monday morning is starting off wet, but it is not likely to stay that way for long.
Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brad Nitz said the heavy rain and gusty wind will come and go quickly. The showers should taper off after sunrise, making the way for a sunny and cool day in the 50s, he said.
“It’s leaving us with wet roads through midmorning, and then we’re going to see some quick drying,” Nitz said.
The system is moving east at 50 mph, with the leading edge now outside the Perimeter and moving away from Gwinnett County, according to Channel 2. The back edge of the system was in Alabama at 6 a.m., but Nitz said it would not take long for it to move across metro Atlanta.
Gusts were recorded up to 50 mph within the heavy downpours, leading to the possibility of downed limbs and trees, Nitz said.
The breezy conditions should stick around this afternoon, he said, with gusts up to 30 mph or more. Nitz said it would help drive temperatures down from morning highs in the mid-60s to a projected afternoon temperature of 52 degrees in Atlanta.
“Sunshine returns today, but gusty winds and cooler temperatures blowing in as well,” he said.
Nitz said the work week will stay cool and dry with the exception of Wednesday, when a 70% chance of rain returns to the forecast. Temperatures are not expected to leave the 40s that day.
“Wednesday could even bring a little bit of a light wintry mix in the highest elevations of the North Georgia mountains,” Nitz said.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
The rain Monday has caused all sorts of problems for the morning drive, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
The biggest problem at 6 a.m. is on I-20 West before Candler Road, traffic reporter Ashley Frasca said. Multiple lanes are blocked, creating gridlock conditions for those headed into the city from DeKalb County, she said.
Frasca suggests drivers take Covington Highway to Glenwood Road instead.
There are more problems for commuters in from the northern suburbs. Two crashes were reported on Ga. 400 South, at Windward Parkway and at Northridge Road, according to the Traffic Center.
Delays are minimal, but drivers should still be careful, Frasca said.
“Dial the speeds down,” she said. “Give yourself some extra time.”
» 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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