SATURDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Muggy weekend ahead as isolated showers return

ajc.com

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

After a relatively cool start to summer, metro Atlanta is in store for a string of 90-degree days.

North Georgia residents can expect a muggy weekend punctuated by high temperatures and isolated storms, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brad Nitz said.

With a 20% chance of rain, Saturday and Sunday should remain on the drier side. But pop-up thunderstorms have the potential to cause flash flooding in some areas, which is what happened Friday afternoon in Atlanta.

Streets flooded in Atlanta's Cabbagetown neighborhood on Friday afternoon as storms moved through metro Atlanta.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

icon to expand image

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Streets flooded in the Cabbagetown neighborhood as widespread rain moved through the area. There were several reports of downed trees across the city and some drivers were forced to abandon their cars as torrential downpours caused roads to quickly fill with water, according to Channel 2.

A flash flood warning was issued for DeKalb and Fulton counties until early Saturday morning.

While the weekend should remain relatively dry, Nitz said more showers are expected by Saturday afternoon.

“Like (Friday,) there will be isolated showers and storms,” he said. “We’ll have that isolated storm coverage into Saturday evening ... If you’re in the path of one of these storms there will be some brief heavy downpours.”

ajc.com

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

icon to expand image

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

The day is expected to start off partly cloudy with temperatures in the low 70s before warming up to 90 degrees, according to the latest forecast. That will kick off a string of at least five consecutive 90-degree days, Nitz said. While that’s the average high for July, Atlanta has reached 90 just three times this month and nine times all year, he said.

In addition to the isolated downpours, metro Atlanta drivers may have some construction projects to compete with this weekend.

In Cobb County, a portion of the I-285 off-ramp to Cobb Parkway was shut down Friday afternoon as crews worked to repair a massive sinkhole. Repairs were expected to continue overnight, but officials have not said how long it may take for the lanes to reopen.

Crews are working to repair a large sinkhole at the I-285 off-ramp to Cobb Parkway.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

icon to expand image

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Drivers can also expect delays near I-285 and Ga. 400 as construction continues this weekend at the busy interchange.

» 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.