SUNDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Rain could put a damper on Father’s Day plans

Widespread showers from Tropical Storm Claudette are expected to make for a soggy first day of summer in metro Atlanta.

A flash flood watch issued Saturday for parts of North Georgia will remain in effect through Sunday afternoon as the third named storm of the season makes its way east from the Gulf Coast, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said.

Up to 4 inches of rain is possible in some areas of North Georgia, he said.

While it isn’t expected to rain all day, the widespread showers could put a damper on any outdoor Father’s Day plans, according to the latest forecast.

“It’s light stuff right now, but overnight and (Sunday) morning it will become heavier,” Monahan said, adding that low-lying areas could see some flash flooding. “That heavy rain will track right across metro Atlanta as we head into the afternoon hours.”

There’s a 90% chance of storms on Sunday and the afternoon high is expected to reach 80 degrees in Atlanta.

The wet weather will likely linger into the workweek. There’s a 70% chance of showers on Monday and an 80% chance of rain on Tuesday, Monahan said.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Saturday night’s Atlanta Braves game was postponed due to the storms. The team is slated to play the St. Louis Cardinals twice on Sunday, weather permitting. The first game is set for 2:10 p.m. and the second is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. Both games would only be seven innings.

If the rain holds off, Cobb County drivers can expect delays near the I-75/I-285 interchange ahead of both games.

The Georgia Department of Transportation also has several weekend construction projects planned on metro Atlanta’s interstates.

Cobb County drivers may also see overnight delays in both directions of I-75 as crews repair bridges between Barrett Parkway and Chastain Road, GDOT said. Crews are also expected to repair four bridges on I-85 in Fulton and DeKalb Counties, which could lead to delays there.

All lanes should reopen in time for the Monday morning commute.

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

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