Heavy rain moved across metro Atlanta on Thursday morning, contributing to multiple crashes and interstate shutdowns.
The longest-running shutdown was on I-20 East in DeKalb County, where police were on the scene of a crash investigation for more than three hours. Eastbound traffic was forced off the interstate at Panola Road from about 5 a.m. until shortly before 8 a.m., when lanes began slowly reopening.
The heaviest downpours came to an end at sunrise, but the damage to the morning rush was done.
“It’s not an all-day heavy rain,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said. “That is some good news for the evening commute. I wish we could save the morning commute, weather wise. I think it’s going to be tough, though.”
A flash flood watch is in effect for most of North Georgia through Friday morning. The National Weather Service is predicting an additional one to two inches of rain will fall, with some locally higher amounts.
Creeks and streams may rise above flood stage and could impact roads, businesses and other property, according to the Weather Service. Flooding is already occurring in some Middle Georgia counties.
While there could be some lightning, Monahan does not expect any severe weather Thursday.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
A winter weather advisory for the mountain counties has been canceled. Monahan said there is still the possibility for freezing rain and a glazing of ice on elevated surfaces in higher elevations.
“That’s way up in elevation, and it’s going to be very isolated this morning‚” he said. “For most of us, though, it’s just the heavy rain.”
The chance of rain is 100% for the morning hours, but Monahan said conditions should improve by the afternoon. At the very least, it won’t be as wet, he said.
“Less in the way of shower activity this afternoon,” he said. “We’re going to be in the mid-40s for highs. This is clearing out tomorrow, and we’ve got a beautiful weekend in the forecast.”
Sunshine should return Friday and stick around for any weekend plans, according to Channel 2.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
» 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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