Atlanta’s wettest year ever? 2018 is nearing the record
The flooded roads, swollen rivers and plethora of warnings and advisories Friday told a story of intense rainfall for metro Atlanta.
And so did the raw numbers.
By noon, 2018 had become the second-wettest for Atlanta, going all the way back to the start of record-keeping in 1879. At that point, 69.46 inches of rain had fallen this year, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan.
Next up? The record of 71.45 inches, set in 1948.
At 69.46”.. 2018 is now the second wettest year on record in Atlanta!
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) December 28, 2018
We’re about to get a break... but more rain is coming. @KatieWallsWSB walks you through the timing now on Channel 2. @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/U7HKasei6L
At the day’s outset, 2018 was No. 8 overall, and it quickly moved up the rankings.
The latest target to fall was the total from 2009, when 69.43 inches fell, some in memorable — and deadly — fashion.
Flooding rains will tape off this afternoon but there are two more rounds of rain coming. We are getting closer to tying that 71.48” annual rainfall record set in 1948. Many of us had rainfall over 4 inches last night. Thank you El Niño ! #StormWatchOn2 pic.twitter.com/YxSprj2LuI
— Glenn Burns (@GlennBurnsWSB) December 28, 2018
According to Channel 2, about 300 roads were flooded and closed when the bottom fell out Sept. 20, 2009. That included both lanes of I-20 west of Atlanta, I-575 at Ga. 92 and the Stone Mountain Freeway.
Ten people died, most of them while driving at night, Channel 2 reported.
Round 1 is done west of I-85. Moderate rain continues in the east Metro and points eastward. Those showers will gradually clear as we head through the afternoon. A temporary respite is in store tonight and Saturday! pic.twitter.com/i2MfmndvY3
— Katie Walls (@KatieWallsWSB) December 28, 2018
As for the latest rainfall onslaught, more than 3 inches have been measured at the Atlanta airport since Thursday, according to Channel 2 meteorologist Brad Nitz.
“An additional 1-2" inches is possible today,” Nitz said.
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
