As Friday's evening commute chugs along, traffic is building quickly on the Northside, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
The worst delays are along Ga. 400 South, where a crash is blocking two right lanes at the Hammond Drive exit, the Traffic Center reported.
#UPDATE #TRAVELADVISORY now 2 right lanes are shut down #ATLtraffic https://t.co/F0DxwaizO9
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) April 12, 2019
Only the far left lane of I-285 North near Lawrenceville Highway in DeKalb County is moving after a crash, the Traffic Center reported.
#TRAVELADVISORY DeKalb Co: I-285/nb (outer loop) at Lawrenceville Hwy (exit 38); crash only letting the far left lane get by; delays https://t.co/2hvjWkI3bV #ATLtraffic pic.twitter.com/tQiHG0VwXK
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) April 12, 2019
A crash involving a tractor-trailer on Ga. 138 at I-85 is also slowing Fulton County traffic, according to the Traffic Center. The crash is blocking a left eastbound lane and a westbound turn lane.
Fulton Co: Hwy 138/eb at I-85; tractor trailer crash blocking the left lane and the WB turn lane; delays https://t.co/2hvjWkI3bV #ATLtraffic #ATLtraffic pic.twitter.com/7oOJSJJ7ZT
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) April 12, 2019
Friday kicks off what could be a busy weather weekend in North Georgia, especially the second half of it. Atlanta is dry after some showers earlier Friday, but there is a chance for more scattered rain and a possible thunderstorm through the day and evening, according to Channel 2 Action News.
Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said the rain Friday is well-removed from a massive spring blizzard inundating parts of the country with snow and high winds, but that storm could have an impact on Georgia weather Sunday.
“Sunday is the day I need you to be especially weather aware,” he said. “Tracking a chance for some strong to severe thunderstorms.”
SEVERE WEATHER RISK SUNDAY: Good morning! We're tracking scattered showers and a chance of a storm the next couple of days, but Sunday's the big day as the risk of severe thunderstorms increases.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) April 12, 2019
Be weather aware!
I'm breaking it down live now on 2. pic.twitter.com/pcCam3aTJ9
Atlanta is expected to reach the 80s Friday, according to Channel 2. At 5 p.m., the city was at 78 degrees with humidity at 46%.
After a few dry days, pollen counts were on the rise. The count for Friday was 2,017 particles per cubic meter of air, which is considered extremely high.
The #pollen count is a little higher this morning -- up above 2000! That's in the extremely high range.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) April 12, 2019
I see some rain -- and some relief from the pollen -- over the next few days! @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/xtqYoWnbAd
While most will stay humid and dry, Monahan said a slight chance for an isolated shower or rumble of thunder continues through the evening drive.
Could be a few showers or storms around for the after school activities today -- but it'll be pretty scattered activity.
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) April 12, 2019
More widespread rain & storms arrive later this weekend -- see you at 5:19am on @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/8BdarjETqy
A slight chance of rain continues into Saturday, but most should see a mix of clouds and sunshine during the day, according to Channel 2.
“The best day of the weekend will be Saturday, as we warm into the low 80s under a partly cloudy sky,” Monahan said. “We’re keeping the rain chance at 30 percent Saturday afternoon — Saturday is the best day for outdoor plans.”
CHANCE OF SHOWERS TODAY: Good morning! I'm tracking scattered showers this morning; we'll see a bit less coverage for the afternoon. It's going to be warm with highs near 80!
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) April 12, 2019
Tomorrow will be more of the same -- even a little drier.
Have a great day! pic.twitter.com/byGa7lTIAE
That’s good news for those with plans to take in the Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park and for spectators at the Masters in Augusta.
Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
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Saturday is the best day for the #DogwoodFestival this weekend -- Sunday's a little dicey with rain and storms moving in... some storms will be strong/severe!
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) April 12, 2019
Live streaming now on our @wsbtv app through 9am pic.twitter.com/tnIC38CgzT
Warm & humid this weekend at the #Masters -- chance of showers and storms today and tomorrow; chance for severe storms there and widespread rain later on Sunday.@wsbtv pic.twitter.com/rl6Bxjb8kr
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) April 12, 2019
It could be a different scenario Sunday, Monahan said. A line of showers and storms will be moving into the state, and “all threats are on the table,” he said.
There is a strong and severe storm threat Sunday. Damaging wind gusts, large hail, and even tornadoes are possible.
— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) April 12, 2019
I'll have the latest timing and threats on WSB-TV at Noon and 5 pm. pic.twitter.com/MgxYHTHBeq
Channel 2 meteorologist Brad Nitz said the highest risk is for damaging wind gusts upwards of 60 mph, but there is also a moderate risk for large and isolated tornadoes.
Severe risks for Sunday are coming into better focus. The highest risk if for damaging wind gusts but there's a risk for large and isolated tornadoes.
— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) April 12, 2019
I'll have the latest on WSB-TV at noon and 5 pm. pic.twitter.com/96JFgH1o5k
“There’s an elevated tornado risk Sunday in parts of west Georgia, then moving east,” he said. Large hail is also possible.
There's an elevated tornado risk Sunday in parts of west Georgia, then moving east.
— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) April 12, 2019
I'll have the details on the threats and timing live on WSB-TV at noon and 5 pm. pic.twitter.com/x1L44d52ub
Beyond the weekend, Monahan said the weather will turn beautiful with highs in the 60s and 70s for the start of the work week.

» 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.