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.
Only the far left lane of I-285 North near Lawrenceville Highway in DeKalb County is moving after a crash, the Traffic Center reported.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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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.
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.
“There’s an elevated tornado risk Sunday in parts of west Georgia, then moving east,” he said. Large hail is also possible.
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.
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