A severe thunderstorm warning issued for Fulton, Cherokee and Forsyth counties has expired, but that doesn’t mean Monday’s weather woes are over.
A storm system in North Georgia is continuing to drop further south into the state, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brad Nitz.
Emergency managers in Cherokee County said the storm brought down trees as it blew through that area, he said.
“This is a line of intense storms and it is not showing any signs of weakening,” Nitz said.
That’s bad news for traffic.
Several traffic lights aren’t functioning in Cherokee due to downed power lines, the sheriff’s office said. East Cherokee Road is shut down between Ashton Farms and Epperson roads, officials said.
There are a few more trouble spots developing, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. In Gwinnett County, a stalled tractor-trailer has all southbound lanes of I-85 blocked between Ga. 316 and Pleasant Hill Road. That’s causing delays, the Traffic Center reported.
A wreck has a left lane of Ga. 316 closed at Ga. 20 before Collins Hill, the Traffic Center reported.
In Clayton County, police activity on the left shoulder of I-75 southbound was causing delays before I-285, the Traffic Center reported.
Roadwork in Chamblee has closed Peachtree Road between Chamblee Tucker Road and Peachtree Boulevard, the Traffic Center reported. The roadwork is expected to last through Thursday.
Dunwoody police are urging drivers to avoid the area around Mt. Vernon west of Ashford Dunwoody Road. An electrical line repair is causing strife there.
Temperatures are gradually coming down in North Georgia as rain chances step up this week, according to Channel 2.
Atlanta was forecast to hit 93 degrees Monday, which should be the highest temperature all week. Channel 2 meteorologist Katie Walls said even with numbers in the low 90s, much of North Georgia will still feel the heat.
“I am dropping those temperatures a bit with those increased storm chances, but unfortunately those heat indexes will remain on the high side,” Walls said.
Scattered showers and storms are 30% likely across metro Atlanta for the drive home Monday, according to Channel 2.
“Some of us will be impacted by heavy downpours, frequent lightning and gusty wind,” Walls said. “Otherwise, though, we're just going to be dealing with those toasty temperatures and hot heat indexes.”
While rain will be hit or miss, one thing is certain: Humidity has returned.
“Please mind that heat,” Walls said. “I am forecasting a heat index in Atlanta of 98 degrees. Maybe pack an extra bottle of water for the kiddos in their backpacks.”
Those with sports practices or outdoor activities will want to take extra precaution. Walls said it’s important to take at least three breaks per hour with plenty of water.
The good news is Atlanta will not be under an air quality alert Monday. The air quality is in the “good” range and is forecast to become moderate by the afternoon, falling short of the conditions that necessitate a Code Orange smog alert, according to Channel 2.
Scattered showers and storms are possible through the 7 p.m. hour and won’t taper off until after sunset, Walls said.
The rain chances increase to 40% for Tuesday and the rest of the week, according to Channel 2. With all the rain and clouds around, afternoon highs are forecast to drop back into the 80s by Friday.
» 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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