WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Wintry mix could follow Saturday’s rain

ATLANTA FORECAST

Saturday: High: 43

Saturday night: Low: 34

Sunday: High: 37

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

More than half an inch of rain has fallen in metro Atlanta on Saturday, and frozen precipitation could follow before the weekend is over.

But it’s still about the wet stuff for the afternoon and evening, according to Channel 2 Action News.

“Major threat? It’s the heavy rain,” Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said.

By early Sunday, freezing rain and sleet could be on the ground in the northeastern suburbs, according to Monahan.

Parts of North Fulton, Forsyth and Gwinnett counties could get the frozen stuff.

“There could be some slick travel,”  Monahan said.

"It's one of those weekends where we will feel every type of weather.”

Look for the wintry mix to begin falling about 5 p.m. Saturday in the mountainous northeastern Georgia counties.

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Credit: Channel 2 Action News

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Credit: Channel 2 Action News

All eyes will be on Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Atlanta United takes on the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer’s championship game. Unfortunately, there is a strong chance of rain around the 8 p.m. game time.

Since the stadium is covered, the nasty weather outside won’t affect the game, but tailgaters and drivers should plan accordingly.

RELATED: Cold rain to inundate Atlanta during MLS Cup prime tailgating hours

Those along I-20 and the Southside could get 2 to 3 inches of rainfall. North of I-20 isn’t too much better, with 1 to 2 inches expected.

In preparation, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for all of North and Middle Georgia from Saturday morning until Sunday night. Some counties farther north are under winter storm watches.

In addition, a winter storm watch will be in effect Saturday night until 1 a.m. Monday for 15 North Georgia counties, including Gwinnett, Forsyth, Hall, Barrow and Clarke, according to the National Weather Service.

At 7 p.m. Saturday, Habersham and Rabun counties will also be under a winter storm watch, according to the Weather Service. On Sunday morning, a third winter storm watch will go into effect for Lumpkin, Towns, Union and White counties from 1 a.m. until 1 a.m. Monday.

MORE: Flood, winter storm watches issued for parts of North Georgia

The Georgia Department of Transportation has brine — the anti-icing salt solution crews spray on roads before sleet, freezing rain or snow comes through — ready to go to treat roads.

The five-day weather forecast for metro Atlanta.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

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Credit: Channel 2 Action News

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