The possibility of a very rainy Saturday is putting a damper on many planned holiday celebrations around metro Atlanta.
Several cities have pulled the plug on tree lighting ceremonies and Christmas parades because of wet weather concerns. According to Channel 2 Action News, Saturday has a 90 percent chance of showers and storms, and some storms could be on the strong side.
“Generally, late afternoon into the evening and overnight, that’s when I am tracking the potential for some of those stronger storms,” Channel 2 meteorologist Katie Walls said. Most of that activity will be to the Southside, she said.
Last year, snow canceled several holiday events during the second weekend of December. It won’t be cold enough to freeze in metro Atlanta on Saturday when the precipitation falls, according to Channel 2. Instead, it will feel more like spring.
The projected low is 51 degrees, while the high is 62.
Walls expects all of North Georgia to be impacted by rain at some point Saturday— not exactly ideal conditions for crepe paper floats, marching bands or the throngs of spectators who come out to see them.
Parades and holiday festivals have been canceled in Kennesaw, Johns Creek, Lilburn, Suwanee, Peachtree City and Conyers. Event organizers in McDonough are watching the weather forecast and plan to make a decision by 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
While some of those events were rescheduled, others will go on as best they can in drier locales. In Kennesaw, the "A Day with Santa" festivities will happen inside the Ben Robertston Community Center without the snow tubing originally planned.
The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade is expected to go on, rain or shine, according to Channel 2. The parade begins at 10:20 a.m. and will travel down Peachtree Street from 16th Street to 5th Street. Several surrounding streets will be closed at times throughout the morning to allow the parade to pass, according to Atlanta police.
APD expects to reopen all streets by 12:30 p.m. Saturday. A map of street closures can be found here. Authorities are encouraging parade-goers to use MARTA or ride-share services to alleviate traffic congestion.
Below is a list of canceled or rescheduled holiday events.
Cobb County: Kennesaw Day with Santa parade is moved to the Ben Robertson Community Center from noon to 4 p.m. Mableton Tree Lighting and Candy Cane Hunt is rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Fayette County: Peachtree City Hometown Holiday celebration is moved to the City Hall plaza from 5 to 9 p.m.
Fulton County: Johns Creek Founders Day Parade is canceled.
Gwinnett County: Suwanee's Jingle in the Park is rescheduled for Dec. 15 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lilburn Christmas Parade is rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8.
Rockdale County: Conyers Christmas Parade and Winterfest are canceled.
Rabun County: Downtown Clayton Christmas parade is rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m.
Union County: Blairsville Christmas Parade moved to Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.
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