WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Temps drop into 30s ahead of overnight freeze warning

ATLANTA FORECAST

Thursday: High: 44

Thursday night: Low: 31

Friday: High: 54

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

With the rain out of the way, colder air is moving into Atlanta before a freeze warning takes effect later tonight.

The cold temperatures and breezy conditions should be the only weather concern for North Georgia on Thursday, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brad Nitz said.

It’s currently 37 degrees in Atlanta. The freeze warning will be in effect from 11 p.m. until 8 a.m.

Volume is picking up on the Downtown Connector and Northern Perimeter as the evening commute hits full swing, but there aren't many wrecks contributing to the congestion, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

In southwest Atlanta, cleanup efforts are wrapping up after a tree fell early Thursday and took out power lines. Cleanup continues on Campbellton Road at Kimberly Road.

Special Police Officer P. Witter calls in barrels to be placed on Campbellton Road where a tree and power lines blocked the busy southwest Atlanta thoroughfare. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

The start of the morning commute saw some light rain and drizzle, adding a projected quarter-inch of rain to the several inches that have fallen since Monday, according to Channel 2.

A flash flood watch for metro Atlanta and most of North Georgia has expired, but overfull rivers and streams continue to flood in parts of Douglas, Cobb, Fulton, Forsyth and Gwinnett counties. Flood warnings remain in effect in those areas.

The National Weather Service has extended a flash flood watch through Thursday evening for Rabun and Habersham counties.

Channel 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said it’s “some 20 degrees colder than we should be for this time of the year.” It should feel another 10 degrees colder than that, she said.

In the mountains, a quick snow flurry or wintry mix is possible.

MORE: Read more about the freeze warning for North Georgia

“Everybody’s freezing tomorrow morning, or at least very close to it, in the mid-20s to low 30s,” Minton said.

But relief is in sight.

The sun should help to warm North Georgia to highs in the low 50s on Friday and in the 60s Saturday and Sunday, according to the latest forecast from Channel 2.