While there are some rough spots on the roads Tuesday afternoon, peak holiday traffic is still a day away.
The WSB 24-hour Traffic Center expects Wednesday afternoon to be the height of Thanksgiving-related traffic delays, so drivers are advised to plan for higher-than-typical congestion.
The Georgia Department of Transportation will attempt to lessen travel times by suspending construction from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Monday in preparation for the holiday rush.
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The Thanksgiving holiday is approaching and that means increased travel on the roadways. Take a look at the travel forecast for surface streets around Atlanta and plan out your commute. #DriveAlert #TurkeyDayTravelGA pic.twitter.com/Texmt8qjIY
— Georgia DOT (@GADeptofTrans) November 25, 2019
As far as Tuesday’s evening commute is concerned, a bunch of isolated wrecks are causing problems all over metro Atlanta, the Traffic Center reported.
I-20 East in DeKalb County has all lanes moving after a wreck near Candler Road, but heavy delays linger back to Glenwood Avenue, according to the Traffic Center.
This crash has cleared. All lanes open but 20/eb jammed back to Glenwood Ave. #ATLtraffic https://t.co/tTgSXwih8L
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) November 26, 2019
On the Southside, two left lanes of I-285 East are blocked by a crash at I-85, which is jamming both interstates, the Traffic Center reported.
#TRAVELADVISORY Fulton Co/Clayton Co: Crash...I-285/eb (Outer Loop) at I-85. 2 left lanes blocked. Traffic jamming up back on to I-85/nb. #ATLtraffic https://t.co/j2xHL1ZFrc pic.twitter.com/jB2ur3ARzy
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) November 26, 2019
Cobb County is also recovering after a crash on I-75 North at I-285, according to the Traffic Center.
This crash has cleared off to the right. 75/nb still slow from Moores Mill Rd. #ATLtraffic https://t.co/QXZPse1cuC
— AJC WSB Traffic (@ajcwsbtraffic) November 26, 2019
North Georgia is in for some big weather changes over the next few days.
Tuesday featured above-average temperatures in the mid-60s, and rain is expected to move in Wednesday, bringing near 70-degree weather with it, according to Channel 2 Action News. A few more swings are in the forecast before the week is done.
“We've got warmer weather, we've got cooler weather, we've got rain — a couple shots of it coming through over the next several days,” Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said. “It will be a busy Thanksgiving weekend.”
Dry with sunshine for most of the day today -- but rain chances are going up tonight into tomorrow!
— Brian Monahan, WSB (@BMonahanWSB) November 26, 2019
I'll take you through that as we find the best times for your last minute holiday errands + travle plans -- now on Channel 2! @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/TGBUvRQh51
Showers are expected to move into northwest Georgia in the evening hours, he said. Metro Atlanta won’t feel the effects of wet weather until Wednesday morning, when rain is expected to move through the city at the peak of the commute.
Rainfall amounts will be on the lighter side, with about a quarter- to half-inch possible, Monahan said. Those getting a jump on the Thanksgiving holiday will likely have a soggy time of it.
“The timeline has sped up with this, though, so by the afternoon we're clearing out across North Georgia,” he said. “If you're planning on leaving after work Wednesday night, hitting the road, no problems. The rain will be gone and we'll be mostly clear.”
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Thanksgiving Day will be beautiful and cool with highs in the low 60s, Monahan said. Temperatures are expected to rise into the 70s by the weekend.
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“It’ll stay dry through Saturday, with another front bringing widespread rain and an isolated storm chance to North Georgia” for Sunday, when most Thanksgiving travelers will be headed home, he said.
» 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.