WEDNESDAY’S WEATHER-TRAFFIC: Light showers before flash flood watch takes effect

A flash flood watch has been issued for nearly all of North Georgia and is scheduled to take effect Wednesday evening.

The watch goes into effect at 6 p.m., when heavy storms are expected to begin moving across the region. Some areas could see more than 4 inches of rainfall before the rain and storms subside Friday morning, according to Channel 2 Action News.

All of metro Atlanta is included in the flash flood watch area. Channel 2 meteorologist Brian Monahan said the heavy rain mixing with strong wind just above the ground will amount to a severe weather risk.

“That’s the combination this time of year that gives us the risk for some strong and severe storms,” he said. “Some heavy rain, frequent lightning (are) possible, also that risk of some strong wind gusts.”

Some rain is already falling Wednesday morning, but Monahan said it will remain light throughout the day. You may hear tornado sirens as part of a statewide drill scheduled for 9 a.m., according to Channel 2.

Monahan said there is no risk of any severe weather during the daylight hours Wednesday. Any warnings issued late tonight and early Thursday morning, however, should be heeded.

The risk of severe weather goes up as the heaviest rain arrives for the end of the evening commute.

“You know that’s going to cause ponding and puddles on the road,” Monahan said. “You know those poor draining areas are going to flood. Leave plenty of extra time to get to wherever you need to go.”

The rain and thunderstorms will continue overnight, according to Channel 2. The Thursday morning drive could be tough as widespread strong, gusty storms move through North Georgia.

Another line of strong storms is expected Thursday afternoon before it all starts to wind down.

“That line will pass by to the east,” Monahan said. “The severe weather threat will diminish Thursday afternoon, but the rain will stay behind.”

North Georgia is forecast to stay warm Wednesday and Thursday before colder air slips in behind a cold front. Wednesday’s projected high for metro Atlanta is 71 degrees, according to Channel 2.

By Friday morning, as the cold air arrives, Monahan said there is a chance for some light snow and wintry mix as far south as metro Atlanta. Temperatures inside the Perimeter are not expected to leave the 40s Friday.

With showers possible through the day, wet pavement will remain a concern Wednesday, according to Channel 2. So far, the rain does not appear to have much impact on the morning drive.

“Thankfully no major issues on the interstate system in and out of metro Atlanta,” WSB traffic reporter Mark Arum said at 6 a.m.

A crash on a busy Gwinnett County surface street has the potential to cause some big early backups, however. Authorities have shut down all westbound lanes of Ronald Regan Parkway past Five Forks Trickum Road while they respond, the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center reported.

» 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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