News Summary
Flash flood warnings are now in effect for several counties in northern Georgia due to intense thunderstorms causing heavy rainfall. Some areas may receive between two to four inches of rain, leading to significant flooding. A water rescue occurred in southwest Atlanta, and power outages have impacted over 33,000 customers. Residents are advised to prioritize safety as forecasts predict continued severe weather through the weekend.
Atlanta, Georgia – Flash flood warnings have been issued for several counties in northern Georgia, including Milton, Woodstock, Canton, Cherokee, Forsyth, and southwestern Hall County. These warnings are active until 10 p.m., with additional warnings in place for metro Atlanta counties such as Fulton, DeKalb, Bartow, Paulding, Cobb, and southwestern Cherokee, which will last until 11:30 p.m. These severe weather conditions are attributed to intense thunderstorms that have brought heavy rainfall to the region.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has predicted that some areas could experience between two to four inches of rain, with rainfall rates reaching as high as three inches per hour. This heavy precipitation has led to significant flooding in urban areas, small creeks, streams, highways, streets, and underpasses. Areas particularly at risk include Atlanta, Decatur, East Point, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, and Turner Field.
In response to the flooding, a water rescue operation occurred in southwest Atlanta where a disabled vehicle was stranded in flooded conditions on Claire Drive. Authorities successfully removed the driver from the vehicle, and fortunately, there were no reported injuries. Motorists are advised to adhere to safety messages urging them to “turn around and don’t drown” when encountering flooded roads.
The NWS has also issued a severe thunderstorm warning that remains effective for several metro Atlanta counties and parts of north Georgia, specifically until 8 p.m. Early assessments indicate that the thunderstorms are producing winds up to 50 mph and penny-sized hail, which, in conjunction with heavy rain, could lead to further minor damage and debris. The impact of this weather has already been felt on major traffic routes, with multiple lanes on I-75 flooded near CW Grant Parkway, affecting access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Additionally, power outages have been reported, affecting over 33,000 Georgia Power customers and more than 8,000 Georgia EMC customers due to the severe weather conditions. Flooding is particularly significant in areas such as Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta, East Point, Hapeville, and College Park. The NWS has issued at least four individual flash flood warnings that are currently affecting a broad region of north and central Georgia, posing challenges for urban infrastructure that is typically less equipped to handle such widespread flooding.
Weather forecasts indicate that these severe thunderstorms are expected to continue throughout the weekend, creating heightened anxiety among residents who are already facing adverse conditions. Temperatures are anticipated to vary significantly across Georgia on Friday evening due to the rainfall. Nevertheless, forecasters project that the Fourth of July holiday will likely be mostly dry and hot, despite the chance for scattered thunderstorms extending into the following week.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are reiterating the dangers of driving on flooded roadways, emphasizing that flood-related fatalities often occur in vehicles. Residents are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety as severe weather conditions prevail across northern Georgia.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- Atlanta News First
- Google Search: Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Weather
- WSB TV
- Google Scholar: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- WSB Radio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- 11 Alive
- Google News: Atlanta Severe Weather
