Flood concerns continue with heavy rain and lightning moving through

The latest wave of rain will result in scattered downpours and areas of frequent lightning from morning through afternoon.  The rain has been heavy enough this morning to push most of the metro area into a Flash Flood Warning until 1:30pm.  This includes Fulton, Cobb, Forsyth, Barrow, Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Douglas counties.  This means flooding is either occurring or is imminent.  Never try to travel through areas where water covers the road.  Always turn around and find a different route!

While storms are not expected to reach severe levels, some could bring a strong gust of wind.  When combined with the saturated soils we have, that may be enough to bring down some trees.  But our primary threat remain that of flooding.  As of Wednesday morning, several creeks, streams, and rivers are still in flood stage – with the worst flooding in northwest Georgia.  The Armuchee Creek and Ooostanaula Rivers are in moderate flood stage.  The Coosa River near Plant Hammond remains in major flood stage.  Unfortunately, continued rain is likely to prolong this flooding and create new areas of flooding.

The Flood Watch has been extended through 7pm Friday, although, most of the rain falls today and this evening.  The higher rainfall amounts today will top 1”-2”.  Overnight, the rain will taper to a few scattered showers that will linger through Thursday morning.  But skies should clear Thursday afternoon – leading up to a dry, but chilly New Year’s Eve night.