Flash Flood Risk; Weekend Rainfall Estimates

ATLANTA - A Flash Flood Watch will be in effect Saturday into Sunday for portions of Georgia.

Hurricane Joaquin's track may have shifted to keep it offshore of the eastern United States, however, a very wet forecast holds for north Georgia this weekend.

The upper level low pressure system that has been responsible for our unsettled, wet weather for the last couple of days, will tap into tropical moisture from Joaquin Saturday. That spells periods of heavier rain arriving from the east Saturday afternoon and Saturday night. 

SATURDAY:

Overall, we expect rain for the first half of Saturday to be light to moderate.  

As soon as we transition into the afternoon hours, rainfall intensity is expected to pick up near the Georgia/South Carolina state line. That heavier rain will travel westward towards metro Atlanta. Ultimately, this places the highest rainfall amounts east of Atlanta, with up to 3”-5” of rain possible.  As a result, a Flash Flood Watch is in effect for areas along an east of an Ellijay-Lawrenceville-Eatonton line through Sunday evening.

UGA VS. ALABAMA:

For people heading to Athens for the Georgia/Alabama game, getting wet is unavoidable. Additionally, with a Flash Flood risk, you need to have a way to receive Flash Flood Warnings if they are issued.  The free FOX 5 Storm Team app will alert you to any warnings.  Always remember:  never travel through areas where water covers the roadway.  Flooding in the number one weather-related killer.  Additionally, it will be breezy at times – with winds occasionally gusting to 15-20 mph.  With a saturated ground, it won’t be impossible for a tree or two to come down.