Flash Flood Watch Friday For Metro Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA — A flash flood watch has been issued for metro Atlanta, as the storms that have soaked the region are predicted to continue for another day.

The watch, from the National Weather Service, went into effect at 8 a.m. and continues through late Friday night. A watch means that conditions could develop that lead to dangerous flash floods.

According to the weather service, a storm front is stalled over north Georgia and is expected to dump more rain on a region where soil is already saturated from heavy rains the past few days. Any rainfall over 1-2 inches will cause flooding in low-lying areas, particularly in urban areas, the NWS said.

Counties covered by the flood watch include Bartow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett and Paulding. People in flood-prone areas are encouraged to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action if a flood warning is issued.

In a hazardous weather outlook issued for much of north and central Georgia, the weather service said isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected Friday afternoon and evening and that "a few strong storms are possible."

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In addition to flooding, primary hazards will be gusty winds, frequent lightning and very heavy rainfall, the NWS said.

Friday's forecast says thunderstorms are most likely after 3 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent. That same 60 percent chance will continue through Friday night.

Metro Atlanta's extended forecast doesn't offer much relief from the rains, either. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are forecast every single day from Saturday through Thursday of next week. A few of them could be strong with gusty winds, frequent lightning and locally heavy rain, according to the weather service.

Image courtesy National Weather Service