Flash Flood Watch Declared For North Georgia

ATLANTA, GA — Heavy thunderstorms are expected to roll through metro Atlanta Monday night, possibly causing dangerous flooding.

The National Weather Service declared a flash flood watch and hazardous weather outlook for much of north and central Georgia early Monday. Both are in effect from Monday night through early Tuesday afternoon.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to begin moving into the area late Monday and into the overnight hours. Heavy rainfall, including rates of 1-2 inches per hour, and frequent lightning will be the primary hazards.

Rains that parts of metro Atlanta have already seen will contribute to possibly hazardous conditions. According to the National Weather Service, some parts of the watch area received 1-3 inches of rain on Saturday and early Sunday, which makes soil less permeable to new rainfall.

New, heavy rain could lead to flash flood conditions in those areas, the NWS said. Flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas will be likely, particularly in the overnight hours, and creeks, streams and rivers may overflow their banks.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. People in flood-prone areas should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

By Monday afternoon, some areas of metro Atlanta were already being hit with heavy rainfall. Shortly before 2:30 p.m., there were reports that flooding was blocking some lanes on Ga. 400.

The NWS forecasts a small break in widespread storm coverage Tuesday afternoon, before additional thunderstorms develop overnight through Wednesday afteroon.

Some strong to isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible with damaging winds, hail, and heavy rainfall being the primary threats. Localized flooding is expected into Tuesday night. Total rainfall amounts forecast through Wednesday should average 2-4 inches, especially across portions of central Georgia.

Image via National Weather Service