Georgia — A Flood Watch is in effect across much of north Georgia through Saturday evening as multiple rounds of rainfall raise the risk of flash flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches are expected across the watch area, with locally higher amounts of 4 inches or more possible. Showers are forecast to continue through Saturday afternoon before a cold front moves through and ends the flooding threat.
The Flood Watch covers portions of north-central, northeast, and northwest Georgia. Counties included range from Cherokee, Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, Union, Towns, and White to Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties. Cities within the watch area include Dalton, Rome, Cartersville, Woodstock, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Jasper, Dawsonville, Cleveland, Calhoun, LaFayette, and Blairsville.
Forecasters warned that convective rainfall, including thunderstorms overnight into early Saturday, could produce locally heavy rainfall rates capable of triggering flash flooding in poor drainage areas and along creeks and streams prone to rapid rises. Urban flooding is also possible where storm drains become overwhelmed.
While larger river flooding is not anticipated due to ongoing drought conditions and low river levels, excessive runoff may still cause flooding in low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Residents are urged to monitor later forecasts and remain alert for possible Flash Flood Warnings. Motorists should avoid driving across water-covered roads, as conditions can change rapidly.
The Flood Watch remains in effect through Saturday evening.
