Atlanta, Georgia – Drivers across metro Atlanta have just hours to avoid flooded roads as flash flooding threatens neighborhoods and major highways through 6:30 a.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, a Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for southeastern Cobb, northwestern DeKalb, central Fulton and southwestern Gwinnett counties. Doppler radar at 2:50 a.m. showed thunderstorms producing heavy rain, with up to 1 inch already on the ground and rainfall rates reaching 1 inch per hour. An additional 1 to 2 inches could fall before daybreak.
The greatest impacts stretch from Atlanta and Midtown north through Sandy Springs and Roswell, and west toward Marietta and Smyrna. Decatur, Dunwoody, Norcross, Peachtree Corners and Stone Mountain are also under the warning. Low-lying roads, underpasses and ramps along I-285, I-75 and GA-400 are especially vulnerable to rapid water buildup before the morning commute.
Flooding of small creeks and urban drainage systems is already underway in some areas. Officials urge drivers to avoid non-essential travel and never attempt to cross water-covered roads. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles, and visibility remains limited before sunrise.
The heaviest rain should taper closer to 6:30 a.m., but additional advisories are possible if storms redevelop later Friday. Residents should monitor updates and be ready for rapidly changing conditions.
