A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for central DeKalb and eastern Fulton counties as heavy rain continues to flood streets across metro Atlanta. The warning, issued by the National Weather Service at 5:16 p.m., remains active until 11:15 p.m.
Rain bands have already dumped between 1 and 1.5 inches in parts of the warned area, and more intense bursts are still moving through the region. FOX 5 Live VIPIR showed thunderstorms producing rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches in 30 minutes, raising the risk of rapid street flooding in the city core.
Storms slow down over the metro
Meteorologist Jonathan Stacey said the slow-moving storm cells are “stuck and festering in place,” which allows rain to build quickly over the same neighborhoods. He also noted that the storms are producing strong lightning and heavy sheets of rain across the area.
The warning covers Atlanta, Midtown, Grant Park, Druid Hills, Virginia Highland, Little Five Points, West End, Kirkwood and nearby communities. A separate strong thunderstorm was also reported over West End and nearby parts of west central DeKalb, south central Cobb, east central Douglas and south central Fulton counties.
Flooding concerns in downtown and midtown
Officials said widespread regional flooding is not expected, but they are still watching how drainage systems in downtown and midtown handle the ongoing downpours. That uncertainty matters because the most intense rain is falling over areas with dense pavement, limited runoff space and low-lying streets.
Radar estimates suggest the risk rises quickly if the storm cells stay nearly stationary for a full hour. In that case, localized totals could reach up to 6 inches, which would be enough to overwhelm some streets and intersections.
Travel warnings for drivers
Authorities are urging drivers not to enter flooded roads, especially as the rain continues through the evening. Emergency guidance remains the same: turn around, don’t drown.
Officials also say most flood-related deaths happen inside vehicles, which makes even shallow water dangerous. Residents who see flooding should report it to local emergency services or law enforcement without trying to cross the water themselves.
More rain possible after tonight
The heavy storm activity is expected to continue over the next couple of hours, with rain chances staying in the region for the next few days. That means the flood threat may not end quickly, especially if more slow-moving storm cells keep forming over the metro area.
For now, the biggest concerns remain the same: intense rainfall, standing water on roads, and the possibility that drainage systems in the city’s busiest areas could struggle as the storm persists.
Read more at: www.fox5atlanta.com