Atlanta flash flood warning: Heavy rain floods metro streets

ATLANTA – The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued a flash flood warning for eastern Fulton County and west central DeKalb County on Wednesday evening as heavy downpours slammed metropolitan Atlanta. 

Heavy Atlanta rainstorms

What we know:

The National Weather Service issued the flash flood warning at 5:16 p.m. on Wednesday, and it remains in effect until 11:15 p.m.

FOX 5 Live VIPIR showed thunderstorms moving across the region after already dropping between 1 and 1.5 inches of water. FOX 5 meteorologist Jonathan Stacey stated that the slow-moving storm cells are stuck and festering in place, producing significant electricity and pouring down in sheets. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches within a 30-minute window. Heavy storm action is also stretching across the top end of the perimeter near Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Hall County, and Carroll County. 

Flood risk factors

What we don’t know:

While widespread regional flooding is not expected, it remains unclear exactly how hard the drainage networks in downtown and midtown will be overwhelmed as the rain continues. 

Specific local impacts

By the numbers:

Radar estimates show that if stationary cells remain in place for a full hour, up to 6 inches of total localized rainfall could accumulate. 

Traveling safely tonight

What’s next:

The heavy storm activity will continue over the next couple of hours and is expected to persist for the next few days. 

Drivers are urged to turn around instead of trying to move through flooded roads, as most flood-related fatalities occur inside vehicles. Neighbors who see flooding should safely report it to local emergency services or law enforcement.