Those in North Georgia should notice clouds increase Friday ahead of a very wet start to the weekend.
There is no rain in the forecast Friday, but waves of rain will soak the region Saturday, according to Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan. Severe weather is possible with some of the downpours and storms.
“No weather issues today,” Monahan said. “Lots of sunshine. We’re going to be up near 70 degrees this afternoon. Over the weekend, though, it’s going to be a different story.”
North Georgia is looking at two waves of storms Saturday, he said, with the first rolling in at daybreak. While heavy rain and rumbles of thunder are likely, Monahan said the severe weather risk is low for the first wave.
He said a warm front lifting through the region will provide a bit of a break between the first and second waves. The severe weather risk increases after 2 p.m. Saturday, according to Channel 2.
“By the afternoon, we’re going to see storms develop, and those could be strong,” Monahan said. “There is a tornado threat tomorrow afternoon.”
The threat is greatest for those south of Atlanta, he said. The National Weather Service considers the risk to be a slight Level 2 for most of the metro area.
The rain should be over and done by Saturday night, Monahan said.
“The second half of the weekend is looking best,” he said. “Some great news here: On Sunday we’re at 73 degrees. We’re approaching the 80s next week.”
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
There are growing delays on I-285 after a crash shut down a portion of the interstate on the Northside, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
Authorities have closed the westbound lanes at Riverside Drive in Sandy Springs and are forcing all traffic off at the Riverside exit. It is unknown when I-285 will reopen.
“There are delays almost back to Ga. 400,” traffic reporter Mark Arum said before 6:30 a.m. ”Really jammed there.”
Commuters can avoid I-285 by taking Mt. Vernon Highway to Heards Ferry Road, which becomes Northside Drive. Arum said the best alternate is still Ga. 400 South to I-75 North.
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @ajcwsbtraffic on Twitter.
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