Just about every major road in metro Atlanta is getting wet for the morning commute Wednesday.
Widespread rain is falling across the region, and Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said it is not going to let up any time soon. Most of the showers are light, but there are steady pockets of moderate to heavy rainfall moving east across the Alabama border.
“I think for the morning commute: Extra time,” Monahan said. “It’s going to be a little tough out there with some of the rain and some of the standing water on the road. At least we’re not dealing with that threat of strong storms like we saw yesterday.”
There is no risk of severe weather Wednesday, according to Channel 2. Monahan said the morning hours will see the worst of the wet weather, but another round of rain is in the forecast to complicate the evening drive.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
“We’ll get a little break around lunchtime, and then late this afternoon as this system starts to clear out, we’re going to see a little more rain,” he said.
Scattered showers will be concentrated north of I-20 this evening, according to Monahan.
It should all fall as rain in metro Atlanta, but he said there is the possibility of snow showers in the mountains late Wednesday night as temperatures fall. Atlanta should stay mild Wednesday with a projected high of 59 degrees, but the city is not expected to make it out of the 40s Thursday, according to Channel 2.
“Sunny and cooler weather is going to move in starting tomorrow,” Monahan said. “Tomorrow, back to the heavy coat, but also back to the sunglasses. We’re going to have a lot of sunshine around for your Thursday and for your Friday.”
The sunshine is expected to carry North Georgia into the start of the weekend, but rain returns to the forecast on Sunday.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
For commuters Wednesday, there is no hope of waiting out the rain.
“It’s going to be wet all morning long,” WSB traffic reporter Mark Arum said. “You’re going to want to avoid I-285 all morning long.”
Multiple crashes have been reported on I-285, including an early morning truck fire that shut down the westbound lanes at the I-675 interchange in DeKalb County, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. Authorities began reopening the lanes at 8 a.m.
Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM
Another vehicle fire was blocking two right lanes of I-20 West east of Fulton Industrial Boulevard at 9:30 a.m., according to the Traffic Center. While delays remain, the Traffic Center suggests drivers take U.S. 78.
» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
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