...RAINY WEEK WILL INCREASE FLOOD THREAT THROUGH THE WEEKEND....
SYNOPSIS...
An extended period of unsettled and and abnormally warm weather will keep wet conditions over north and central Georgia through the week. While there is some variability in the forecast, there is increasing certainty that the expected rainfall will enhance flooding concerns..
RAINFALL EXPECTED...
Forecast rainfall amounts through the week continue to be unseasonably high. Current forecast rainfall totals for Tuesday through early Thursday range from 1 to 2 inches for areas north of a line from LaGrange to Atlanta to Athens. For this same area, additional rainfall Friday and Saturday bring the seven-day rainfall totals to 2.5 to 5 inches. Locally higher amounts are possible. The Weather Prediction Center already has a Slight Risk (level 2 of 4) of Excessive Rainfall for Thursday and Friday. South of the LaGrange to Atlanta to Athens line, rainfall amounts for Tuesday through early Thursday are less than half an inch, but could reach 2 to 2.5 inches through Saturday. Although rain is expected each day Tuesday through Saturday, the highest flood threats at this time appear to be Thursday and Friday. Additional rainfall is expected next week..
ANTECEDENT CONDITIONS...
Soils are already soggy from recent rainy conditions and local creeks and rivers are currently at normal to much above normal streamflow. Year-to-date, rainfall amounts have already totaled 150 to 400 percent of normal over north and portions of central Georgia. As new rainfall accumulates through the week, the ability for rivers to handle increased runoff within the channel is suppressed, and could result in flooding..
IMPACTS...
With the expected rainfall amounts, isolated flash flooding is possible. Periods of heavy rain can overwhelm or clog storm drains and ditches with debris. Take time ahead of the rain to clear leaves and debris from these drainage systems. Minor flooding of some of the larger creeks or rivers is likely with the forecast storm total rainfall. Quickly accumulating rainfall can produce widespread minor flooding of smaller, fast- responding creeks, and moderate flooding cannot be ruled out..
ACTIONS...
Stay alert to the changing forecasts. It can be difficult to stay situationally aware to changing weather or flooding conditions. Don`t be caught off guard. Know what to do if a warning is issued, particularly if you live or are visiting an area near a creek or river. Typically, a Hydrologic Outlook is issued only once before a significant weather or water event and may be followed with a Flood Watch within 48 to 72 hours. For additional hydrologic information, visit our website at
weather.gov/atlanta. Click on the Rivers and Lakes tab above the state map to access the latest river and precipitation information.
