Cobb creates online reporting tool for Thursday storm damage

Cobb storm damage
Cobb County Government

East Cobb was spared the worst of Thursday’s thunderstorms and high winds, as the South Cobb area around Austell sustained heavy damage.

No serious injuries were reported around the county during the Thursday afternoon storms. A tornado watch was in effect as well as a wind advisory.

Cobb government said Thursday evening that Cobb DOT cleared 25 roads and helped clear 11 flooded roads.

County officials have set up a self-reporting tool for citizens, business owners and others whose homes or facilities were damaged by the storms.

You can click here to provide your information in a damage assessment field report and map your location.

One side of a truck parts warehouse on Oak Ridge Parkway in Austell (above) caved in when high winds swept through, according to a Cobb government release Thursday evening.

Since there wasn’t a tornado warning in effect, no outdoor warning signs were activated.

Firefighters also found 18 homes with damage in a neighborhood in Austell, going street-by-street to inspect, with 14 of those homes damaged enough that the affected residents will be assisted by the Red Cross.

The worst of the weather damage in Georgia was south of Atlanta. A 5-year-old boy died in Butts County due to a tree falling on a vehicle in which he was a passenger.

Around a dozen tornadoes were reported in Georgia Thursday afternoon, after storms swept through Selma and extreme northern parts of Alabama, where six people have been confirmed dead.

Cobb storm damage
A home on Ivy Log Drive in Austell was damaged by a falling tree., but no injuries were reported. Cobb Fire & Emergency Services.

 

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Cobb schools cancel after-school activities as storm approaches

The Cobb County School District is cancelling most after-school activities Thursday with stormy weather approaching metro Atlanta.Campbell High School lockdown

Classes dismissed at the regular time, district spokeswoman Nan Kiel said in a message, but only ASP activities continued.

Cobb is under a tornado watch until 7 p.m. as a severe thunderstorm pattern is moving into north Georgia from Alabama.

A severe thunderstorm warning was also in effect for eastern Cobb, with wind gusts in some areas up to 60 mph.

There is a 90 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms through the rest of the afternoon, and 80 percent through the evening, with up to a half-inch of rain expected.

High winds, gusting up to 30 mph in the Cobb area, have prompted a wind advisory that is in effect until 11 p.m. Thursday.

Friday’s weather will be clear but colder, with highs in the mid 40s, as winter temperatures return through Saturday, then warm into the low 50s on Sunday.

Rain is forecast again for early next week.

 

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Scene in East Cobb: Thawing out 2022 comes to an end

Scene in East Cobb end 2022

After a bone-chilling, sub-freezing Christmas, East Cobbers will be ringing in the new year with warmer, albeit wetter, weather.

There was plenty of late-afternoon activity at East Cobb Park Wednesday as temperatures rose into the 60s and sunshine bathed the skies.

There’s an 80 percent chance of rain Friday night and 70 percent during the day Saturday, with highs staying in the low- to mid-60s.

The rain will taper off for New Year’s Eve, down to 20 percent, as revelers attend fireworks celebrations and other festivities.

New Year’s Day on Sunday will be partly sunny with highs in the mid 60s. Monday and Tuesday highs are forecast in the high 60s. Rain returns on Monday night and there’s a 90 percent chance of showers Tuesday night.

Rain will taper off in the middle of the week, with highs Wednesday cooling off to the mid 50s.

 

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Cobb wind chill advisory extended into Christmas afternoon

Cobb wind chill advisory Christmas Day
Christmas Day high temperature forecasts across Georgia.

While temperatures could get above freezing on Christmas Day, continuing wind gusts will make it feel much colder.

The National Weather Service has extended a wind chill advisory for much of north Georgia, including Cobb County, until 1 p.m. Sunday.

A wind chill warning issued Thursday expired Saturday afternoon, after two days of sub-zero wind chill temperatures, including -12 at Dobbins Air Reserve.

Lows reached into the single digits in the Atlanta for the first time in several years.

By mid-afternoon Saturday, temperatures reached the mid-20s, with winds around 15 mph, and the wind chill making it feel like 10 above zero.

Highs for Christmas Day are forecast to be in the low- to mid-30s, with winds ranging between 10-20 mph.

The deep freeze will gradually give way to warmer temperatures by New Year’s.

Monday’s high is expected to be near 40, with lows in the mid-20s.

By Tuesday, highs will reach the high 40s, followed by the low 50s on Wednesday.

Rain enters the metro Atlanta area by Friday, with highs through New Year’s Day reaching into the low- and mid-60s.

Cobb wind chill advisory Christmas Day

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East Cobb weather update: Fallen trees, icy patches as freeze continues

East Cobb fallen trees icy patches

Cobb DOT and fire crews were responding to reports of fallen trees across the county Friday as high winds continued to yield sub-zero wind chill conditions.

According to a Cobb government video (see below), fallen trees due to the high winds included Holly Springs Road, and icy patches were causing problems on Johnson Ferry near Roswell Road.

Although there was rain overnight Friday, Cobb spokesman Ross Cavitt said in the video that the icy patches were largely stemming from existing moisture on the roads.

Thursday’s deep freeze sent temperatures plummeting rapidly in a short span, from roughly 50 degrees around midnight to 15 by daybreak Friday.

Friday’s high is around 18, and the lows will get colder—possibly into the single digits—Friday night.

Cobb remains under a wind chill warning through noon Saturday, as wind gusts in the area continue. As of 3 p.m., the winds were around 20 mph in the Cobb area, and wind gusts topping 40 mph were recorded at McCollum Airport.

According to the National Weather Service in Atlanta, several areas had winds in excess of 50 mph, including Gainesville and Athens.

The winds caused some power outages in Cobb County. Cobb EMC was reporting a handful of outages in East Cobb. There were no East Cobb power outages reported by Georgia Power as of 4 p.m. Friday.

Like Friday, Saturday will be sunny, and a bit warmer, with highs in mid-20s. But wind chill values could be as low as -10 in the Marietta area, due to winds ranging from 15-30 mph.

The lows on Christmas Eve will dip into the mid teens, with winds slowing.

The Christmas Day forecast is for highs near 32, and 10-20 mph winds. Sunday’s lows are expected to be in the high teens.

The weather will get gradually warmer as the last week of 2022 continues, from highs in the high 30s on Monday to rain and temperatures in the low 60s by New Year’s Eve.

For more on local weather conditions and forecasts, click here.

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Cobb Water System offers alert to prevent pipes from freezing

By the time you wake up on Friday morning, temperatures will be in the low teens, and the highs forecast for Friday aren’t expected to reach 20.Cobb County Water System, Cobb water bills, East Cobb water treatment plant odor

The forecast calls for sub-freezing temperatures through Christmas, and the Cobb County Water System has issued an alert on how to prevent your pipes from freezing or bursting during the cold snap of weather.

First, you’re advised to let faucets drip “because moving water freezes less quickly than standing water.”

You can save water by placing a container in a sink, tub or shower or wherever faucets are dripping, and use the water for plants or other purposes:

“The water does not need to be a warm temperature for this to work. The idea behind this method is not to melt already-frozen ice but to stop the water from freezing in the first place. And because the cold and hot water in your house is likely separated, it’s the cold water plumbing you need to worry about.”

Other preventative measures keeping kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to let warmer air circulate around the plumbing.

Also, keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and at night. You may get a higher heating bill, “but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.”

If you’re leaving home during the cold weather, leave the heat on at home to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Before the onset of cold weather, protect pipes that are outdoor or exposed from freezing by following these recommendations:

For outdoor pipes, drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines.

Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain.

Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

Also check around the house for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas, including the garage and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

To thaw out frozen pipes, consider the following:

“If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.

“Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.

“Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

“Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.”

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Cobb included in wind chill warning through Christmas Eve

Cobb wind chill warning Christmas Eve

What was a wind chill watch for much of north Georgia over the Christmas weekend has turned into a warning.

The National Weather Service has upgraded its advisory to take effect from Thursday night through Saturday, Christmas Eve, as the coldest temperatures in metro Atlanta in several years will be moving in.

Wind chills as low as -5 below zero are forecast during the warning period, which expires at noon Saturday.

While highs Wednesday and Thursday will be around 50, very cold weather will arrive on Friday, with highs only in the low 20s for Friday and Saturday.

There’s a 40 percent chance of rain Thursday with lows in the mid-teens.

The NWS is urging individuals to limit their outdoor time, wear gloves/mittens and tight-fitting hats or caps and dress in layers. Outdoor pets should be brought inside.

Lows on Friday night could dip into the single digits. By Christmas Day, the rain will be clearing out with sunny skies expected but a high forecast only in the low 30s.

The cold weather moving through Georgia and the Deep South is part of a Arctic cold front sweeping across the continental United States, with wind chill factors of -40 and -50 below zero in parts of the northern Great Plains.

Snow squalls are forecast in the western U.S. and even California and Florida will be experiencing freezing weather.

Flash freezing could occur over much of the eastern U.S., including parts of Georgia and the South, before the weather system moves out across the Atlantic Ocean.

Temperatures in metro Atlanta will get gradually warmer early next week, with highs in the mid-40s on Tuesday and into the low 60s by next Friday.

For more on the local weather forecast over the next week, click here.

 

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Scene in East Cobb: An Indian Summer day before Thanksgiving

East Cobb Park day before Thanksgiving

After a cold spell earlier this month, warmer temperatures returned just before the Thanksgiving holiday, drawing dog-walkers and recreational enthusiasts to East Cobb Park on Wednesday.

The projected high of 70 degrees is the warmest we’ll have for the next week or so, as highs push into the 60s sporadically.

Thanksgiving Day will be a bit cooler, with highs around 60, and overcast, with lows in the mid-40s for the next few nights.

Black Friday will be wet, with a 100 percent chance of rain, tapering off to 30 percent for Saturday and up to 60 percent on Sunday.

The first full week of the Christmas holiday season will be mostly sunny with highs in the 60s or above. Rain is in the forecast for next Wednesday.

 

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Scene in East Cobb: The return to standard time

Headlights are on vehicles leaving East Cobb Park around 5:30 p.m. Sunday as an early dusk approaches on the first day of Eastern Standard Time.

Warm temperatures will remain at the start of the week, with highs in the 80s Monday and Tuesday.

Fall-like weather is in the forecast by the end of the week.

Cobb included in freeze warning through Wednesday morning

Cobb freeze warning issued

The National Weather Service in Atlanta has issued a freeze warning for much of north and central Georgia, starting at midnight tonight until 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Temperatures are expected to dip as low as the high 20s in some areas as fall weather is expected to sharpen into winter-type conditions this week during overnight hours.

For Cobb and metro Atlanta, overnight temperatures are expected at or below freezing after highs on Tuesday in the mid 50s.

Wednesday’s highs are expected into the low 60s with sunny skies, with evening temperatures also in the 30s.

Windy weather also is part of the forecast during the first part of this week, with gusts as high as 25 mph forecast for Tuesday.

Sunny weather continues all week, with temperatures warming to the mid-70s by Saturday and low temperatures in the 40s.

That warming trend is forecast to continue into early next week.

The winds also are expected to dissipate heading into the weekend.

 

 

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Cobb high school football games moved up to Thursday night

Cobb high school football games moved up
The National Weather Service map tracking the possible path of Hurricane Ian that was released late Tuesday afternoon.

Due to possible heavy rains and storms stemming from Hurricane Ian, a number of high school football games in Georgia have been moved up to Thursday night, including those involving teams from Cobb schools.

The Cobb County School District Media Relations office said in a message that all of the Cobb teams in action this week are playing games on the road—out of the county—and Thursday’s kickoff times are the same for what had been scheduled on Friday.

Although Cobb schools are on fall break, sporting events are taking place. Only four Cobb public high schools were to play this week, three of them from East Cobb:

  • Lassiter at Johns Creek
  • Sprayberry at Alpharetta
  • Walton at North Paulding

According to the National Weather Service, Ian is on a track to the Florida Gulf Coast near the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, and is projected to make landfall Wednesday afternoon, possibly as a Category 4 hurricane.

Ian passed over Cuba Tuesday as a Category 3 storm, and more than 2.5 million people in Florida have been encouraged or ordered to evacuate.

The storm system is expected to reach southern Georgia early Friday and could move into the Atlantic Ocean and threaten the Georgia coast. Gov. Brian Kemp has declare a state of emergency for all Georgia counties from 7 a.m. Thursday to midnight Friday.

The preliminary forecast doesn’t include Cobb County and metro Atlanta in those warnings. The NWS is forecasting a 40 percent chance of rain Friday, from the mid-afternoon through the evening.

The Atlanta area could get between 1-3 inches of rain during that time, and possibly more in some areas of north and central Georgia.

Strong winds between 30-45 mph could be felt in some areas, and there could be power outages and isolated flash flooding.

Rain will continue all weekend, with a 60 percent chance Saturday and tapering off to a 40 percent chance Sunday and 20 percent on Sunday night and into next week.

For more information and to track the hurricane click here.

 

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Scorching temps, humidity push Cobb heat index above 100

Cobb heat advisory
Thursday’s high temperatures in Georgia are expected to be similar to Wednesday, and with heat values above 100. Map: NWS Atlanta

Cobb and most of Georgia have been issued heat advisories during afternoon and early evening hours this week, and that’s expected to continue for at least another day or two.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, as temperatures in metro Atlanta reached into the low 90s.

But with humidity approaching nearly 60 percent, what’s called “heat values” surpassed 100 degrees Wednesday.

Thursday’s forecast is much the same, with highs in the low- to mid-90s and similar humidity levels. The anticipated heat values could exceed 102 degrees.

To beat the heat, drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun as little as possible and take extra precautions for spending time or working outdoors.

Those precautions include outdoor activities outside of heat advisory periods and wearing light, loose-fitting clothes.

Do not leave children or pets inside vehicles, and people at risk of heat stroke in particular should limit outdoor activities.

Friday’s highs are forecast to be in the mid-90s, with temperatures falling to around 90 and the high 80s over the weekend.

There’s also a 50 percent chance of rain expected Thursday and Friday, and more rain is coming this weekend.

Saturday’s forecast includes a 60 percent chance of rain and it’s 70 percent on Sunday.

The rain will taper off early next week and could return by the middle of the week. High temperatures are expected around 90 or the high 80s, but heat index forecasts are usually made on shorter notice.

For more information on local weather, click here.

 

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Heat advisories continue for Cobb as temps, humidity soar

Cobb heat advisories continue

As Cobb County, metro Atlanta and much of North Georgia continues to experience extreme weather, the National Weather Service is extending its heat advisories for the area.

The NWS office in Peachtree City is issuing a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, the third day in a row for such notices.

Cobb temperatures reached into the mid-90s on Tuesday, and combined with humidity levels near 60 percent, the NWS calculated the heat index between 105-110.

The local forecast for Wednesday also calls for highs in the high 90s, with a 30 percent chance of rain during the day. The chance of rain will taper off Thursday and Friday to 20 percent.

Temperatures will remain that way, with similar humidity levels, for at least the next week.

Friday’s high is expected to be in the high 90s, and next week will offer little relief, as temperatures could reach 100.

The NWS says that in order to beat the heat, people should try to limit outdoor activities and stay out of the sun during the heat advisory periods, drink plenty of fluids, and not to leave children and pets unattended in vehicles.

“This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,” the advisory states.

For more local weather information, click here.

 

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Cobb included in flash flood warning into Tuesday evening

Cobb flash flood warning

A flash flood warning has been issued for Cobb County and much of metro Atlanta as heavy thunderstorms rolled into Georgia Tuesday morning.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued the warning at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, and it continues until 8:45 p.m. for Cobb, Cherokee, Fulton, Douglas, Clayton and DeKalb counties.

A flash flood warning means weather conditions are suitable for flash flooding to occur, especially near lanes and along rivers, streams and creeks.

Roadways also can flood easily during heavy thunderstorms, and in areas with drainage problems and low-lying areas.

The NWS said radar has indicated that between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain have fallen in the flash flood warning area since Tuesday morning, and that up to another half-inch of rain is forecast.

Cobb government said that some road are experiencing flooding, including George Busbee Parkway east of Frey Road, which is closed due for the time being.

Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in heavy rains and to turn around if they see flooded roads.

The Cobb and metro area remains in a hazardous weather outlook area into Wednesday.

Portions of Georgia south of Atlanta have been under tornado watches and warnings, but none are forecast for the metro area.

Highs Tuesday in Cobb are forecast to be in the high 60s. The chance of rain in Cobb Tuesday night is 30 percent, with low temperatures around 60.

On Wednesday, the chance of rain will be 20 percent during the day and 70 percent into the evening.

The highs Wednesday will be in the upper 70s and lows in the high 50s.

Rain moves out of the area on Thursday, when it will be sunny with highs in the mid 60s.

Sunny weather is in the forecast for the rest of the week, with highs expected only in the mid 50s to mid 60s before warmer temperatures return next week.

For more information on local weather, click here.

 

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Subfreezing temps in Cobb, N. Ga. kick off bitter cold weekend

Winter weather Cobb

While the East Coast of the United States braces for a Nor’easter, much of Georgia is about to go into a rare deep freeze this weekend.

The National Weather Service in Atlanta has several special weather statements as temperatures will drop to their lowest in more than two years.

A wind chill advisory is in effect for Cobb County, metro Atlanta and North Georgia through Saturday morning.

Temperatures Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings are expected to drop into the low 20s and the high teens.

Saturday’s high is expected to reach only into the mid 30s. Although warmer weather returns on Sunday with highs in the mid 40s, wind conditions could result in a wind chill factor in some places in the single digits.

There’s also a “red flag” warning on Saturday, meaning that the combination of high winds and low humidity could lead to quickly spreading fires.

Temperatures will be warmer for the start of next week, with highs in the low 60s and sunny skies in the forecast from Monday through Thursday.

But evenings will still be cold, ranging from the high 20s to the low 40s during those days.

Rain is expected Wednesday and Thursday, and colder highs will resume toward the end of next week, in the mid 40s, along with lows in the high 20s.

For more local weather information, visit the National Weather Service site.

 

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Light snow arrives in East Cobb as icy road hazards continue

East Cobb snow icy road hazards
There’s a flashing light at the traffic signal at Johnson Ferry and Lassiter roads, indicating a power outage. Photo: Georgia 511

Some light accumulated snow began to fall in East Cobb late Sunday morning and into the afternoon, and as slushy roads were in the process of freezing.

A winter storm sweeping through the South has left several inches of snow in the mountains of North Georgia, but in metro Atlanta the conditions vary.

While roads are passable for now and there are no major issues on the roads, Cobb officials are urging the public to avoid travel if possible today.

Temperatures are hovering just above freezing, but are expected to drop into the high 20s Sunday night and into Monday morning.

As the winter storm approached, high winds were knocking down trees and power lines in parts of the county, Cobb spokesman Ross Cavitt said in a social media posting.

He was standing at the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road and Lassiter Road, one of three intersections in the county where the traffic signal is out.

Cavitt said there’s a power outage in the area, prompting the traffic signal to be flashing in all directions.

That’s one of 21 traffic signals in the county that are flashing or are out.

Sprucebough Drive, located off Johnson Ferry Road, is closed due to trees falling on power lines, a Cobb government message said right before noon.

Cobb EMC is reporting that there are more than 1,000 customers without electricity in the Sandy Plains-Shallowford area, with service restoration estimated for later Sunday afternoon.

(Here’s the Cobb EMC outage tracker.)

The Georgia Power outage map isn’t showing any service issues in the East Cobb area for the time being.

A winter weather advisory remains in place for Cobb until midnight Monday, but a high wind warning continues until 2 p.m. today.

Winds today have been in the 10-15 mph range, according to the National Weather Service, but the wind could reach gusts up to 30 mph in some places.

A wind advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. Monday.

According to the National Weather Service, there’s an 80 percent chance of rain, sleet and snow Sunday. Tonight the precipitation will fall to 30 percent, with lows dropping into the high 20s.

Monday will be partly sunny with highs in the high 30s and lows in the mid 20s.

 

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Cobb included in winter weather advisory for Storm Izzy

Cobb winter weather advisory
For more details about Storm Izzy, click here. Source: National Weather Service Atlanta

What’s being called Winter Storm Izzy was approaching Georgia Saturday morning, and the National Weather Service expanded its winter weather advisory to include most of Cobb County and metro Atlanta.

The advisory begins at 10 p.m. Sunday and continues until midnight Monday as North Georgia braces for snow, sleet, ice and other winter weather.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for most of North Georgia.

The advisory, which was issued at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, says there’s an expectation of up to 2 inches of accumulated snow and up to two-tenths of an inch of ice accumulation during that time.

High winds also will be a factor, with gusts predicted of up to 40 mph in some areas.

The Cobb area is likely to get precipitation on Sunday morning. As a result, many churches have cancelled in-person services and will be worshipping online.

As noted previously, Cobb DOT will begin pre-treating selected roads, bridges and overpasses in the county starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, and will have around-the-clock shifts through Monday to respond to any serious road issues.

Citizens are advised to be off the roads before 6 p.m. Saturday and to avoid unnecessary travel after that.

The high Saturday is expected to reach into the high 40s, but temperatures will drop near freezing Saturday night.

Sunday’s high is expected to be in the mid 30s, with a 90 percent chance of a wintry mix.

Sunday’s low will dip into the high 20s.

Monday will be clear and sunny, but with highs also in the low 40s and lows in the mid 20s.

 

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Cobb delays COVID test distribution ahead of winter weather

Cobb winter weather
For more details of this weekend’s winter weather advisory, click here.

With winter weather in the forecast early next week, Cobb County government is delaying a planned COVID test distribution event that had been scheduled for Monday.

The county put out a statement late Thursday afternoon saying that Cobb DOT crews were preparing for a mixture of snow and ice that are in the forecast for Sunday morning.

Temperatures aren’t expected to reach much above freezing Sunday, with a 100 percent chance of precipitation in the forecast that includes the possibility of snow, ice or a combination.

Monday’s forecast is partly sunny with highs only in the high 30s.

That’s the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, and Cobb officials were planning the use the occasion to distribute free COVID tests at Jim Miller Park, followed by the official holiday observance with the Cobb NAACP that has been moved to a virtual setting.

But the county statement Thursday said that the distribution is being postponed to later in the week.

Cobb commissioners will be meeting Monday at 9 a.m. in a special-called virtual meeting to receive a COVID update from Cobb and Douglas Public Health and the Wellstar Health System. That meeting will be live-streamed on the county’s YouTube channel.

Cobb spokesman Ross Cavitt said DOT crews will begin pre-treating some bridges, overpasses and “known trouble spots” around the county starting at 6 p.m. Saturday.

He said crews will maintain shifts “around the clock” into Monday to respond.

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Cobb included in winter weather advisory through Monday morning

Cobb winter weather advisory
For more NWS details, click here.

The National Weather Service in Atlanta has expanded a winter weather advisory for northwest Georgia that includes all of Cobb County.

The NWS updated the advisory shortly before 4 p.m. Sunday to include Cobb, Douglas and Carroll counties (in purple), and it’s to continue until 9 a.m. Monday.

The forecast includes wet snow with light snow accumulations and a dusting up to an inch. Winds could gust as much as 35 mph, and Cobb also is included in a wind advisory from midnight Monday to noon Monday.

The forecast includes the possibility of slippery road conditions that could impact the Monday morning commute.

Cobb County government said Sunday afternoon that Cobb DOT has called in some crews overnight to respond to trouble spots on the roads.

Temperatures will be plummeting Sunday night to 32 degrees with a 90 percent chance of rain.

The chance of rain Monday morning is 10 percent, but the highs are expected to be only in the mid 40s, and the lows Monday night in the high 20s.

Sunny weather is returning on Tuesday with a little warmer highs, in the high 40s, and into the mid-50s by Wednesday.

 

 

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Cobb flood alerts issued as soggy 2022 New Year’s looms

Cobb flood alerts 2022 New Year

Cobb County is under a flood watch until 7 p.m. Thursday and parts of the county and metro Atlanta area are under a flood warning as heavy rains and thunderstorms swept through north Georgia overnight.

The rain is expected to continue through New Year’s Day with warm temperatures.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for parts of South Cobb, especially the area around Nickajack Creek, until further notice.

But conditions for flash flooding exist elsewhere in the county, especially in low-lying areas and around creeks, streams and rivers.

Areas in the flood watch may be subject to excessive water runoff, and creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding also can occur where there’s poor drainage, especially where it’s blocked by pine straw and other debris.

The NWS said that by 10:30 a.m. Thursday, storms had produced between 1.5 and 3.5 inches of rain, and another half-inch to an inch could fall by Thursday night.

Flash flooding has been occurring in some areas, including creeks in southern Paulding County. The NWS alerts include high winds along with the storms.

Areas expected to experience flooding include  Atlanta, Douglasville, Carrollton, Decatur, Buchanan, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, East Point, Villa Rica, College Park, Powder Springs, Chamblee, Doraville, Clarkston, Austell, Hapeville, Bremen, Stone Mountain, Temple and Hiram.

The NWS alerts are urging drivers to turn around when encountering flooded roads and for motorists not to attempt to drive through the water.

They also are asked to alert local law enforcement and emergency crews if they see flooding.

For Thursday, the rain is forecast to taper off to 30 percent by the evening hours and all day Friday.

On New Year’s Day, the chance of rain is expected to be 50 percent, and 90 percent on Sunday.

High temperatures will range from the mid 60s to the low 70s.

Sunshine will return for the first full week of 2022, but the weather will be getting colder.

Monday’s high is expected to be in the mid-40s, with Tuesday’s high reaching 50.

 

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