East Cobb Weather

East Cobb traffic/weather update: Paper Mill Road reopens after downed tree; Cobb under flash flood watch

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Paper Mill Road closed
Cobb DOT photo

UPDATE, 12:30 p.m.:

At around noon the National Weather Service in Atlanta expanded its flash flood watch to include Cobb County and other parts of the metro area until 7 p.m. Thursday.

Wednesday morning provided a bit of a respite from the rain, if not weather-related traffic issues, but more rain is expected tonight and Thursday.

The NWS said the areas with the most saturation from yesterday’s rain are above the I-20 and along the I-85 corridors.

Those areas could be most vulnerable to flooding with even more rain on the way over the weekend.

UPDATE 9:03 AM:

The road has reopened, but there may be occasional lane closures to clear debris.

Original report, 8:15 AM:

This just in from Cobb government:

Paper Mill Road is closed between Woodlawn Drive and the Atlanta Country Club due to a downed tree.

Crews are on the scene for removal.

It’s among several downed trees affecting the morning commute around the county.

There were also reports that Willeo Road was closed at the Lower Roswell Road roundabout due to debris on road just over the Chattahoochee River in Roswell., but that area has also reopened to traffic.

 

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Heavy rains pound Cobb as NW Ga. falls under flood watch

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Cobb thunderstorms

Late Tuesday afternoon the National Weather Service in Atlanta extended its flood watch as heavy rains moved into the state.

Cobb isn’t in the watch area for now, although it does include Paulding and Cherokee counties for now.

But thunderstorms began moving into the county this afternoon and could deliver 2-3 inches or even more by the end of the week.

The NWS issued a flood warning for parts of Gwinnett, DeKalb and Fulton counties but Cobb was not included.

There’s a 90 percent chance of rain in Cobb tonight and a 70 percent chance during the day on Wednesday, increasing to 100 percent Wednesday night.

That’s when the NWS projects the heaviest rain of the watch period, which has been extended to Saturday.

The slick road conditions already have contributed to a serious accident in Cobb. Earlier today a male passenger and the driver of a car suffered serious injuries when their car hydroplaned and lost control. It spun into a tree near Barrett Parkway and Burnt Hickory Road, closing that intersection for several hours.

The victims were transported to WellStar Kennestone Hospital, according to Marietta Police.

Temperatures will get a little warmer Wednesday, into the low 50s during the day and into the high 40s tomorrow night, before warming up into the 60s later in the week.

The NWS said some areas of northwest Georgia could get up to six inches of rain, and there’s a chance of localized flooding in low-lying areas in the hazardous weather outlook area that includes Cobb.

 

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Wet weather in forecast for all of Cobb’s winter break week

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Cobb rain forecast

The good news for students in Cobb County schools is this is winter break week. The bad news is they may not get to enjoy much of that time out of doors.

That’s because several days’ worth of wet weather is in store for Cobb, metro Atlanta and much of Georgia.

The rain we got last month caused some flooding that closed down Columns Drive for a few days, mostly due to standing water caused by clogged drains.

The National Weather Service is forecasting heavier rains than that through most of the week, starting Monday night.

Some areas could get between 2 to 8 inches of rain, according to a hazardous weather outlook that includes Cobb. The chance of flooding in low-lying areas also is high, and conditions could be likely for flash-flooding as well.

Mostly cloudy conditions will be moving in after dark tonight, and it’s going to get cold, too, dipping in the high 30s.

Tuesday will be cold and wet, with highs only in the mid 40s. Wednesday will be a little warmer, but just as wet, with a 70 percent chance of rain in the Cobb area, with lows also in the high 30s.

Warmer temperatures will move in later in the week, with highs in the 60s on Thursday and Friday, but a 70 percent or so chance of rain.

The rain will taper off to around 50 percent by Saturday and Sunday, with highs also in the 60s.

So today may be the last we’ll see of sunshine for about a week.

 

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Winter weather advisory cancelled in Cobb; schools resume classes Wedneasday

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The National Weather Service is continuing a hazardous weather outlook until 7 p.m. tonight but has cancelled a winter weather advisory for Cobb and metro Atlanta after this morning’s rain.

At 11:40 a.m. the NWS in Atlanta revised its weather outlook to include Cobb and much of North Georgia. Patchy black ice could accumulate in extreme North Georgia this afternoon and could be possible across most of the state tonight as temperatures plunge below freezing.

Cobb schools and government were closed today, as well as many businesses, churches and other organizations.

UPDATE, 3:15 p.m. Tuesday: Cobb schools said all classes and activities will resume as scheduled on Wednesday.

Cobb County government will open at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

There are some reports of minor flurries in areas of East Cobb, but nothing is expected to stick. Temperatures were in the mid-to-high 30s around noon.

By the time the sun goes down, the forecast is for temperatures to drop below freezing, all the way into the low 20s overnight.

Georgia DOT closed the Northwest Corridor Lanes at 11:30 a.m. today, and they will stay closed until the weather event is over.

Wednesday is expected to be sunny, but cold, with highs in the high 30s, and lows in the low 20s. Thursday and Friday will be a bit warmer, into the mid 40s and low 50s, but with below-freezing overnight lows.

 

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Cobb schools and government closed Tuesday as winter storm approaches

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Cobb schools and government closed

The Cobb County School District and Cobb government both sent messages out around noon Monday that they will be closed Tuesday, due to a winter storm that’s headed to metro Atlanta and north Georgia.

Their decisions came after Gov. Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms held a joint news conference, announcing that state government in the storm area, as well as Georgia’s largest city, would be closing on Tuesday.

Other metro Atlanta governments and school districts also have announced closures for Tuesday, including Marietta City Schools.

State government offices in 35 counties, including Cobb, will be closed on Tuesday, according to Kemp.

The area is bracing for cold, wet weather starting later Monday evening and lasting through Tuesday night.

On Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch that includes Cobb.

Monday afternoon, the NWS upgraded that status to a winter storm warning, including Cobb, from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Travel could be hazardous due to snow and ice accumulations, including black ice.

Cobb schools spokeswoman Nan Kiel said the following in a statement:

“Knowing that it interrupts the school day and the education process, we did not make this decision lightly. However, given that our District serves more than 112,000 students and their families, as well as 18,000 staff members, and that the safety of our students and staff are paramount, we chose to act on the side of safety.

“The District will continue monitoring the situation, with an eye towards the condition of our roads, and we’ll be sure to update the community further by 5 pm Tuesday evening.”

All events and activities scheduled at schools also have been cancelled or postponed.

Cobb government spokesman Ross Cavitt said the county’s shutdown will begin at 6 a.m. Tuesday, and will reopen depending on when conditions improve. County Manager Rob Hosack said in a statement:

“With a great deal of uncertainty about the timing and amount of snow, we thought this proactive action would be best to ensure the safety of Cobb County workers.”

Cobb DOT crews will be on the job overnight and into Tuesday, Cavitt said, preparing equipment and pre-treating roads starting around sunrise.

Cavitt said the crews will work in 12-hour shifts until the weather event is over, using a salt-sand mixture to treat “known trouble-spots,” especially around curves and on bridges and overpasses.

Other closings

We’re compiling closings of other schools, businesses and organizations and any cancellations or postponements of events for Tuesday. E-mail us: editor@eastcobbnews.com with your information:

  • St. Catherine’s Episcopal preschool closed;
  • Catholic Church of St. Ann closed;
  • Transfiguration Catholic Church closed;
  • Wood Acres School closed;
  • Primrose School East Cobb closed;
  • Faith Lutheran School closed;
  • Mt. Bethel Christian Academy closed;
  • Orange Theory Fitness Sandy Plains and Marietta-East Cobb opening 3:30 p.m.;
  • Thrive Wellness Center closed;
  • Mt. Zion UMC closed;
  • Wesley Chapel UMC basketball cancelled;
  • Johnson Ferry Christian Academy closed;
  • Eastside Christian School closed;
  • The Walker School closed;
  • East Cobb Tutoring Center closed;
  • Mansouri Family Dental Care closed;
  • East Cobb and NE Cobb YMCA closing at 4 p.m. Tuesday, all group exercise programs before 4 are scheduled (subject to cancelletion), all paid programs are cancelled;
  • East Cobb Business Association Community Breakfast postponed;
  • MUST Ministries program centers in Marietta, Smyrna and Canton and main donation center closed;
  • All locations Marietta Eye Clinic closed, including Marietta Eye Surgery;
  • Dentistry at East Piedmont closing at 12 p.m.;
  • Olde Towne Athletic Club closed;

Weather forecast

The forecast calls for Cobb to get around an inch of snow, with temperatures reaching as high as the low 40s during the day on Tuesday, but dropping to around 20 degrees on Tuesday night.

Monday is the five-year anniversary of a winter storm that crippled metro Atlanta, stranding thousands of motorists and forcing some students, teachers and staff to shelter overnight in schools.

Monday is also the first full day of Super Bowl-related activities in the Atlanta area.

 

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Winter storm watch issued for Cobb, North Georgia with snow on the way

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Cobb winter storm watch

At 3 p.m. Sunday the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for Monday night going into Tuesday that includes Cobb County, metro Atlanta and most of northwest Georgia.

UPDATED, 12:26 p.m. Monday: Cobb schools and government will be closed on Tuesday.

The watch begins at 4 a.m. Tuesday and continues until 10 p.m. Tuesday along and north of a line from Franklin to Gainesville to Jonesboro.

Snow is in the forecast, and for now the NWS is saying Cobb could get up to an inch. Up to three inches could fall in the mountains, but much of the area could get up to two inches.

The NWS is warning that “travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.”

The warning also reminds motorists that black ice could accumulate even with a little snow.

Monday is expected to be partly cloudy with high temperatures in the mid 50s. But colder weather is coming Monday night, with lows around 40 and rain starting to move into north Georgia.

On Tuesday, the high is expected to be only in the low 40s, with the highest chance of rain before 11 a.m. The chance of precipitation in Cobb is expected to be around 80 percent, with lows dipping to around 20 by the evening.

Wednesday’s high is expected to be in the high 30s, and the low on Wednesday could fall into the teens.

Thursday won’t be much warmer, but the sun will return and sunny weather with temperatures in the mid-50s is in the forecast for Saturday.

UPDATE: Around 5:30 p.m. the Cobb County School District issued the following statement:

“We are monitoring possible winter weather arriving as early as Tuesday. Knowing that none of us know when or even if it will snow, you can know that we will tell you what we do know as early as possible. You can expect an update from us by Monday at 5:00 pm. In the meantime, learn more about what our staff is doing to make the very best decision for students, families, and staff here https://apple.co/2QE3udN and here:”

 

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Columns Drive remains closed as flash flood watch continues through Friday

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Columns Drive closes

Another week, and another flash flood watch has been issued for Cobb, metro Atlanta and much of north Georgia. Last week’s rains closed Columns Drive in East Cobb, and it’s expected to remain closed through at least Friday.

That’s the word coming from Cobb DOT, which is still clearing out flooded areas along Columns Drive between Atlanta Country Club Drive and Willow Knoll Drive.

A message sent out this morning by Cobb commissioner Bob Ott said that Cobb DOT is working with contractors to pump out remaining water on Columns Drive, which borders along the Chattahoochee River and is mostly residential. It provides access points for several apartment complexes as well as trails in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

“Please do not drive past the barricades, your interruption slows their effort in the area. And some drivers have caused private property damage by driving onto their neighbor’s yards,” Ott said.

Cobb will be under a flash flood watch starting at 7 p.m. Thursday through Friday evening. The National Weather Service is forecasting between 1-2 inches of rain, and possibly more in some areas. Those areas that were saturated with last week’s rains are more prone to flooding again.

The chance of rain Thursday is 70 percent, and 90 percent tonight and on Friday. The rain is supposed to taper off on Friday night and sunny skies will return on Saturday and through the weekend and into the first of next week.

 

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Cobb New Year’s Eve fireworks extended until 1 a.m.; Columns Drive still closed

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Cobb New Year's Eve fireworks ordinance

Just a reminder that Cobb County allows New Year’s Eve fireworks use to go as late as 1 a.m.

There is a strong chance of rain that could affect that, according to the National Weather Service.

This afternoon there’s a 50 percent chance of rain in Cobb, increasing to 70 percent this evening, along with some patchy fog.

We’ve had that most of Monday, and the forecast for New Year’s Day is the same. A 40 percent chance of showers is forecast, with an 80 and 70 percent chance Wednesday and Thursday.

Temperatures are unseasonably warm, with today’s high expected around 70 and the high on Tuesday in the low 60s. Highs will drop into the mid-50s Wednesday and Thursday.

The rain will taper off to a 30 percent chance by Friday, but it will be partly cloudy. The sun is expected to return on Saturday, with highs in the 50s throughout the weekend.

The heavy rains last week caused some flooding in areas of Cobb County, including along a stretch of Columns Drive in East Cobb.

That stretch is still closed, between Willow Knoll Drive and Atlanta Country Club Drive. Cobb DOT has not said when it may reopen.

 

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Traffic Update: Columns Drive closed temporarily due to flooding

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Columns Drive closed, Cobb flood warning

Cobb County government issued a notice around 12:30 p.m. today that Columns Drive, which meets Johnson Ferry Road at the Chattahoochee River, has been closed due to flooding.

The specific area of Columns Drive that is closed is between Willow Knoll Drive and Atlanta Country Club Drive.

Cobb DOT also closed Woodland Brook in Vinings, where a woman in a van had to be rescued after being stranded in high water.

Cobb officials also said areas of the Chattahoochee near Roswell, including East Cobb boundaries, also are vulnerable to flooding. This morning motorists were advised not to travel along Willeo Road along the Chattahoochee, close to where it meets Timber Ridge Road in East Cobb.

A flood warning was issued for several stretches along the Chattahoochee in Cobb, including that stretch near Roswell.

After being in a flash flood watch area, Cobb is now under a flood warning, following storms Thursday night and Friday morning, that brought between 2-4 inches of rain to the area.

The warning is due to expire around 3:15 today, but the National Weather Service said flooding issues from the rains will linger through the rest of today. Here’s more from the NWS warning, which was issued around 1:30 p.m., and specifically about the flooding near Vinings:

  • At 12PM Friday the stage was 18.5 feet and and rising.
  • Flood stage is 14.0 feet.
  • Significant flooding occurs in the woodlands and affects large portions of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area along the river upstream and downstream from the gage on Cobb Parkway. The flood waters will be around 3 feet deep over portions of the access road to the recreation area. Portions of the parking lot will begin to flood.
  • This crest compares to a previous crest of 17.9 feet on Oct 12 2009.

A flash flood watch continues for Cobb, metro Atlanta and much of north Georgia until 7 a.m. Saturday.

More thunderstorms are expected later this weekend and into New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

 

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Flash flood watch in effect for Cobb through Saturday morning

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Cobb flash flood watch

The end of 2018 is going to be soggy in Cobb, metro Atlanta and north Georgia, as thunderstorms are underway and will continue through most of the weekend.

A flash flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service in Atlanta from 7 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. Saturday. Cobb could get two inches of rain and possibly more in that time, with heavier rains forecast for other parts of north Georgia.

A wind advisory also is in effect for Cobb and north Georgia through 7 a.m. Friday, with wind gusts expected to average between 10-20 mph, and as high as 40 mph in some areas.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. The NWS forecast calls for thunderstorms through much of Friday, with the highest chance of flooding on Friday evening.

The chance of rain in Cobb Friday is 100 percent, with highs expected to be in the mid 60s and lows in the mid 40s.

Saturday will be mostly sunny with a slight chance of showers. The forecast high is in the high 50s, and an 80 percent chance of rain is expected Saturday night, with lows forecast to be in the mid 40s.

More strong rains are projected for Sunday, an 80 percent chance, with highs reaching into the mid 50s and lows in the high 40s.

New Year’s Eve on Monday, New Year’s Day on Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to have around a 50 percent chance of rain each day, and will be mostly cloudy.

On Wednesday it will start to get colder, with highs in the high 40s. The sun is expected to return on Thursday, with highs in the low 40s.

Lows both Wednesday and Thursday are forecast to be in the 30s.

 

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Black ice possible Tuesday morning; Cobb schools and government on delayed opening schedule

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Cobb black ice advisory

UPDATED, 4:30 P.M. This just in from Cobb schools:

In an effort to help parents and staff plan for tomorrow morning’s work and school schedule as early as possible, the Cobb County School District has delayed the start of school by 2 hours tomorrow, Tuesday, December 11th. The CCSD has reached this decision out of an abundance of caution and in order to align with the announcement from the Governor’s Office. We will continue to monitor conditions and reports from the National Weather Service throughout the evening.

Around noon today the National Weather Service in Atlanta issued an advisory about the possibility of black ice on the roads in North Georgia tonight and also into Tuesday morning.

Cobb County government is opening its offices late Tuesday morning (see note below), while Cobb schools say they’re monitoring road conditions and will make a decision by 5:30 Tuesday morning.

That includes Cobb County, as the culmination of continuing rain and temperatures around freezing or below could made conditions hazardous.

Temperatures are expected to drop into the high 20s or around freezing in most of the advisory area, and it won’t be much warmer throughout the rest of the state.

The chance for black ice is highest on secondary and untreated roads, as wells as on bridges, sidewalks and porches. Here’s more from the NWS advisory:

The threats for black ice and slick spots will diminish through the morning hours as temperatures are expected to warm through Tuesday afternoon to well above the freezing mark. Use caution and allow extra time to reach your destination if traveling late Tonight and Tuesday morning.

UPDATE, 3:40 P.M.: The Cobb County School District sent out this message a few minutes ago:

After a colder-than-normal but safe Monday across the district, we are aware of temperatures which may fall below freezing early Tuesday morning. We are in conversation with the National Weather Service and various agencies across the state of Georgia as we monitor for black ice and unsafe driving conditions. We will update you on our social media outlets throughout the evening and will inform you of a decision no later than 5:30 A.M.

At the same time, Cobb government issued this alert:

Due to the possibility of icy conditions on the roads early Tuesday, Cobb County government operations will delay opening until 9 a.m. Any employee who believes the roads are too treacherous to drive should contact their supervisor and delay their travel.

Cobb DOT crews will come in overnight to respond to any reports of icy conditions. If conditions deteriorate, the delayed opening may be changed. We will update the situation on cobbcounty.org and via email if necessary.

Around 2:30 p.m. Georgia DOT sent a message that it “will continue with brine operations in the northern counties that experienced snowfall. With the abundance of potential icy conditions expected, we will begin brine operations in Metro Atlanta tonight at 7 pm.”

Gov. Nathan Deal has delayed the opening of state government offices until 10 a.m. Tuesday “out of an abundance of caution.”

Right now its around 45 degrees in the East Cobb area, with light rain in some places. But temperatures are expected to drop to around 30, as the chance of rain falls from around 70 percent to 20 percent overnight.

On Tuesday, temperatures could reach 50 degrees and the sun is expected to return since the first time since the middle of last week.

Wednesday will be the same, and rain could return by Thursday night.

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East Cobb weather update: Cold rain continues Monday; schools monitoring roads

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NWS winter storm map 12.9.18

Cobb County and metro Atlanta remain outside of a winter storm area in northeast Georgia that experienced snowy and icy conditions this morning.

The storm crippled parts of North Carolina and Virginia, causing mass power outages and shutting down roads as many areas were under a state of emergency.

The watch/warning advisory period for northeast Georgia has been extended to 12 p.m. Monday.

While the forecast here calls for none of that, Cobb County School District officials said they will be monitoring roads early in Monday morning as another week of classes is set to begin.

In social media messages, CCSD said late this afternoon that “based on temperatures looking like it will be above freezing throughout the night, we expect to see our students in school on time tomorrow.”

Earlier today, Cobb government said county DOT crews were called to various areas overnight, including Bryant Lane and Columns Drive in East Cobb, due not to ice but to downed trees, some flooded areas and clogged drains.

Cobb was included in a flood watch that was due to expire at 7 p..m Sunday.

Temperatures have hovered just above freezing most of the weekend and are expected to remain that way Sunday night, with lows overnight around 35.

Monday won’t be much warmer, with a 50 percent chance of rain and highs forecast only for the low 40s. Monday night could be an issue, with lows possibly dipping below freezing, with a chance of rain and snow before 2 a.m. Tuesday.

The sun (remember that?) is expected to return on Tuesday, and it’s supposed to warm up a little, possibly as high as the low 50s.

Wednesday also will be as warm and cloudy, and then rain is expected to return by Thursday night.

 

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Cobb winter weather forecast: Wet and cold, flood watch issued

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Cobb winter weather forecast

Cobb is not included in a winter storm watch that has been issued for northeast Georgia, but we’ll be getting a blast of wet and cold weather this weekend that could turn for the worse by the start of the week.

A winter weather system is moving into Georgia and metro Atlanta later Friday that could bring several inches of rain.

For starters, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday for a good bit of Georgia, including Cobb. We’re expected to get at least a couple inches of rain, with chances for wintry precipitation on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Areas of Northeast Georgia are already under a winter storm watch with temperatures expected to dip below freezing. Between 1-2 inches of snow is being forecast, as well as possible accumulations of ice.

Cobb and metro Atlanta are not included in that storm watch for now, although low temperatures Saturday and Sunday are forecast to be in the mid- to low-30s.

Cobb government spokesman Ross Cavitt said Cobb DOT crews have run exercises this week to refine routes and trucks are preparing to lay out brine and clear roads if necessary.

He also said Cobb Emergency Management is monitoring  conditions should road closures be necessary. 

They’re posting updates on the Cobb government Facebook and Twitter accounts.

UPDATE: Shortly after 4 p.m. today, Cobb schools sent out a message saying it also would be monitoring weather conditions, and “will update Cobb parents and staff multiple times over the weekend” on social media outlets.

Cobb schools post those updates on the district’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

They’re also asking that parents check and update e-mail preferences with their childrens’ schools to receive those messages.

It’s almost exactly a year ago today that we had an unexpected winter storm in Cobb, with several inches of snow and several days of school cancellations.

Here’s more from a special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service this morning:

At this time, the best chance of seeing measurable ice accumulations will be north and east of a Homer to Gainesville to Dawsonville line. The rain-freezing rain line could move as far south and west as Canton to Cumming to Lawrenceville to Winder to Athens, where a mix of rain and freezing rain is possible.

Outside of the winter weather threat, across parts of north and middle Georgia, heavy rain Saturday into early Sunday could result in up to 3 inches of rainfall. This will likely elevate the threat for localized flooding or flash flooding.

Sunday night into Monday, wrap-around moisture in the colder air behind the system could result in some light snow showers across portions of north and central Georgia.

The chance of rain is around 90 percent Saturday and 50 percent on Sunday.

High temperatures are expected to be only in the low 40s on Saturday and the mid 30s on Sunday.

Similar weather is forecast for the start of the week on Monday. By Tuesday, the sun may come out a little, and fully sunny skies are in the forecast for the middle of the week.

 

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Freeze warning Thursday night for Cobb, North Georgia

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Cobb freeze warning

Our dreary weather week has a new twist tonight: A freeze warning that includes Cobb and north Georgia.

The National Weather Service in Atlanta issued the warning from 11 p.m. Thursday through 8 a.m. Friday.

The watch area is on a line north from West Point to Macon to Louisville.

The freeze warning comes as most of the metro Atlanta area and north Georgia has been enduring heavy rains this week that came with flood and flash flood watches and warnings.

The rain had largely stopped by Thursday afternoon but roads are still wet, with some minor flooding and tree and other debris.

Temperatures also have dropped into the mid-30s and tonight’s low could fall into the high 20s.

There could be some patchy black ice on roads where residual water freezes over.

Friday could see the return of the sun, with clear skies forecast and high temperatures in the low 50s.

The weekend is expected to be the same, with sunny days and highs reaching into the 60s through Monday.

UPDATED, 7:50 P.M.

The Cobb County School District issued this message a short while ago:

We are aware of low temperatures tonight leading to possible ice on the roads in the morning. We are currently working with the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) to monitor the weather, looking for any impacts on school operations. If necessary, an update will be provided in the morning should there be any delays or closures. Remember it’s going to be cold tomorrow, make sure to bundle up. Stay warm!

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Cobb flash flood watch continues through Thursday morning

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Cobb flash flood watch

The rain lightened up on Tuesday, but more is expected before a flash flood watch is due to expire Thursday morning.

At 4 p.m Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Atlanta expanded the watch for most of central and north Georgia, including Cobb County.

The area under the watch could get between an inch to three inches of rain through Wednesday and into Thursday, worsening already-soggy conditions that include flooding of rivers, streams and some roads.

In Cobb, Sope Creek was flooding during Tuesday’s heavy rains, and some roads were affected.

Cobb DOT said today that the heavy rains were clogging drains, including an area of Davidson Road in East Cobb.

The possibility of more flooding of roads remains for the rest of the week, after the watch expires.

The NWS said another two or three inches of rain is possible on Wednesday, with the heaviest rainfall expected in the afternoon and evening.

In Cobb, the chance of rain will be between 60 to 100 percent on Wednesday, mainly after 11 a.m.

For now, the local forecast is between three-quarters of an inch to an inch of rain. On top of that, it’s going to get colder, with highs expected in the high 40s and lows Wednesday night in the high 30s.

The rain is expected to continue into Thursday morning, with a 60 percent chance of remain. Cold temperatures will linger, with highs only in the mid 40s and lows hovering near freezing Thursday night.

Friday is expected to be sunny and warmer, with highs in the low 50s, but wet conditions and flooded areas may not recede by then.

The rest of the weekend and the early part of next week also are forecast to be clear and warmer than this week.

 

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Cobb flood warning issued; Sope Creek experiencing flooding

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NWS, Cobb Flood Watch

UPDATE, 6:15 P.M. TUESDAY

Cobb remains under a flash flood watch through Thursday morning, with more rain expected.

UPDATE, 6:20 P.M. MONDAY

Cobb government officials said late this afternoon that Cobb County is now under a flash flood WARNING, and some areas, including Sope Creek in East Cobb, are experiencing some flooding.

The warning was due to expire at 10:30 p.m., but heavy rains are expected the rest of the evening and into Tuesday.

Here’s the message that was sent out around 5:30:

Cobb’s EMA is watching the situation that includes at least 6 roadways with flooding reports and Allatoona and Sope Creeks reporting minor flooding.

The rain is expected to continue for several days.

IF YOU LIVE IN A FLOOD ZONE please review your emergency plans and take precautions for continued rainfall.

Do not attempt to drive through a flooded roadway.

Click this link to monitor stream gauges in Cobb. 

A message from the Catholic Church of St. Ann said that due to the rains, parts of Bishop Lake Road are under water, between entrances to the Chimney Lakes neighborhood.

Cobb DOT is reporting flooding on a number of roads throughout the county, including Davidson Road in East Cobb. Downed trees also are affecting traffic.

If you notice flooding, power outage or other weather-related issues where you are, let us know (and send photos too): e-mail editor@eastcobbnews.com or phone/text 404-219-4278.

ORIGINAL POST, 12:30 P.M. MONDAY

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from 3 p.m. Monday through 7 a.m. Wednesday that includes Cobb and much of North Georgia, as a heavy downpour soaks a good bit of the state.

A watch means that conditions exist for flooding based on weather forecasts.

The metro Atlanta area and Cobb have already gotten between 2-3 inches of rain, according to the NWS. Creeks and rivers could rise out of their banks and possibly close roads and impact homes and other buildings.

Thus far we have not heard any reports of any such issues in Cobb but we will update this story with pertinent information.

The Cobb area could ultimately get around four inches or more through the end of the week, as we’re not likely to see the sun until late in the week.

It’s also expected to be cold, with highs reaching 50 only on Tuesday. Lows most nights this week could get into the 30s.

Monday’s forecast into the evening calls for 100 percent chance of rain, and it’s going to rain into Tuesday morning, with patchy fog and highs only in the high 40s. There’s a 40 percent chance of rain Tuesday night.

Heavier rain is forecast on Wednesday, with a 70 percent chance during the day and 90 percent by Wednesday night.

Thursday is expected to be mostly cloudy, with the rain tapering off Thursday night.

The sun is expected to come out by Friday, and the weekend should be clear and sunny as well, with high temperatures rising back into the 50s.

 

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North Georgia freeze warning issued for Saturday includes Cobb

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North Georgia freeze warning

If you think it was chilly when you woke up this morning, wait until Sunday. The National Weather Service in Atlanta has issued a freeze warning for most of north Georgia, including Cobb County.

Around 10 a.m. today, the NWS issued the warning from 9 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday, with overnight temperatures possibly dipping into the 20s.

The freeze warning area runs along and north of a line from LaGrange to Griffin to Covington and Washington.

In Cobb, temperatures dropped into the high 30s last night, with highs today only in the low 50s. That’s also the forecast for Sunday afternoon, but not before low temperatures tonight are expected to be around freezing.

Adding to the chilly conditions are winds that could reach gusts of 15 mph during the day today. They will fade on Sunday, according to the NWS, but rain is expected late Sunday night and through Monday.

After warmer, but often rainy, weather this week, the freeze warning signals a return to colder weather for most of next week.

Tuesday is expected to be rainy all day, and with the lower temperatures there is the chance of more freezing conditions, with lows possibly falling under 32 overnight.

High temperatures aren’t likely to get much higher than the low 50s until the end of the week, with clear and sunny skies.

 

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Cobb weather and traffic post-Michael: Several downed trees, some flooding

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Wednesday night’s heavy rains, the product of Hurricane Michael, produced around three inches across the county, according to an update sent out by Cobb government late this morning.Cobb County logo, Cobb 2017 elections

Cobb DOT crews were dealing with around a dozen downed trees, including one on Tondee Court in Northeast Cobb, and some flooding on roads that has been cleaned up.

There was a brief tornado warning in Cobb early Wednesday evening, mostly for the southern part of the county. Some estimates had around six inches of rain in the Powder Springs area.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Powder Springs Creek, which was at 11 feet, what’s considered flood stage.

Cobb schools were in session as usual Thursday, after operations and transportation crews made a check of facilities and roads starting around 3 a.m. Schools were closing around the lunch hour and for the rest of the day for a previously scheduled early release for staff development.

Cobb DOT is urging motorists that if they approach a traffic signal that is not working, to treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Georgia Power is saying that if you see a downed or low-hanging electric wire, don’t touch it. That includes cable TV lines. Instead call 1-888-891-0938 or dial 911 to report downed power lines.

Georgia Power is reporting only a small number of outages in metro Atlanta; most are in areas of south and central Georgia hit hard by hurricane-force winds as Michael moved up from the Florida Panhandle.

Cobb EMC was reporting only a small number of outages this morning.

A good bit of central and south Georgia was under a tropical storm warning and flash flood watch this morning as clean-up has gotten underway. Those warnings have been cancelled.

President Trump this morning declared a state of emergency for Georgia, meaning impacted areas could receive federal aid for clean-up. Gov. Deal declared a state of emergency for 108 counties before the storm hit.

The National Weather Service issued this information this morning:

Do not go sightseeing within impacted communities. Sightseers interfere with the emergency work of first responders.

When clearing out fallen trees, be careful with chainsaws and axes. Always wear protective gear and keep others at a safe distance. Leaning trees and those which have fallen on roofs or power lines can be especially dangerous. If you are not in good health or unsure about what you are doing, have someone with tree cutting experience do the job. Never cut trees without a partner.

The sun came out late this morning in Cobb, and some fall-like temperatures are expected for the rest of the week, with highs in the 70s.

Tonight’s lows could dip into the 40s.

 

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Cobb emergency crews prepare for impact of Hurricane Michael

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Cobb emergency crews, Hurricane Michael

Just a little while ago Cobb government public information officer Ross Cavitt sent out the following message and video here of crews working in the Vinings area, related to county preparations for what we might get via Hurricane Michael:

Cobb County’s Emergency Management Agency participated in National Weather Service and GEMA briefings this afternoon. We expect some gusty winds and up to two inches of rain in this area. Much of this will happen after dark tonight.

Cobb County Department of Transportation crews spent much of the day clearing clogged storm drains and preparing their tree clearing equipment in anticipation of work tonight.

Cobb County Emergency Management Director Cassie Mazloom says the tornado threat in the Cobb area is low but still worth monitoring. The biggest concern remains downed trees and power outages, especially since we’ve been in a fairly dry period.

Cobb is included in a hazardous weather outlook area issued this morning by the National Weather Service in Atlanta.

Just before the eye of the storm made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane earlier this afternoon, wind gusts of nearly 150 mph were measured at Tydall AFB near Panama City Beach, Fla., according to news reports there.

Yesterday Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency in 93 counties in central and south Georgia, which are expected to get a heavy brunt from Michael.

Today he expanded that area to 108 counties, many of which are now under a hurricane warning, according to the National Weather Service, with the threat of devastating amounts of heavy rain and hurricane-force winds, possibly in excess of 70 mph.

The storm is projected to sweep up  part of the Middle Atlantic coast before crossing into the Atlantic Ocean.

In the video, the interview is with Gary Pongetti, Cobb DOT Drainage Division Maintenance Supervisor.

Earlier this morning, the Cobb County School District sent out this message:

We continue to remain in contact with the National Weather Service and are monitoring the track of Hurricane Michael. Our Operations and Transportation teams are ready to get every student to school and back home safely for the rest of the week!

Cobb schools will be on a previously scheduled early release Thursday for a local school professional learning day.

High temperatures in Cobb are expected to cool, starting on Thursday, and not get out of the 70s for the rest of the week. Low temperatures are expected to drop into the 50s, with mostly sunny weather on the weekend after the chance of rain and showers on Thursday.

The National Hurricane Center said today that the only stronger storm on record to reach so far north on the Gulf Coast was Hurricane Camille, a Category 5 storm in 1969 that slammed into the Mississippi coast, killing more than 200 people and reaching winds of more than 170 mph.

 

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Cobb under flash flood watch until 8 a.m. Friday

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Cobb flash flood watch

The start of the school year is a soggy one, and the rest of the week will be wet as well. Cobb is one of many counties in north and central Georgia under a flash flood watch until 8 a.m. Friday.

The National Weather Service in Atlanta is predicting that Cobb could get between and inch to an inch and a half of rain until then.

Under a flash flood watch, conditions exist that could lead to flash flooding of lakes, streams, creeks and rivers and could cause hazardous driving situations on roads.

The forecast for Cobb calls for cooler temperatures but high humidity over the next few days. Today’s high is expected around 80, with a low of around 70, and a 100 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms.

For Thursday, similar conditions are expected, with the rain expected to taper off to a 60 percent chance by the evening.

Friday also calls for a 60 percent chance of rain with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 70s. Likewise for Saturday, with the chance of rain forecast to dwindle to a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms.

The rainy weather is expected to continue into early next week.

 

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