East Cobb Weather

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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Cobb included in thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. Thursday

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Cobb thunderstorm watch

The heavy rains and storms that began late Wednesday night and have continued today may not quite be over. Cobb County is included in a thunderstorm watch that is covering most of north and central Georgia until 8 p.m. tonight.

Officially the National Weather Service in Atlanta is calling this a severe thunderstorm watch, and the Cobb area has experienced some severe weather since last night.

Sporadic thunderstorm warnings have been issued in the watch area, but one has not been issued for Cobb.

In a watch situation, conditions are present for potential severe storms to emerge, including heavy rainfall, lightning, thunder and high winds.

Today’s high in the East Cobb area is expected to be near 90, with lows tonight in the low 70s. The chance of severe thunderstorms is expected to be reduced from 70 percent this afternoon to 40 percent tonight.

On Friday, the forecast calls for a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms with highs in the low 90s and lows in the low 70s.

Similar weather is on tap for the weekend and into Monday, with a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday.

The stormy weather could be around into the July 4 holiday next Wednesday.

 

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Cobb included in flash flood watch due to Alberto until Wednesday morning

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Cobb flash flood watch, subtropical storm Alberto

The National Weather Service has included Cobb County in a flash flood watch until Wednesday morning due to rains stemming from Subtropical Storm Alberto.

The watch was to begin at 2 p.m. Monday and covers most of north and central Georgia. The heavy rains could cause flooding in rivers, lakes, streams and other low-lying areas.

Alberto was making landfall on the northwest Florida Gulf Coast early Monday afternoon, according to the NWS, which also included this information in its watch alert:

Subtropical storm Alberto will continue northward into eastern Alabama through this evening bringing abundant moisture and rainfall along and east of its track. This will allow for increased rainfall potential across the area. Although average rainfall totals will average 2 to 3 inches, some areas could see as much as 4 to 5 inches through Tuesday night. Creek and river levels are already above average and will not take much additional rainfall to cause levels to rise above bankfull.

Several creeks and rivers will rise out of their banks closing roads and impacting homes, businesses and farms. High water may not recede until well after the rain has ended.

The chance of rain in Cobb and metro Atlanta is expected to increase later on Monday afternoon and overnight and through Tuesday, possibly up to a 90 percent chance. We could get up to three-quarters of an inch of rain Tuesday night.

In addition to the rain and possible flash floods, foggy conditions may also be present.

The watch period ends at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

On Wednesday, thunderstorms are likely, especially on Wednesday evening, with the chance of storms tapering off as the week continues.

High temperatures Monday and Tuesday will be in the high 70s and lows in the high 60s. From Wednesday through Thursdays, highs could reach into the mid-to-high 80s with lows in the low 70s.

Sunny skies are not expected to return until Saturday.

 

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Cobb flash flood watch in effect through Saturday morning; a rainy Memorial Day holiday weekend expected

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Cobb flash flood watch, National Weather Service

Intermittent rainshowers are expected throughout the Memorial Day weekend, and to start it off Cobb and much of Georgia have been placed under a flash flood watch until 8 a.m. Saturday.

The National Weather Service said this afternoon the greatest chance for flash flooding is in central Georgia, along with portions of north Georgia.

Between an inch and two inches of rain could fall in those areas until Saturday morning. Localized flash flooding of creeks and streams is possible in places where heavy rainfall occurs.

This is from the NWS watch issued at 3 p.m. Friday:

“Additional rounds of very heavy rainfall are likely as a trough of low pressure to the west feeds very high amounts of moisture into the area. Widespread rainfall amounts of one to two inches are likely. Locally higher amounts of 3 inches or more are possible where storms repeatedly move.

“Much of this heavy rain could fall in a short amount of time. With the heavy rain that has already fallen in the last 2 days, it will only take a relatively small amount of rainfall to cause significant flash flooding.

“Creeks and rivers will rise out of their banks closing roads or impacting homes, businesses and farms. Roads may become closed for extended periods of time. High water will not recede until well after the rain has ended.”

The extended hazardous weather outlook for Cobb continues through Memorial Day and Tuesday, with scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms possible every day. Heavy rainfall could occur stemming from Tropical Storm Alberto, which is projected to hit the northwest Florida Gulf Coast on Monday.

That is the first named storm of the year, although the 2018 hurricane season doesn’t officially begin until next week.

High temperatures in Cobb and metro Atlanta are expected to reach or exceed 80 degrees every day over the holiday weekend, with expected lows in the mid-to-high 60s.

After Friday’s 50 percent chance of rain, the chance of rain on Saturday and Sunday is forecast to be 60 percent, and around 50 percent on Monday.

Rain also is in the forecast for all of next week.

 

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East Cobb Weather Alert: Advisory issued due to heavy rains and possible hazardous roads

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East Cobb Weather Alert
Water accumulating on Johnson Ferry Road at Columns Drive at the Chattahoochee River, around 10:15 a.m. today. (Georgia 511 camera photo)

The East Cobb area is included in a special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service about the potential for hazardous roads due to heavy rain this morning.

Around two inches of rain have fallen in parts of East Cobb, and around 10 a.m. the NWS included this area, as well as North Fulton, Forsyth, North Gwinnett and outlying areas, in its advisory.

The advisory period was to last until 11 a.m. due to the stationary rain showers, but the potential for road hazards could last much of the day. More rain is expected in East Cobb as the day continues.

Here’s the information the NWS is passing along for now:

“Heavy rain may cause temporary street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.

“Some locations in the path of these storms include Atlanta, Marietta, Gainesville, Cumming, Homer, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Smyrna, Dunwoody, Milton, Duluth, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Buford, Chamblee, Norcross, Doraville and Braselton.

“Motorists should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to hydroplaning.”

South Cobb is included in a flash flood warning also issued this morning by the NWS, and that warning is expected to last until the middle of the afternoon.

Slow-moving showers are expected to continue through most of the rest of the day and tonight, according to the NWS. Localized flash-flooding is possible in low-lying areas, especially around creeks, rivers and streams.

More rain is in the forecast for Thursday and through Friday night, with the chance of rain dropping through the weekend.

Lower Roswell Road at Old Canton Road around 10 a.m. today (Georgia 511 photo).

 

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East Cobb Weather Update: Heavy rains, high winds in forecast through Tuesday

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East Cobb Weather Update

After a beautiful start to the weekend, Earth Day in East Cobb has been a soggy one, and the start of the week will be wetter still, with high winds to boot.

The National Weather Service in Atlanta has issued a hazardous weather outlook starting Sunday night and continuing into Tuesday.

East Cobb and the metro Atlanta area, as well as much of north Georgia, could get 2-4 inches of rainfall during that period. That also means the possibility of flooding in the usually suspect areas, although for now the NWS has issued a flood watch along the I-85 corridor through Monday afternoon.

A wind advisory will be in effect from 8 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday and Cobb is included in this area. East winds between 15-25 mph are expected, with gusts of 34-40 mph possible and even higher in higher elevations.

The chance of thunderstorms Sunday night is highest after 11 p.m. and into the overnight hours of Monday.

Showers and a possible thunderstorm are most likely on Monday before 3 p.m., as the Monday morning as well as afternoon commute figures to be soggy.

Highs on Monday are expected to be in the upper 60s and lows in the mid 50s. There’s a 50 percent chance of rain Monday night.

For Tuesday, the rain will be tapering off to around a 40 percent chance, and thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m. Highs are forecast for the high 60s and lows in the mid 50s.

There’s a reduced chance of rain for most of the rest of the week in the East Cobb area, with partly sunny skies possible on Wednesday. The sun is expected to be out in full force on Friday.

High temperatures all week are expected in the mid 60s to low 70s and lows in the low-to-mid 50s and possibly the high 40s later in the week.

 

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Cobb freeze warning included in North Georgia forecast for Sunday morning

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Winter’s not quite over yet. Tonight’s for bundling up, including your beautifully blooming seasonals, as a freeze warning has been issued for most of north Georgia, including Cobb.

The National Weather Service says the warning will be in effect from midnight to 10 a.m. Sunday, and the area covered runs along a north from Carrollton, Marietta and Cleveland.

Temperatures in Cobb are forecast to hover at, or just above the freezing mark overnight and into daylight Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon, however, it’s going to warm up again, with high temperatures expected around 60. Sunday night’s low is expected in the mid-40s, and highs are expected in the mid-to-high 60s at the start of the week. There will be a chance of rain through Tuesday.

By the end of the week, it’ll really feel like spring again, with temperatures possibly reaching near 80, and a fully sunny forecast.

 

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Cobb storm aftermath: Foggy morning, wet roads and a cold evening

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Cobb storm
I-75 at Windy Hill Road, looking South. (Georgia 511 camera photo)

Monday night’s bad weather didn’t leave quite the damage as Alabama, where a tornado touched down, as well as in the south Fulton area. However, there has been a major mess for morning commuters. Here’s what we know so far about the Cobb storm aftermath, and what to expect today as the cleanup continues:

  • There’s a dense fog advisory for Cobb and most of metro Atlanta until 10 a.m., and dreary skies are expected for much of the day. The rush-hour commute has already been affected by this, but driving anywhere today figures to include low-visibility conditions;
  • There’s no additional rain this morning, but there’s a lot of what’s left of last night’s thunderstorms still on the roads in standing puddles and runoff;
  • High winds scattered debris, including tree branches, and we haven’t heard of any specific major issues in East Cobb, or anything that may affect traffic, including lane or road closures. We’ll update this if/when we get any information.
Cobb storm
Sandy Plains Road at Shallowford Road (Georgia 511 camera photo)

Most of the worst of the fog has already left the East Cobb area (it’s worse in west Cobb and along the Chattahoochee River), but today’s weather is still going to be soggy, and then it’s going to get cold tonight.

After high temperatures in the mid-60s, it could get around freezing, with a chance of scattered showers and low temperatures in the mid-30s.

On Wednesday, the sun returns with highs expected in the 50s. More rain is in the forecast for later in the week.

 

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COBB WEATHER ALERT: Tornado watch issued until 4 a.m. Tuesday; Cobb schools cancel Monday night activities

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Cobb weather alert, National Weather Service

UPDATED, 9:20 p.m.

Cobb is included in a tornado watch issued by the National Weather Service until 4 a.m. Tuesday. A second storm system with a tornado is moving out of Alabama. At 10:30 p.m., a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for all of Cobb County until 11:15 p.m. More storms were moving through counties in western Georgia, where tornado warnings had been in effect.

UPDATED, 5:58 P.M:

The Cobb County School District announced shortly before 5 p.m. today that all school-related activities tonight are cancelled.

ORIGINAL POST, 2:04 P.M.:

The National Weather Service has included Cobb and metro Atlanta in a severe weather forecast for this afternoon and evening that includes the possibilities of thunderstorms, high winds, hail and tornadoes.

The threat is greatest between 3 p.m. and midnight, according to the National Weather Service forecast, which includes much of north Georgia.

Here’s more from what the NWS released in its revised projections around 1:30 this afternoon:

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will develop this afternoon, especially south of I-20. Some of these storms could be strong to severe with large hail and brief gusty winds the primary threat,
along with heavy rain.

Later this afternoon through this evening, a more organized line of severe thunderstorms will move from Alabama into northwest and west-central Georgia. It is along and ahead of this line where all modes of severe weather exist, including tornadoes, large hail potentially greater than 2 inches, and damaging winds in excess of 70 MPH. Heavy rainfall and frequent lightning will also occur. Expect the potential for severe weather to be its highest between 5 PM and 2 AM
Tuesday morning.

This map was released around 2:20 p.m. today:

We’re also seeing some school districts in west Georgia begin to cancel at least after-school activities, due to the weather threat, but haven’t seen anything yet for Cobb. We’ll update that here when we get more information.

 

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Weather alert: Cobb freeze watch in effect for early Saturday morning

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Cobb freeze watch
NWS low temperature projections Friday night and early Saturday morning for north Georgia.

The National Weather Service office in Atlanta has issued a freeze watch from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday for several counties in northwest Georgia, including Cobb.

The watch is part of a larger hazardous weather outlook for most of the weekend in north and central Georgia.

Mild but rainy weather this week helped trees and other vegetation that have been blooming.

The sun will be out for the weekend, but temperatures are forecast to be around freezing for the next few nights.

The possibility of freezing temperatures Sunday and Monday nights are also included in the hazardous weather outlook.

After temperatures Friday ranged into the high 50s, Saturday, Sunday and Monday daytime weather will be warmer, in the low-to-mid 60s. Lows will fall back into the 30s and 40s for most of the coming week.

Wind gusts that were as high as 20 mph today will continue through the weekend, and are expected to be calm by the start of the week. Stronger winds are expected in the mountainous areas of northeast Georgia.

As the work week begins, cloudy skies and rain will return to metro Atlanta, with a 50 percent chance of showers Monday night, and a 30 percent chance on Tuesday night.

 

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Cobb County flood watch in effect for most of the weekend

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Cobb County Flood Watch, National Weather Service

The rain that began Friday night is not expected to let up for most of the weekend, and as a result Cobb County and much of metro Atlanta are under a flood watch.

The watch began at 7 a.m. today and continues through 7 p.m. Sunday, with Cobb possibly getting between 2-4 inches of rain.

The usual areas in East Cobb that are prone to flooding—along the Chattahoochee River and Sope Creek, as well as the Noonday Creek area—are susceptible to this weather pattern, which includes the possibility of thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service issued the watch for most of north and central Georgia, from a line north of Columbus to Griffin to Athens.

In addition to the rain, dense and heavy fog is expected to linger in the watch area throughout this afternoon, and visibility could be reduced between a quarter to a half-mile.

The chance of rain in East Cobb is 50 percent today and 80 percent tonight, with rain and patchy fog returning overnight. Highs are expected in the low 60s, with lows in the same range.

On Sunday, the chance of rain is 90 percent, with fog returning during the day and temperatures reaching the high 60s. The lows Sunday are expected to be in the high 50s as a high chance of rain continues.

The chance of rain continues into the start of the week, but a rainy and overcast week is expected as warm temperatures continue.

 

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