Heavy rain, gusty winds, and scattered lightning strikes moved across Metro Atlanta early Monday, disrupting travel across several major corridors and prompting weather alerts throughout North and Central Georgia.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta and the National Weather Service, the system began sweeping through the region before sunrise, bringing wind gusts of up to 40 mph, steady downpours, and localized flooding risks to several areas south and west of the city.
Hardest-Hit Areas: South Metro + I-75
The heaviest rainfall impacted communities around Barnesville and Griffin, where gusty winds and wet pavement contributed to a series of early morning traffic accidents.
Reported crashes:
- I-75 Southbound before North Marietta Parkway – all lanes briefly closed
- I-75 Northbound near Highway 92 (Acworth) – two right lanes blocked
- I-20 Eastbound before Lowery Blvd – one lane closed around 5 AM
National Weather Service Alerts
On Sunday night, the NWS issued multiple Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Watches covering counties across Northwest and Metro Atlanta, including:
- Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Bartow, and Fulton
- Tornado Warning issued for Gordon, Floyd, and Chattooga Counties
Residents were urged to stay off roads during peak storm activity and monitor local alerts for overnight watches continuing into Tuesday morning.
Rest of the Week: More Rain Expected
Weather forecasters say that Monday’s storms are part of a multi-day unsettled pattern, with waves of rainfall expected through Wednesday or Thursday.
Highlights:
- Monday PM: Brief lull expected mid-day, more storms after 6 PM
- Tuesday: Isolated strong-to-severe storms with possible hail
- Temps: Highs near 80°F, lows in the upper 60s
- Humidity and heat could intensify storms during afternoons
Stay Prepared and Weather-Aware
Local officials are encouraging all Metro Atlanta residents — including those in Clayton County and the Southside — to stay connected to multiple alert systems, including:
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Mobile apps with location-based alerts
- Social media from official NWS + local news stations
“Conditions can change quickly. Even outside official warnings, storms may bring dangerous wind and lightning,” said one NWS representative.
Have you been affected by the storms?
Let us know about conditions in your neighborhood or share a weather photo in the comments below.
