Heavy rain brings threat of flooding

Rain moving into north Georgia raised the threat of flooding and severe weather Thursday.

A light to moderate rain fell across metro Atlanta during the rush hour, making the commute treacherous, especially in the western suburbs. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for north and northwest Georgia, including Cobb, Bartow and Paulding counties.

“Any thunderstorms will be from 6 p.m. to midnight and moving from west to east,” Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologist David Chandley said.

“There is a low possibility for strong to severe storms capable of damaging winds or isolated tornadoes. I do not think this even has the instability of last Saturday’s storms,” he said.

The strongest storms will stay in south Georgia and the Florida panhandle.

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This round of rain, on the heels of a soaking weekend rain increased the chance of flooding.

"This is definitely the flood season or the beginning of the flood season in Georgia," said United States Geological Survey Director Brian McCallum.

Georgia’s famous red clay and hard surfaces, such as pavement and buildings, make it difficult for the rain to soak in, which causes runoff and overflowing waterways. The lack of vegetation this time of year also doesn't help.

Weather concerns also shut down a Douglas County park.  The waters from recent storms flooded a creek near Fowler Field Park. A parks department official told Channel 2’s Manuel Bojorquez said creek rose 11 feet higher than normal leaving benches covered in debris. A playground and walking trails are closed as well. Officials are worried the upcoming storm will do more damage to the park.