News

Rain continues to fall for 4th of July

ATLANTA — More heavy rain is soaking metro Atlanta on the Fourth of July, forcing many to change their holiday plans.

Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said rain is scattered Thursday morning, but is expected to stick around throughout the day with pockets of heavy rain.

"We are going to continue seeing showers in waves coming across the area," Minton said. "You're going to be dodging rain throughout the day, no matter what your plans are, no matter where you live."

All of metro Atlanta is under a flash flood watch until Friday morning, but flash flood warnings are expected to pop up in several counties on Thursday.

Fulton, Forsyth and Dawson counties are under a flash flood warning for the Big Creek area.

"Roads, creeks and streams will easily flood in areas that have seen the heaviest rain today. The severe weather risk is low, but some of the storms will produce lightning and gusty winds," Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologist David  Chandley said. "I still think the higher rain totals will be west and north of Atlanta."

A homeowner on Denmeade Walk in Marietta awoke to find a large tree in his newly renovated pool.

In Atlanta, Sylvia Walden found a huge tree that crashed into her Rolling Wood Lane home. Her car was also damaged.

The AJC Peachtree Road Race 10K took place Thursday morning, despite the rain. They implemented a flag system to warn runners of potentially dangerous conditions and detour plans are in place in case of flooding.

There is an 80 percent chance of rain throught the morning with temperatures in the low 70s, Minton said.

More rain is in the forecast through Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Fallen tree knocks out power in Smyrna neighborhood

Police in Smyrna reopened a road blocked for hours after a fallen tree damaged power poles and knocked out power to hundreds Wednesday night.

Crews told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri one tree fell across Church Street and damaged three poles and lines.

"I walked down to the corner of the street and saw it blocking the whole road," Chris Pelayo, who was visiting his cousin's home, told Viteri. "It covered the whole street and more past the sidewalk so it was a long tree."

Police said severe weather brought down the tree, which crews quickly cut up. Drivers had to find alternate ways around Church Street near Flagler Circle.

"Been zigzagging back and forth but I can't get to 41, so I'm just going to backtrack and take the long way where I know how to get there," said driver Henry Delgado, who called it a minor inconvenience. "Could be worse, no one got hurt. That's the important thing."

Georgia Power estimated around 350 customers lost power because of the damage. They restored power within several hours.

Flowery Branch declares state of emergency

The city of Flowery Branch has issued a local state of emergency until further notice.

Officials with the city said they declared the state of emergency in response to the large amount of rain they received Wednesday afternoon.

Also, the city said Cantrell Street has been closed where it crosses over the Flowery Branch Creek.

They also said they are going to be installing a temporary bridge for Spring Street, where the bridge conditions worsened after flooding Wednesday.

Coweta braces for more flooding       

Emergency management officials in Coweta County said flooding in Whitlock Park subsided on Wednesday thanks to a break in the rain, but with more rain on the way, they expect more flooding on Thursday.

Willie Hussie told Channel 2's Tony Thomas that water rose knee-deep outside his home just off Highway 29.

"The whole downstairs flooded out by at least 4 inches. We are in the process now of trying to vacuum all the water out of the house," Hussie said.

Hussie said a collapsed culvert along the CSX railroad tracks stopped both trains and water from moving in their intended directions. Hussie said this is the third time this has happened.

Fireworks planners staying flexible

Despite the rain, the Georgia Salutes America celebration promises to end Independence Day with a fireworks spectacular at Centennial Olympic Park.

The event airs on Channel 2 at 9 p.m. Thursday night.

Joe Skopitz, the park's assistant general manager, said the real issue is lightning and high winds. Skoptiz said if severe weather moves in they will ask people to exit the park and they can either leave for the evening or go to the Georgia World Congress Center. 

The fireworks company said only high-level winds would cause them to pull some fireworks out of the show.

Officials said they are also flexible with the start time. Weather could move the fireworks up as early as 9:15 p.m. or as late as 10:45 p.m. Stay with Channel 2 Action News for updates on the event.


Many local cities have already postponed their Fourth of July fireworks and parades. For a complete list click here.

IF YOU GO:

•    Gates open at 6 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:45 p.m.
•    Watch live on Channel 2 at 9 p.m. or streaming on our mobile sites/apps
•    Collapsible chairs and personal umbrellas are permitted
•    Avoid traffic by using MARTA. Exit at Peachtree Cetner or GWCC-CNN-Dome
•    Park visitors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent
•    Not allowed: Weapons, alcohol, glass bottles, fireworks, coolers, outside food/beverage, grills or pets
•    All bags could be inspected
•    Main entry on Andrew Young Int'l at Centennial Park Dr. and Marietta St.