Parts of the city are under a flash flood warning Wednesday evening after more than 2 inches of rain fell on Atlanta during rush hour traffic, according to the National Weather Service.
The Downtown Connector reopened just before 7 p.m. after flash floods left a few motorists stuck in floodwaters, causing major traffic delays across the city. Drivers are still advised to avoid the area because of “heavy congestion” as emergency responders work to reopen lanes, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Flash flooding, visible from GDOT cameras, hit the Downtown Connector at Baker Street in downtown Atlanta. Areas near Freedom Parkway, Peachtree Street and the Pine Street exits were impacted by flooding, according to the NWS.
All lanes of I-75/I-85 shut down just before 5:30 p.m. at J.W. Dobbs Avenue because of interstate flooding, according to GDOT. Live camera feeds showed cars attempting to drive into the floodwaters and getting stuck.
By 7 p.m., traffic appeared to be flowing again on the Downtown Connector. Some side streets were also impacted by flooding, including Northside Drive.
If motorists encounter flooded areas, they are advised to turn around away and not to drive through standing water.
An Atlanta police spokesperson said the agency has not been notified of any injuries and said officers have been responding “as needed to assist with traffic control.”
Officials from Atlanta fire, as well as GDOT, did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Channel 2 Action News Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz says the water receded as crews clear drains on the interstate. The heavy rain also stopped in the area, he added.
“Things are improving. We’re not going to see this get worse before it gets better, but it’s not going to get better right away,” Nitz said during the 6 p.m. newscast.
The flood warning is in place until 11:15 p.m., according to the NWS.
Areas that may experience flash floods include Atlanta, Midtown, Grant Park-Zoo Atlanta, Druid Hills, North Druid Hills, Piedmont Park, Atlantic Station, Sweet Auburn, Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points, West End, Turner Field, Bankhead, LaVista and Kirkwood, according to the weather bulletin.
— This is a developing story. Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.
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