Northwest Georgia is seeing a shift as a flood watch lifts, but metro Atlanta is still dealing with the aftermath, with localized areas likely experiencing standing water due to inadequate drainage systems.
The flood watch that previously impacted much of the state, excluding portions of northwest Georgia, will remain active until Wednesday evening. Counties in metro Atlanta such as Cobb, Cherokee, Douglas, Paulding, and Bartow are now outside the watch area.
In the meantime, the Ocmulgee River near Macon is facing a flood warning until Friday, with the river expected to rise to nearly 21 feet, well above its flood stage of 18 feet, according to the National Weather Service. Another flood warning has been issued for the Oconee River near Penfield affecting parts of Oglethorpe, Oconee, and Greene counties, expected to last from Wednesday morning through Thursday evening. At the latest update, the river had already risen to 10.5 feet with further increases anticipated as it approaches the 13-foot flood action stage.
As the waters recede in some areas, residents are urged to stay vigilant and cautious. Local authorities are prepared to respond to any flooding issues that may arise during this transitional period. While the flooding presents immediate challenges, community resilience and cooperation can pave the way for a smoother recovery.