LIVE UPDATES: Flooding on I-85; Severe Thunderstorm Warning for metro Atlanta counties

By Brad Nitz at WSB-TV (ABC) - News · July 17, 2026 · 2 min read

5:00 p.m. - Flash Flood Warning for DeKalb and Gwinnett County until 8:00pm Friday.4:55 p.m. - Cherokee County flooding, Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz says. Remember, “turn around, don’t drown.” You have no way of knowing how deep the water is, when a road is washed out you ...

Why this matters in The Atlanta

The flash flood warning in north Georgia counties will likely have a ripple effect on commuters traveling to and from Atlanta, particularly with the ground stop issued at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Residents in affected areas, such as Fannin and Gilmer counties, should be cautious of rising water levels in small creeks and streams, as well as flooding in low-lying areas and streets. The impending heat advisory in surrounding counties, including Banks and Clarke, will also pose a significant threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children. As the heat index is expected to reach up to 108 degrees, local authorities and emergency services should be prepared to respond to potential heat-related illnesses. With scattered storms and severe weather predicted for the weekend, Atlanta residents should stay informed and up-to-date on the latest weather forecasts and warnings to ensure their safety.

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Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News. The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 17, 2026 · Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News · Reading time: 2 min

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