A Flood Watch remains in effect through 8 PM Saturday for Northwest Georgia, including Chattooga County, as periods of moderate to heavy rainfall keep flash flooding a concern into the afternoon and evening.

Forecasters say excessive runoff could trigger flooding along rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying, flood-prone locations, with additional issues possible in urban areas and poor-drainage spots. Radar estimates indicate many parts of North Georgia picked up 1 to 1.5 inches of rain in the last 24 hours, with a locally higher swath near 2 inches reported around southern Chattooga County and surrounding areas.

Rain will continue in waves today, and while totals may vary by location, forecasts call for another 1 to 2 inches in many areas, with locally higher amounts up to 4 inches possible where heavier rain bands set up. Even “lower” totals can cause problems if they fall quickly, especially near streams that rise fast or in locations prone to runoff.

Severe Storm Threat This Morning

Alongside flooding concerns, a few storms this morning into early afternoon could become severe, capable of producing damaging wind gusts. Forecasters also note a brief, isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. A Tornado Watch is in effect through 11 AM for portions of Northwest and west-central Georgia, including Chattooga County.

Sunday: Front Clears, Cooler and Drier Air Moves In

The cold front is expected to push through late Saturday night, gradually bringing rain and thunderstorms to an end. Post-frontal conditions arrive Sunday, with noticeably cooler morning temperatures—ranging from the low 30s (and 20s in the mountains) to the upper 40s and low 50s farther south. Skies should trend drier through the day as high pressure builds in, with seasonal highs in the 40s and 50s.

Long-Range Forecast: Dry, Cool Start to the Week; Fire Weather Watchfulness; Uncertainty Mid-Week

Looking ahead, the pattern turns dry and cool (more seasonal) from Sunday night through at least mid-week as high pressure strengthens. The main concern through Tuesday shifts from flooding to fire weather potential, with very dry air expected to move in. Relative humidity values could approach critical thresholds (around 25% or lower) across parts of central Georgia, increasing the risk for rapid fire spread where fuels are dry and winds cooperate.

Temperatures should gradually warm through mid-week while staying near seasonal norms: highs Sunday range from the low 40s to upper 50s, rising by Wednesday into the 50s and 60s across the region.

From Wednesday into Thursday, confidence drops. Long-range guidance suggests another trough could swing through the Deep South, which may bring a return of precipitation, but forecasters say model differences make it difficult to pin down timing, rainfall amounts, or precipitation type this far out.

Safety reminder: Never drive through flooded roads—turn around, don’t drown—and keep multiple ways to receive warnings, especially during Tornado Watch conditions.