The flood watch issued for Cobb County and the surrounding region by the National Weather Service remains in effect until 7 p.m. this evening, January 9, 2024. Rain is expected to spread over the watch area into the evening, with runoff that could flood rivers and other bodies of water and low-lying areas.

What is in the Flood Watch statement?

The statement from the National Weather Service gives the following details:

…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be

  possible.

* WHERE…Portions of central, east central, north central,

  northeast, northwest, and west central Georgia, including the

  following areas, in central Georgia, Butts, Jasper, Monroe and

  Putnam. In east central Georgia, Greene. In north central Georgia,

  Barrow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fannin,

  Fayette, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Lumpkin, Morgan,

  Newton, North Fulton, Pickens, Rockdale, South Fulton, Union and

  Walton. In northeast Georgia, Banks, Clarke, Jackson, Madison,

  Oconee, Oglethorpe, Towns and White. In northwest Georgia, Bartow,

  Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson,

  Murray, Paulding, Polk, Walker and Whitfield. In west central

  Georgia, Coweta, Harris, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding,

  Talbot, Troup and Upson.

* WHEN…Through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,

  creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

  Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…

  – Rainfall will overspread the watch area tonight through

    Tuesday evening and may be heavy at times. Heaviest rain will

    be during the morning to afternoon hours Tuesday as a front

    moves through the area with a line of thunderstorms ahead of

    it. Rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches are expected, but locally

    higher amounts will be possible, especially along the

    southward facing slopes of the NE Georgia mountains.

  – http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action

should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

About the National Weather Service

The National Weather Service (NWS) is a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The NWS describes its role as follows:

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, water, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. These services include Forecasts and Observations, Warnings, Impact-based Decision Support Services, and Education in an effort to build a Weather-Ready Nation. The ultimate goal is to have a society that is prepared for and responds to weather, water and climate events.

Read all the Cobb County Courier climate and weather coverage by following this link.