Flash flood warnings issued for Hartsfield-Jackson airport and parts of metro Atlanta

Heavy rain is already flooding parts of metro Atlanta, and flash flood warnings now cover Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and several communities south and west of the city.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued warnings until 10:30 p.m. Friday for Clayton County, southwestern DeKalb County and south-central Fulton County. The warning includes parts of Atlanta, East Point, Union City, College Park, Hapeville, Jonesboro, Riverdale, Forest Park and the airport.

Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain had fallen in the warned area by 4:34 p.m. An additional 1 to 2 inches was possible, according to the Weather Service. Flash flooding was underway or expected to begin shortly.

A separate flash flood warning remains in effect until 10:30 p.m. for northern Carroll, Haralson, southern Paulding and northwestern Douglas counties.

Between 2.5 and 4 inches of rain had fallen near the Interstate 20 and Villa Rica Highway interchange by 4:38 p.m., and another 1 to 2 inches was possible. The Weather Service said flash flooding was already occurring.

That warning includes Douglasville, Villa Rica, Bremen, Temple, Tallapoosa, Buchanan, Waco, Lithia Springs and surrounding communities.

The heavy rain could flood small creeks, streets, highways, underpasses and other low-lying or poorly drained areas.

Atlanta weekend weather brings heavy rain, strong winds and flood risk

The CBS News Atlanta NEXT Weather team has issued NEXT Weather Alerts for Friday and Saturday afternoons as heavy rain and strong storms move through North Georgia.

A front will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms, with heavy downpours posing the greatest threat. 

The rain could add up quickly and cause localized flooding. Some storms could also produce strong winds.

Most storms are expected to develop after 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The wet weather could affect outdoor activities, including Saturday’s Georgia game at Sanford Stadium and the Georgia Tech game at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Fans heading to either game should bring a poncho and prepare for possible storms.

Temperatures will remain above average over the next several days, with highs near 90 degrees and into the low 90s. 

The average high for metro Atlanta is 85 degrees.

Most of the rain and storms are expected to move out by the beginning of the workweek.

Stay with the CBS News Atlanta NEXT Weather team for the latest forecast and changing conditions across metro Atlanta and North Georgia.