WEATHER-TRAFFIC UPDATE: Rain congests roadways; MARTA delays linger

ATLANTA FORECAST

Tuesday: High: 80

Tuesday night: Low: 67

Wednesday: High: 82

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

The rush to get home has congested roads as heavy rains shower metro Atlanta and MARTA riders endure lengthy delays.

A technical issue earlier at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport caused extensive delays on MARTA’s gold and red lines in both directions, MARTA tweeted. The issue is now fixed, but 15-minute delays remain.

Drivers in Douglas, Cobb and DeKalb counties should expect congested roadways due to heavy downpours, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brad Nitz said.

Lots of lightning and heavy rains have surrounded Canton and Acworth, Channel 2 Chief meteorologist Glenn Burns said. Western Gwinnett County is also experiencing tropical downpours.

There were also a few crashes causing typical delays on the Perimeter in Cobb and across north Atlanta, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.

In Fulton County, all I-85 North lanes were blocked due to a wreck near Cleveland Avenue, according to the Traffic Center.

Expect traffic to intensify as families make their way to high school graduations planned for tonight. Downtown Atlanta should see the bulk of the traffic when DeKalb County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools hold ceremonies at the Georgia World Congress Center.

METRO ATLANTA GRADUATION SCHEDULES: Atlanta Public Schools | Clayton | Cobb | DeKalb | Gwinnett | Fulton

The current temperature in Atlanta is 72, down from the earlier high of 82. The average for this time of year is 81 degrees.

While the rain soaked voters, it also provided some relief to allergy sufferers. Pollen counts were in the low range Tuesday.

Looking ahead to Memorial Day weekend, Burns suggests those in North Georgia be aware of possible rain while spending time outdoors, especially if your plans include time on the lake.

MEMORIAL DAY WEATHER: Have a rain plan for outdoor celebrations

There is a 70 percent chance of scattered showers Saturday and Sunday and a 60 percent chance Monday, with highs in the low 80s through the weekend.

Burns said a tropical disturbance will move north through Alabama this weekend, drenching Georgia in the process.

"It's like water being drawn up into a straw,” Burns said. “The holiday weekend outlook isn't turning out to be that good."