Rainy, Windy Day Will Make Driving More Difficult and Dangerous

Expect to get wet today and Wednesday, even if you bring an umbrella. Between the 100 percent chance of rain and a wind advisory predicting northwest winds of 15-25 mph – with gusts up to 40 mph – we're in for a rain drenched, blustery day.

Add to that the freezing temperatures at times and you might find your car sliding out of control on occasional patches of black ice with wind gusts helping you along.

The National Weather Service forecast indicates a pattern of rainfall combined with near freezing overnight temperatures beginning this evening and stretching through Wednesday afternoon.  Counties north of the Perimeter are under warning for a winter mix of rain and freezing rain, especially overnight on Tuesday.

Freezing temperatures and rain create the possibility for patches of black ice on overpasses, in shady areas and anywhere else it's either hard to see or avoid.

There might even be snow falling on Wednesday morning, though the 30 chance of snow will likely be mixed with rain.

The wind advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. today to 7 p.m.

With the recent rain and moist soils, small to medium branches and weak trees may be downed, the National Weather Service warns. High profile vehicles may be difficult to drive with the gusty winds. Exposure to the wind and the cold temperatures could lead to frostbite if you are not properly clothed. The National Weather Service advises that if you must be outside for long periods of time, make sure you cover all exposed skin from the wind.

While you are busy covering up, a flood watch continues from 7 a.m. today through Wednesday morning. Storm total rainfall amounts of 2-3 inches are forecast to begin in North Georgia tonight – with 1-2 inches more likley here – and end on Wednesday morning. Isolated higher amounts will be possible. This will include the Atlanta metro area.

Flooding will be possible with periods of heavy rain and storm drains and ditches may become quickly clogged with debris and leaves, which could cause extensive street flooding and road ponding.

In the higher elevations, rain that was mixed with sno will become all snow. Those mountain residents might see up to half an inch of snow on grass areas, with amounts of up to and inch and a half possible in the highest elevations.