Flash Flood — Fulton, Georgia

2004-09-16 to 2004-09-17 · near Countywide, Fulton, Georgia

Event narrative

Numerous reports were received from the Fulton County Emergency Manager, the media, and the public of extensive flooding across much of the Atlanta metropolitan area, especially the northern part of the county. Widespread flooding of roads, streets, and highways was reported throughout the county, several of which had to be closed. Many homes, businesses, property, and vehicles across the county were flooded during the event. However, major flooding was reported in many areas of the central and northern part of the county, specifically between Interstates 20 and 285. Some areas experienced catastrophic and historical flooding, with some of the worst flooding reported in nearly 100 years. National Weather Service river gages showed that Peachtree Creek and Nancy Creek quickly rose to record flood levels during the late evening hours. Peachtree Creek rose above flood stage of 17 feet at 545 pm EDT, went into record flood stage at 845 pm EDT, and fell below flood stage between 5 and 6 am EDT September 17th. The river crested at 22.7 feet, which is 5.7 feet above flood stage and 1.5 feet above the record flood stage of 21.1 feet, previously reached in 1990. The river gage at Peachtree Creek was washed away during this event. Hundreds of residents along and near Peachtree Creek and to be evacuated, some by boat. At least 50 homes in this area were impacted by the flood waters, many sustaining significant and extensive damage. Record flooding was also observed on Nancy Creek, which rose above its flood stage of 11 feet at 600 pm EDT, reached a record flood stage of 15 feet at 1130 pm EDT, then fell below flood stage around 4 am EDT September 17th. The impact in this area was similar to that near Peachtree Creek with dozens of homes flooded and many residents having to be evacuated. Moderate flooding also occurred on Procter Creek, west of Atlanta. The creek went into flood at 515 pm EDT, crested at 14 feet around 630 pm EDT, then fell below flood stage around 7 pm EDT. Hortense Way at Northwest Place was completely flooded as a result. At least a dozen homes and apartments were also flooded in this area. Several residents lost all of their possessions. The Chattahoochee River also rose to major flood levels within 6 to 12 hours, but this fell more into the category of main stem river flooding instead of flash flooding.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5425105. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.