Flash Flood — De Kalb, Georgia

2004-09-16 to 2004-09-17 · near Countywide, De Kalb, Georgia

Event narrative

Numerous reports were received from the DeKalb County Emergency Manager, the media, and the public of extensive flooding across much of the Atlanta metropolitan area, especially the northern parts 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 this event. Major flooding was reported in many areas of the central and northern parts of the county, specifically between Interstates 20 and 285. Some of these areas experienced catastrophic and historical flooding, with some of the worst flooding observed 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 its flood stage of 17 feet at 545 pm EDT, then went into record flood stage at 845 pm EDT, then 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 on Peachtree Creek was washed away during this event. Hundreds of residents along and near Peachtree Creek had to be evacuated, some by boat. Twenty-five to 50 homes and several apartment complexes, including the Peachtree Apartments, were impacted by the flood waters, many sustaining significant and extensive damage. Record flooding was also observed on Nancy Creek, which reached its 11 foot flood stage 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. In Decatur, one home was devastated when the waters of Peavine Creek rose over two feet in the basement of one home. A number of sinkholes were left in the county after the flooding receded, the largest being a 65 by 25 foot sinkhole on Durret Way in Dunwoody.

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Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5425106. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.