Georgia’s Fort Oglethorpe.On Tuesday, heavy rains caused significant flash flooding in Catoosa and Walker counties, causing traffic jams and road closures between Chattanooga, Tennessee, and northwest Georgia. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning through 12:45 p.m., according to FOX 5 Atlanta, with up to four inches of rain already reported and another one to three inches potentially falling by nightfall.
Floodwaters Swamp Roads
Numerous roads in and near Fort Oglethorpe were reported to be under water by local officials. The Georgia Department of Transportation blocked both directions of Georgia Highway 341 at Mission Ridge Road, and the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed flooding near Lakeview Drive and Greens Lake Road.
Due to a significant closure just north of the Georgia-Tennessee boundary, traffic on Interstate 75 was more congested, which further affected drivers.
I-24 Closure in Chattanooga
I-24 near East Ridge was closed for many hours on Tuesday night due to flooding in Chattanooga. The shutdown, which mostly affected the northbound lanes of I-75 that feed into I-24 westbound, caused a traffic stalemate that extended many miles into Georgia.
Officials issued the all-clear at 10:30 p.m., and traffic on I-24 resumed. However, because of the continuous storm activity in the area, travelers were cautioned to anticipate prolonged delays.
Continued Weather Threat
Heavy rains may continue to create traffic problems along I-75 and I-24, the Fox 5 Storm Team said. Because water depth can be misleading and even fatal, emergency personnel advised cars to stay off flooded roads.
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