Atlanta Flooding: What Residents and Visitors Need to Know

Flooding in Atlanta, Georgia can happen faster and more often than many people expect. Heavy thunderstorms, remnants of tropical systems, and slow-moving storms can all overwhelm the city’s creeks, storm drains, and low-lying roads.

Whether you live here, commute into the city, or are just visiting, it helps to understand where, why, and how floods happen in Atlanta, and what to do before, during, and after a flood.

Why Atlanta Floods: Local Factors You Should Know

Atlanta isn’t on the coast, but it still faces significant flood risk because of:

• Intense thunderstorms in spring and summer
• Remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms moving inland
• Hilly terrain that funnels water into valleys and creeks
• Urban development that replaces soil with concrete, increasing runoff

Common Flood-Prone Areas Around Atlanta

Flooding can occur almost anywhere under the right conditions, but certain areas see problems more often:

• Near creeks and streams, such as:
  • Peachtree Creek
  • Proctor Creek
  • South River
  • Utoy Creek
• Low-lying underpasses and viaducts, including:
  • Sections along Northside Drive
  • Underpasses near Downtown and Midtown rail lines
• Neighborhoods with older or undersized drainage systems, especially:
  • Parts of Southwest and Southeast Atlanta
  • Some areas near the Perimeter with heavy development
• Parking lots and shopping centers with poor drainage

If you live or stay near a creek, at the bottom of a hill, or close to an underpass, it’s worth paying extra attention during heavy rain.

Types of Flooding You Might See in Atlanta

Understanding different kinds of flooding helps you know what to watch for.

Flash Flooding

Flash floods are especially common in Atlanta. These occur when:

• A storm dumps a lot of rain in a short time
• Creeks rise quickly
• Streets and underpasses fill with water in minutes

Flash flooding is most dangerous because it can arrive with little warning, especially overnight or during rush hour.

River and Creek Flooding

Atlanta has several creeks that can spill over their banks after hours or days of rain. This can affect:

• Homes and apartments near creeks
• Greenways and trails
• Low bridges and culverts

Water may rise more slowly than a flash flood but stay high for longer.

Urban/Street Flooding

This is very common inside the city:

• Storm drains can’t handle the volume of water
• Water ponds in intersections, parking lots, and driveways
• Basement-level garages and units may take on water

Even if you’re not near a creek, you can still have flooding on your block or building property.

How to Check Your Flood Risk in Atlanta

Before a storm hits, it’s smart to know your general level of risk.

1. Look at Official Flood Zone Maps

Federal and local agencies map floodplains along streams and rivers. Properties in certain mapped zones may be at higher risk.

You can ask for help understanding maps from:

• City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
  72 Marietta St. NW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: 404-330-6000

• Fulton County Government – Public Works / Stormwater
  141 Pryor St. SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: 404-612-4000

If you live in DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, or Gwinnett counties near the city, their county public works or stormwater divisions can also help.

2. Consider Local Clues

Even without maps, you can look for signs:

• Nearby creeks or drainage ditches
• Past water lines or stains in garages or basements
• Neighbors mentioning “that spot always floods”
• Low points at the end of your street

If you’re renting in Atlanta, ask your landlord or property manager whether the building has had water intrusion, sewer backups, or flood damage in the past.

Flood Watches, Warnings, and Alerts in Atlanta

Local agencies and meteorologists issue alerts when flooding is possible or happening. Understanding the terms helps you react appropriately.

You can get local alerts from:

• Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA)
  130 Peachtree St. SW, Suite 2100
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: 404-612-5800

Also consider enabling wireless emergency alerts on your phone and keeping a battery-powered radio if power goes out.

Staying Safe During an Atlanta Flood

If You’re Driving When Roads Flood

Flooded roads are a recurring issue in Atlanta. Key points:

• Turn around, don’t drive through water-covered roads
• Just a small amount of water can:
  • Lift a small car
  • Stall your engine
  • Hide washed-out pavement or open manholes
• Avoid:
  • Underpasses
  • Low railroad crossings
  • Creek crossings

If water is rising around your car and you can safely exit, get to higher ground immediately. Do not stay in a flooded underpass or parking deck.

If You’re at Home

If flooding is likely in your area:

• Move valuables, important documents, and electronics to upper floors or higher shelves
• Unplug non-essential appliances if safe to do so
• Keep your phone charged and a flashlight accessible
• Avoid going into a flooded basement where electrical hazards may be present

If told to evacuate by local officials or emergency services, follow directions promptly and take a small “go bag” with identification, medications, and essentials.

If You’re Staying in a Hotel or Short-Term Rental

Flooding can affect hotels near:

• Creeks
• Interstates and underpasses
• Large surface parking lots

Ask front desk staff or your host:

• Where emergency exits are
• What to do if the area floods
• Where to park to avoid low-lying spots

If parking, avoid spaces at the lowest part of the lot or garage.

Preparing for Flooding in Atlanta

You can’t stop the rain, but you can reduce the impact.

For Homeowners

Consider:

• Gutters and downspouts:
  • Keep them clear of leaves and debris
  • Extend downspouts away from the foundation
• Yard grading:
  • Make sure your yard slopes away from your house where possible
• Basement and crawlspace protection:
  • Sump pumps or backflow preventers where appropriate
  • Raising utilities or appliances off the floor in flood-prone areas

Local code enforcement or a licensed contractor familiar with Atlanta’s soil and drainage patterns can offer site-specific guidance.

For Renters

Even if you don’t own the building, you can:

• Ask your landlord about drainage, past leaks, or floods
• Avoid storing valuables on basement floors or ground-level storage units
• Keep personal items off the floor on shelves or pallets if storage is in a lower level
• Know how to reach building management in an emergency

Flood Insurance in Atlanta

Standard homeowners or renters policies typically do not cover flood damage from rising water. Some residents purchase separate flood insurance based on:

• Whether they’re in or near a mapped flood zone
• How often their area floods
• Their comfort with risk

You can ask:

• Your insurance agent about flood coverage options
• City or county offices for general guidance on local flood risk

(They can’t give you personal financial advice, but they can help you understand risk zones and common issues in your neighborhood.)

After a Flood in Atlanta: Immediate Steps

Once water recedes, many people focus on cleanup and recovery.

Safety First

• Avoid wading in standing water
  • It may contain debris, chemicals, or sewage
• Be cautious of:
  • Downed power lines
  • Gas smells
  • Slippery mud and hidden hazards
• Do not turn on electrical systems that were submerged until checked by a qualified professional

If your home or building has structural damage, contact local building inspectors or emergency services if there is immediate danger.

Documenting Damage

For insurance or assistance purposes:

• Take photos and videos of damage before discarding items
• Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or supplies
• Make a list of damaged belongings

If you rent, notify your property manager or landlord as soon as possible with clear documentation.

Local Contacts That May Help

Depending on the situation, you may turn to:

• City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
  For stormwater issues, sewer backups, and drainage questions.
  Phone: 404-330-6090 (often used for water/sewer emergencies)

• City of Atlanta Emergency 911 / Non-Emergency

  • 911 for immediate life or safety threats
  • 404-658-6666 for APD non-emergency line

• Fulton County Board of Health / Environmental Health
  For questions about sanitation, mold concerns, or contaminated floodwaters.
  10 Park Place South SE
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: 404-613-1303

These offices can provide guidance on next steps, inspections, and local procedures.

What Visitors to Atlanta Should Keep in Mind

If you’re visiting Atlanta during the spring, summer, or tropical storm season:

• Check the local forecast daily, especially if you’ll be driving around Metro Atlanta
• Build extra time into travel plans in case storms cause road closures or traffic delays
• Avoid walking or driving through water-covered streets, even for short distances
• Park on higher levels or higher ground when possible if storms are expected

Many attractions, like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and State Farm Arena, are in urban areas where street flooding can temporarily block nearby roads or parking entrances. Event organizers and venues often share real-time updates, but always prioritize instructions from local authorities.

Simple Flood Preparedness Checklist for Atlanta

Use this as a quick reference:

• ✅ Know if your home, workplace, or hotel is near a creek, low underpass, or low-lying area
• ✅ Save key numbers in your phone:
  • 911 (emergencies)
  • Atlanta non-emergency police: 404-658-6666
  • Department of Watershed Management: 404-330-6000 / 404-330-6090
• ✅ Enable weather and emergency alerts on your phone
• ✅ Keep a small emergency kit: flashlight, batteries, basic first aid, portable phone charger, copies of important documents
• ✅ Never drive around barricades or into flooded roads
• ✅ Keep valuables and important documents above floor level, especially in basements or ground floors

Understanding how Atlanta floods, where it tends to happen, and what to do when heavy rain arrives can make a major difference in your safety and your property. With a bit of preparation and awareness, you can navigate Atlanta’s stormy days much more confidently.