The Tennessee Valley and North Georgia are at risk for flooding as the new year begins with heavy rain.
The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory that includes Hamilton, Bradley, Meigs, McMinn, Rhea, Polk and Roan counties in Tennessee. In Georgia, the weather service issued a hazardous weather outlook that included Catoosa, Walker, Dade, Whitfield, Chattooga, Gordon, Murray, Fannin and Gilmer counties.
Flooding is possible in the area’s small creeks and streams, according to the weather service. More than an inch of rain already has fallen in some areas and an additional inch is possible before rain tapers off.
Rain is falling at rate of a quarter to a half inch an hour, but amounts of one inch per hour are possible, according to meteorologists.
Low-lying areas also are at risk of flooding, and water could pool in urban streets and underpasses. The weather service is warning people not to drive cars on roads covered by water.
The heaviest rainfall is expected along and east of Interstate 75.
Strong and gusty winds also are possible in higher elevations of eastern Tennessee and southwestern North Carolina.
Meteorologists are predicting a high of 60 today for the Chattanooga area, with a low of 33. On Sunday, the high is expected the reach 50 with a low of 24.