Big Creek Rising to Flood Stage with Heavy Rainfall

Heavy rainfall overnight has Big Creek rapidly approaching flood stage. The U.S. Geological Service reported the water level at 6.53 feet at 6 a.m., which was approximately 3 inches higher than its forecast.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Big Creek near Alpharetta, affecting Forsyth and Fulton counties.

"Recent heavy rainfall has caused significant runoff into streams and rivers, which will cause flooding in some areas," the warning issued at 2:15 a.m. Sunday said.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued the flood warning for the Big Creek near Alpharetta  from early this morning until Monday afternoon.

At 1 a.m. Sunday, the stage was 6.2 feet and at 6 a.m., 6.53 feet and rising. Flood stage is 7 feet. The forecast calls for it rise above flood stage this morning and continue to rise to near 8 feet by Sunday afternoon. The stream will fall below flood stage by Monday afternoon.

The stream gauge is located at Kimball Bridge Road on Big Creek.

At 8 feet, minor flooding continues to expand further into the woodlands and fields along the creek. Additional portions of the Big Creek Greenway have minor flooding, which results in residents not being able to use the walking and biking paths. Even if the city does not announce portions of the greenway are closed online or through its Nixle service, expect to encounter sections that are flooded if you decide on a rainy Sunday or Monday walk.

Today's forecast by the National Weather Service calls for occasional showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 p.m. It will be a cool day, with the high near 51. The chance of precipitation is 100 perdent. New rainfall amounts are expected between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight, the chance of precipitation is 70 percent, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely after 8 p.m. It will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

On Monday, showers are likely, mainly before 8 a.m. The chance of precipitation will be 60 percent. The day will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. The chance of showers will be down to 10 percent before 8 p.m.