The broad upper low continued to drift very slowly east-northeast from east Texas during this period.  Showers and thunderstorms became more numerous and very efficient rain producers across west and north Georgia.  Tropical moisture continued to spread northward into the region.  Precipitable water values increased to over two inches.  The repeated rainfall across the same areas primed the stage for the record, historical, and catastrophic flood event that unfolded from the 21st into the 22nd.  On the 19th, the bulk of the flood and flash flooding was confined to the western and northern suburbs of Atlanta, especially early on the 19th, when a good 6-hour period of heavy showers and thunderstorms trained across south Fulton, Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties, dumping five to seven inches of rain in these areas.

Flood in CLAYTON, GEORGIA
From 19-SEP-09 15:32:00 to 19-SEP-09 16:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: RIVERDALE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Clayton county Emergency Management personnel reported that general flooding continued across a small portion of far northern Clayton county as late morning and early afternoon flash flooding subsided.  Additional minor property damage was observed.

Flash Flood in FULTON, GEORGIA
From 19-SEP-09 12:35:00 to 19-SEP-09 16:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: ATLANTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The USGS stream gage on the South River at Hapeville in central Fulton county reached its flood stage of 15 feet at 135 pm EDT.  The river remained above flood stage at this location until 536 pm EDT.  One home on Macon Drive was flooded by the river.  A car on Macon Drive also because submerged in water and was carried downstream.  Flooding was also reported along Camp Creek near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport where the parking lots of several apartments were flooded.

Flood in FULTON, GEORGIA
From 19-SEP-09 15:32:00 to 19-SEP-09 16:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: ATLANTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Fulton county Emergency Management personnel reported that general flooding continued for another hour or so after late morning and early afternoon flash flooding subsided.  The damage was generally confined to the southern and central portion of the county.  An apartment complex on Cleveland Avenue in the Hapeville area was flooded, affecting the homes of 17 people.  The homes of 42 people across the county were affected by the flooding.  Additional monetary damage was primarily in the form of flooded apartments.

Flash Flood in CLAYTON, GEORGIA
From 19-SEP-09 12:30:00 to 19-SEP-09 15:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: RIVERDALE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Clayton County Emergency Management Director reported flash flooding as a result of the Flint River along Upper Riverdale Road adjacent to Southern Regional Hospital.  Water was one to two feet deep in this area.  Portions of the road were closed and several homes were threatened by high water.  Two homes on Roxbury drive in the vicinity were evacuated as a precaution.  Overall damage was minor and confined mainly to debris removal.

Flash Flood in DE KALB, GEORGIA
From 19-SEP-09 12:12:00 to 19-SEP-09 13:19:00 (EST-5)
Location: CONSTITUTION
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The USGS stream gage on Intrenchment Creek in southeast Atlanta reached its flood stage of 11 feet at 112 pm EDT.  The creek continued to rise and crested at 11.8 feet at 145 pm EDT.  The creek fell below flood stage at 219 pm EDT.  Damage was confined to minor debris removal near the creek.