A broad cutoff upper low, which had been located over central Texas, was beginning to move very slowly east by the 16th.  This upper low, in combination with unusually deep tropical moisture across the region for mid-September, began an extensive period of showers and thunderstorms with very heavy rain.  The deep tropical moisture was largely the result of a persistent 850 mb flow from the Gulf of Mexico.  The pattern changed very little for nearly a week as the upper low drifted very slowly east, completely cutoff from the main belt of westerlies, which were located well to the north in southern Canada.  The first flash flood event of an extended period of historical and record flooding across north and central Georgia, began on the 15th in Gilmer county.  A few storms became strong to marginally severe as well.
A historical, record, and catastrophic flood event began to unfolded during this period, mostly in the west central Georgia area, including the western and northwestern suburbs of Atlanta.  Major flooding was noted in many other areas of north and central Georgia, including the eastern suburbs of Atlanta, northwest Georgia, and parts of central Georgia.  The culprit was a very stagnant upper atmospheric pattern featuring a weak upper low that developed in early September across south Texas and slowly migrated east-northeast through September 22nd, until a more significant upper trough dropping south into the southern plains finally moved the pesky upper low northeast of Georgia.  In addition, an unusually deep tropical flow was noted throughout this period.  Precipitable water values exceeded 2.0 inches across the area during this time, resulting in extremely efficient rain producing cells.  Persistent heavy rain showers and thunderstorms began to plague the area on the 16th, and persisted daily across parts of north and central Georgia.

Flood in MORGAN, GEORGIA
From 17-SEP-09 22:48:00 to 18-SEP-09 07:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: RUTLEDGE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Morgan County Emergency Management Director reported that considerable flooding continued across the county much of the night following earlier flash flooding.  Several roads, especially in the southern part of the county, remained under water and closed, particularly U.S. Highway 441 and Georgia Highway 83.  Several creeks and streams in the central and southern part of the county were out of their banks.  Minor additional road damage was observed during this period.

Hail in CHEROKEE, GEORGIA
From 16-SEP-09 16:51:00 to 16-SEP-09 17:22:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOLLY SPGS
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Cherokee County Emergency Management Director reported penny-sized hail in the Holly Springs area as well as southeast of Waleska.

Flood in TAYLOR, GEORGIA
From 18-SEP-09 03:37:00 to 18-SEP-09 11:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRIFFITH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Taylor County Emergency Management Director reported that general flooding continued across eastern Taylor county for several hours after the flash flooding of the late evening hours of the 17th had subsided.  Several roads, including Georgia Highway 96, remained under water for several hours.  Additional damage was minimal compared to earlier flash flood-related damage.

Flash Flood in NEWTON, GEORGIA
From 16-SEP-09 20:00:00 to 17-SEP-09 00:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEWBORN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Newton County 911 Center reported flash flooding in the eastern portion of the county in association with flooding from Tanyard Branch Creek in Eastern Newton County.  Water was standing on some roads in the area as well.  Damage was confined to minor debris removal.

Flash Flood in DE KALB, GEORGIA
From 16-SEP-09 18:27:00 to 16-SEP-09 23:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: BELT JCT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The USGS stream gages on the South and North Forks of Peachtree Creek reached flood stage during the evening of the 16th from persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms.  On the South Fork of the Peachtree Creek, the creek reached flood stage of 12.0 feet at 727 pm EDT, crested at 13.5 feet at 900 pm EDT, and fell below flood stage at 1245 am EDT on September 17th.  On the North Fork of the Peachtree Creek, the creek reached flood stage of 12.0 feet at 802 pm EDT, crested at 13.5 feet at 930 pm EDT, then also fell below flood stage at 1245 am EDT on September 17th.  Damage from this flood was minor and confined to debris removal adjacent to the creeks.

Flood in WALTON, GEORGIA
From 16-SEP-09 11:05:00 to 16-SEP-09 13:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: SNOWS MILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The USGS stream gage on the Alcovy River near Lawrenceville reached its flood stage of 9.0 feet at 1205 pm EDT, crested at 9.70 feet at 145 pm EDT, and then fell below flood stage at 230 pm EDT.  Minor flooding was reported adjacent to the river.  Damage was confined to minor debris removal.

Flood in GWINNETT, GEORGIA
From 16-SEP-09 11:05:00 to 16-SEP-09 13:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: DACULA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The USGS stream gage on the Alcovy River near Lawrenceville reached its flood stage of 9.0 feet at 1205 pm EDT, crested at 9.70 feet at 145 pm EDT, and then fell below flood stage at 230 pm EDT.  Minor flooding was reported adjacent to the river.  Damage was confined to minor debris removal.

Flash Flood in FULTON, GEORGIA
From 16-SEP-09 19:15:00 to 17-SEP-09 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ATLANTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Flooding along the upper portion of Peachtree Creek was observed during the evening of September 16th from persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours.  The lower portion of Peachtree Creek, where the USGS gage is located, did not flood during this event.  Damage was confined to minor debris removal in areas adjacent to the creek.

Flood in BALDWIN, GEORGIA
From 17-SEP-09 17:59:00 to 17-SEP-09 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BROWNS CROSSING
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Bibb County Emergency Management Director reported that flooding continued across much of the county following earlier flash flooding.  Several roads remained under water and closed.  Additional minor damage to roads an property was observed during this time frame.

Flash Flood in HOUSTON, GEORGIA
From 18-SEP-09 00:15:00 to 18-SEP-09 05:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: PILGRIM REST
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Houston County 911 Center reported flash flooding from Turtle and Sandy Run Creeks approximately four miles southwest of Warner Robins.  Several homes along Feagin Mill Road experienced flooding as a result.  Water was at least a foot deep in one of the affected homes.

Lightning in GWINNETT, GEORGIA
From 16-SEP-09 18:28:00 to 16-SEP-09 18:28:00 (EST-5)
Location: BERKSHIRE
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that lightning struck a home in the 4000 block of Palace Court and a business in the 100 block of Luxomni Road.  Both structures suffered minor damage from the resulting fire.

Flash Flood in MORGAN, GEORGIA
From 16-SEP-09 20:00:00 to 17-SEP-09 00:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: CENTENNIAL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

The Morgan County 911 Center reported flash flooding as a result of Hunnicut Creek and tributaries to the Little River basin rising above flood stage.  Adjacent areas to these creeks and streams were flooded.  Damage was confined to minor debris removal.

Flood in PEACH, GEORGIA
From 18-SEP-09 03:37:00 to 18-SEP-09 11:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: HARTLEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Peach County Emergency Management Director reported that eight roads were closed from flooding across the county.  Some of the roads closed included Rolling Hills Road, Woolfolk Road, Lilly Road, and the Georgia Highway 49 bypass.  Some of the roads could be closed for days to weeks as repairs are made.  This flooding was a result of repeated heavy rainfall for several hours during the late evening of the 17th and the early morning hours of the 18th.  The flooding in Peach county did not reach flash flood criteria, thus damage to roads was minimal.

Flash Flood in GILMER, GEORGIA
From 15-SEP-09 09:45:00 to 15-SEP-09 16:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: ELLIJAY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Gilmer County Emergency Management Director reported that one home sustained flood damage when Cox Creek overflowed its banks near the intersection of Cox Creek Road and Boardtown Road, just northwest of Ellijay.  Four other homes were threatened by the flood waters and the residents of all five homes were evacuated during the event as a precaution.  Repeated showers and thunderstorms had moved across the area during the morning hours.

Flood in BIBB, GEORGIA
From 17-SEP-09 17:59:00 to 17-SEP-09 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ARKWRIGHT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Bibb County Emergency Management Director reported that flooding continued across much of the county following earlier flash flooding.  Several roads remained under water and closed.  Additional minor damage to roads and property was observed during this time frame.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHEROKEE, GEORGIA
From 16-SEP-09 16:57:00 to 16-SEP-09 17:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: CANTON
Magnitude: 36.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Cherokee County Emergency Management Director reported that three trees were down approximately four miles west of Canton.

Flood in CRAWFORD, GEORGIA
From 18-SEP-09 03:37:00 to 18-SEP-09 11:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: FRANCISVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Crawford County Emergency Management Director reported that general flooding continued for several hours after flash flooding had subsided.  Several roads remained under water throughout the night and early morning hours.  Additional minor damage was observed from the flooding.

Flood in TAYLOR, GEORGIA
From 18-SEP-09 01:18:00 to 18-SEP-09 11:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOWARD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 125.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Taylor County Emergency Management reported that flooding continued for several hours after the flash flooding subsided.  Several roads remained under water throughout the night.  Additional road damage was observed.

Lightning in GWINNETT, GEORGIA
From 16-SEP-09 19:30:00 to 16-SEP-09 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: GLOSTER
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that lightning struck a home in the 2700 block of Maple Vista Lane.  The resulting fire caused minor damage to the structure.

Flash Flood in TAYLOR, GEORGIA
From 17-SEP-09 21:05:00 to 18-SEP-09 01:18:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOWARD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 125.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Taylor County Emergency Management Director reported extensive flash flooding across western Taylor county.  At least 11 dirt roads and several bridges were washed out in the area between Mauk and Howard where over eight inches of rain fell in a 6-hour period.  Some of the roads washed out included Watson Road, Kelly Foster Road and Parker Road.  Several creeks were well out of their banks across the region.

Flash Flood in PUTNAM, GEORGIA
From 17-SEP-09 22:51:00 to 18-SEP-09 01:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: HEARNVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The USGS stream gage on the Little River near Eatonton reached its flood stage of 20 feet at 1151 pm EDT.  The river continued to rise thereafter and crested at 22.40 feet at 400 am EDT early the next morning.  The area affected was very rural and damage was confined to minor debris removal.

Flash Flood in MORGAN, GEORGIA
From 17-SEP-09 19:35:00 to 17-SEP-09 22:48:00 (EST-5)
Location: RUTLEDGE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Morgan County Emergency Management Director reported flash flooding along Little Sandy Creek at Georgia Highway 83 and U.S. Highway 441, north of Madison.  The Georgia Highway 83 bridge was washed out.  U.S. Highway 441 was not damaged, but the road was closed for several hours as water was flowing over the road at the bridge.  Flash flooding was also reported along Hunnicut Creek in southern Morgan county as well.

Flash Flood in TAYLOR, GEORGIA
From 17-SEP-09 23:30:00 to 18-SEP-09 03:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRIFFITH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Taylor County Emergency Management Director reported a secondary flash flood event in the eastern part of the county as thunderstorms developed and began to train over that portion of the county as well.  Georgia Highway 96, a major thoroughfare through the area, was flooded and closed just west of the Crawford county line.  Portions of Georgia Highway 128 were also flooded near the Crawford county line as well.  While damage to roads and bridges in the eastern portion of the county was not as extensive as in the western portion, significant damage was still observed.

Flash Flood in BIBB, GEORGIA
From 17-SEP-09 15:15:00 to 17-SEP-09 18:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: ARKWRIGHT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Bibb County Emergency Management Director reported flash flooding along Savage Creek at Matthews Drive in northwest Macon.  Water was flowing over the bridge at this location.  Several roads in the area became flooded and a number of vehicles were stranded in high water.  Some rescues were required.  The flash flood caused erosion and minor structural damage to roads and bridges.

Flash Flood in FULTON, GEORGIA
From 17-SEP-09 15:30:00 to 17-SEP-09 18:22:00 (EST-5)
Location: OCEE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The USGS stream gage located on Big Creek at Kimball Bridge Road, near Alpharetta, reached flood stage of 7.0 feet at 430 pm EDT.  The creek crested at 7.17 feet at 530 pm EDT, then fell below flood stage at 722 pm EDT.  Damage was confined to minor debris removal adjacent to the creek, especially along the Alpharetta Greenway.

Flood in PUTNAM, GEORGIA
From 18-SEP-09 01:02:00 to 18-SEP-09 07:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: HEARNVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The USGS stream gage on the Little River along Georgia Highway 16 near Eatonton remained over the 20.0 foot flood stage much of the early morning hours from earlier flash flooding.  Several other creeks and streams across the county were at or above bankfull.  A few roads sustained minor damage.

Flash Flood in CRAWFORD, GEORGIA
From 17-SEP-09 23:30:00 to 18-SEP-09 03:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: FRANCISVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Crawford County Emergency Management Director reported considerable flash flooding across the county.  Georgia Highway 128 was closed because of flooding and six secondary roads were washed out and closed because of flooding.

Flash Flood in FORSYTH, GEORGIA
From 17-SEP-09 15:30:00 to 17-SEP-09 18:22:00 (EST-5)
Location: BIG CREEK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The USGS stream gage on Big Creek in far southwest Forsyth county, along the Fulton county line, reached flood stage of 7.0 feet at 430 pm EDT.  The creek crested at 7.17 feet at 530 pm EDT, then fell below flood stage at 722 pm EDT.  Damage was confined to minor debris removal adjacent to the creek.