Flash Flood Warnings and West Side Construction to Impact Friday Morning Commute

Morning Weather Alert: Flash Flood Warnings

Commuters in the metro Atlanta area should exercise extreme caution this morning, Friday, February 27, 2026. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties, remaining in effect until 6:30 a.m. Heavy rainfall overnight has led to reports of standing water on several surface streets, including Pharr Road. Drivers are advised to avoid flooded roadways and allow for significant extra travel time during the early rush hour as visibility and traction remain compromised.

Major Roadworks and Interstate Delays

Major construction continues to impact the west side of the city. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is moving forward with a critical phase of the I-20 and I-285 interchange revamp. Motorists should expect the following:

• I-20/I-285 West Side: Ongoing utility installation and controlled blasting may lead to traffic pacing and intermittent lane closures. Congestion is expected to be heavy near the interchange throughout the day.
• I-285 Southbound: Traffic pacing is scheduled near Bolton Road between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Drivers should seek alternate routes like Marietta Boulevard or South Cobb Drive during these windows.
• Henry County / I-75: While long-term projects for new express lanes are in the planning stages, construction on the new Bethlehem Road interchange is active, contributing to slower speeds for those commuting from the south.

MARTA Service and Transit Updates

MARTA is operating on a special rail schedule today. All rail lines (Gold, Red, Blue, and Green) are running at frequencies of 10 to 20 minutes. Commuters should note the following facility and route adjustments:

• Escalator Repairs: Maintenance work at Dunwoody, East Lake, Arts Center, Ashby, Lenox, Lindbergh, and Sandy Springs stations is scheduled for completion by 6:00 a.m. morning, though some units may experience delayed restarts.
• Bus Detours: Route 26, Route 36, Route 813, and Route 899 remain on detour due to long-term construction projects and utility repairs.
• Five Points Station: The East-West center platform remains open for southbound transfers only. Passengers needing northbound transfers should follow posted signage to avoid delays.

Evening Outlook and Event Traffic

Traffic is expected to build early this afternoon as the 'Sip & Explore Tasting Weekend' kicks off at 3:00 p.m. Additionally, expect localized congestion in the Armour Drive area near District Atlanta for the 'What So Not' concert this evening. Residents near Cumberland Mall should be aware of increased police presence and a youth curfew in effect this weekend to prevent potential 'teen takeovers' that have impacted traffic flow in previous weeks.