Flash Flooding Hits Northwest Georgia, Closes I-24 in Chattanooga Before Reopening
FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. — Heavy rains triggered widespread flash flooding across Catoosa and Walker counties on Tuesday, forcing road closures and snarling traffic between northwest Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning in the area through 12:45 p.m., with as much as four inches of rain already recorded and another one to three inches possible before nightfall.
Floodwaters Swamp Roads
Local authorities reported dozens of roads under water in and around Fort Oglethorpe. The Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed flooding near Lakeview Drive and Greens Lake Road, while the Georgia Department of Transportation closed both directions of Georgia Highway 341 at Mission Ridge Road.
The flooding also impacted drivers on Interstate 75, as congestion worsened due to a major closure just north of the Georgia-Tennessee line.
I-24 Closure in Chattanooga
Flooding in Chattanooga forced the shutdown of I-24 near East Ridge for several hours on Tuesday evening. The closure created a traffic standstill stretching several miles into Georgia, particularly affecting the northbound lanes of I-75 that feed into I-24 westbound.
By 10:30 p.m., officials gave the all-clear, and I-24 reopened to traffic. However, travelers were warned to expect lingering delays due to ongoing storm activity in the region.
Continued Weather Threat
The FOX 5 Storm Team cautioned that heavy rains could continue to cause travel hazards along both I-75 and I-24. Emergency responders urged drivers to avoid flooded roadways, noting that water depth can be deceiving and potentially deadly.
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