Media release from AAA – The Auto Club Group:
ATLANTA (October 9, 2026) – A significant storm system is expected to impact north Georgia beginning Friday evening and continuing through the weekend, with the greatest threat for severe weather anticipated on Saturday. Heavy rainfall, flash flooding, strong winds, and possible tornadoes could create hazardous driving conditions and increase the risk of roadway closures.
“With heavy rain and the potential for flash flooding expected throughout the weekend, drivers should carefully consider whether their trip is necessary,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Even familiar roads can become dangerous when visibility is reduced and water begins to accumulate. If conditions worsen, the safest decision is to delay travel and stay off the roads until the storm passes.”
According to recent federal crash data compiled from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 21% of all motor vehicle crashes, or about 745,000 crashes each year, are weather-related. Nearly three-quarters of those crashes occur on wet pavement, and 47% happen during rainfall. Wet roads and rainy conditions also contribute to more than 500,000 injuries annually.
What Should Drivers Do If They Must Travel?
- Slow down. Wet roads reduce traction and increase stopping distances.
- Leave extra space. Increase your following distance to provide more time to react.
- Turn on your headlights. Improve visibility and help other drivers see you.
- Never drive through flooded roadways. Water depth can be difficult to judge, and floodwater can quickly sweep vehicles off the road.
- Watch for hydroplaning. Tires can lose contact with the roadway even in a small amount of standing water.
- Pull over if visibility becomes unsafe. Move as far off the roadway as possible and activate your hazard lights.
- Stay informed. Monitor local weather forecasts and traffic conditions before and during travel.
- Check your vehicle. Make sure tires are properly inflated and windshield wipers are in good condition.
- Call for help if needed. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, contact law enforcement.
- Treat dark traffic signals as a four-way stop. If a signal is out due to a power outage, stop and proceed only when it is safe.
What Should Drivers Do in Strong Winds?
- Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel.
- Anticipate sudden gusts, especially on bridges, overpasses, and open roadways.
- Stay alert for fallen trees, power lines, and debris on the road.
AAA Weather Company Alerts
Whether at home or on the road, staying informed can help you make safer travel decisions. AAA members can track weather events for free by signing up for Weather Company Alerts. Learn more at www.aaa.com/weather.
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. Its mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. Morning Consult recently ranked AAA Insurance as America’s most trusted insurance brand for 2026, reflecting the confidence consumers place in the AAA brand. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.
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