Intense downpours inundated a section of I-75 near Baker Street in Atlanta, Georgia, on 20/5, during the afternoon rush hour. The Downtown Connector highway was submerged in approximately two minutes, catching many motorists off guard.

Georgia officials reported that some drivers attempted to navigate the rising waters. However, the rapid flooding caused many vehicles to stall and become submerged up to their windows near the overpass.

Aerial video captured long lines of cars backed up before the rising water. One driver had to climb onto their car's roof as floodwaters surrounded them. Traffic was completely blocked from 5 PM to 6:30 PM while state police managed the scene.

The highest hourly rainfall was recorded in downtown Atlanta. The Atlanta Fire Department deployed emergency personnel after reports of multiple vehicles stranded on West Peachtree Street NE. A flash flood warning for the area was later extended until 11:15 PM.

Witnessing the chaos, Michel de Keersmaecker, a resident who cycled through downtown during the heavy rain, recounted, "I didn't know what was happening until I cycled through downtown and saw this scene. The area was almost chaotic. I tried to turn back on my bike, but everything was too crazy."

Cars attempt to cross a flooded highway in Atlanta, 20/5. Photo: FOX 5 Atlanta

According to local media, the rapid and severe flooding was due to a combination of factors. Weeks of dry weather in Atlanta had led to a significant accumulation of leaves, decaying wood, and household waste in the drainage system. This debris blocked water flow when the intense downpour arrived, exacerbating the flood conditions.

Officials have not yet tallied the total number of vehicles damaged by the flooding. The timeline for city sanitation crews to clear the remaining debris from the drains also remains unclear.

Another round of thunderstorms from the west is expected to affect the area on 21/5, potentially causing further traffic disruptions during the afternoon rush hour.

Duc Trung (According to FOX News, Atlanta News First, CNN)