Hurricane Michael Impact: GA To See Strong Winds, Rain, Tornadoes

PEACHTREE CITY, GA -- Tropical Storm Michael continued to strengthen and has now become a hurricane. Tropical storm conditions are expected in Georgia on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City. The storm — and its 70 mph winds — is churning about 120 miles east-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest public advisory Monday morning. The latest projections have Michael on a path to hit the Alabama-Florida border early Thursday. Forecasters expect the storm will continue traveling up into Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia.

Besides Georgia, other states in the storm's path are Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington D.C., Tennessee, Maryland, Delaware, and even parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The storm has picked up steam since becoming a depression over the weekend. It has already brought heavy rain and flash flooding to parts of Central America. Georgia is increasingly likely to experience damaging winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes on Wednesday and Thursday, the NHC said in its 5 p.m. update.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the Gulf Coast of Florida from the Alabama-Florida border eastward to the Suwannee River.

A storm surge watch is in effect for coastal areas of the Florida panhandle down to the Tampa Bay area. Storm surge, rain and wind gusts are possible over portions of the northern Gulf Coast by the middle of this week, the agency wrote in its advisory.

The Florida panhandle and Big Bend into southern Georgia could see 4-8 inches of rain. Some areas could see up to a foot of rain, and the hurricane center warned of potentially deadly flash flooding.

Florida has already started making preparations. Gov. Rick Scott announced Sunday he will issue an executive order declaring a state of emergency for counties in the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend. This means state and local officials will have time, resources and flexibility to adequately prepare, he said.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Michael Could Disrupt Southwest Flights In Atlanta

The storm is moving north at about 7 mph and is expected to pick up speed in the coming days.
"On the forecast track, the center will move through the Yucatan Channel Monday morning and then across the eastern Gulf of Mexico late Monday through Wednesday," the hurricane center wrote.

Forecasters projected rain of between 4-8 inches is expected over the western part of Cuba, though some parts could see up to a foot of rain. The Yucatan Peninsula could see 1-2 inches of rain.

"Very heavy rainfall" is expected along the Pacific coast of Central America and Mexico, including western Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and the state of Chiapas in Mexico, the center warned.

The Florida Keys could see between 2-4 inches through Monday as well from the storm's outer rain bands.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Season 2018: Fewer Storms Forecast

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Hurricane Preparation Tips

• Get Prepared: Take action now to be prepared for hurricane season. As the storm approaches, it is often too late to get ready. Make sure you have family evacuation and communications plans, update your emergency supply kit, and evaluate your flood insurance needs.

• Complete a family communication plan. Plan how you will assemble your family and loved ones and anticipate where you will go for different situations. Get together with your family and agree on the ways to contact one another in an emergency and identify meeting locations.

• Create or restock your emergency kit. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency, including an all weather radio.

• Check your insurance coverage. Most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage or losses from flooding. Review your policy, ensure you're adequately covered and understand exclusions, and contact your agent for any changes.
• Stay Informed. Know where to go for trusted sources of information during a hurricane event. Monitor local news resources for hurricane watches and warnings and follow directions of local officials.

• Determine Your Risk. Find out what types of wind and water hazards are likely in your area. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem and their effects can reach hundreds of miles inland. Since the U.S. has not been hit by a major hurricane (category 3 or higher) in over a decade, "many people are suffering from hurricane amnesia in the forms of complacency, denial and inexperience."
• Develop an Evacuation Plan. Find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if your home is unfit to keep you safe in a hurricane. Speak with family and friends and work out a plan to use their home as an evacuation destination. Be sure to account for pets, since many shelters do not allow them.
• Assemble Disaster Supplies. Supplies are necessary not just for the storm itself, but for the often long and grueling aftermath. Stock up on non-perishable food, water and medicine to support your family for at least a week. Other recommended items are cash and battery-powered radios and flashlights. Since many of us use cell phones, have a solar-powered or hand-crank USB charger.
• Know Your Risk and Plan Ahead for an Evacuation:
• Know how to receive information including recommendations or orders to evacuate.
• If you plan to go to a shelter, notify staff of any special needs you or your family have.
• Do not return to the evacuation area until the evacuation order is lifted.

Get Tech Ready
Technology has made it easier to prepare for emergencies, but it can be unreliable during big storms if you haven't planned to keep your gadgets protected and powered up. Here are some tips to make sure you are tech ready:

Be Informed

Here are basic commands to get started:

• Download the FEMA app. Receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

Make A Social Media Plan

Use text messages, social media and email to connect with friends and family during emergencies.

• Mobile networks can become overwhelmed during emergencies, making it difficult to place and receive phone calls. Text messages require less bandwidth, which means they are able to be transmitted more reliably.
• Social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter can also be an effective way to update family and friends during emergencies.

Graphic courtesy of the National Hurricane Center