Hurricane Michael | More GA Counties Under State Of Emergency

PEACHTREE CITY, GA — Gov. Nathan Deal has increased the number of Georgia counties under a state of emergency from 92 to 108, and has called up 1,500 Georgia National Guard personnel to help deal with the Hurricane Michael. which became an "extremely dangerous" category 4 storm early Wednesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Leaders in Columbus, GA, are also advising residents to be off the streets by 3 pm Wednesday. The city is closing its offices at 2 pm.

The strengthening storm made landfall around 1:45 pm Wednesday just northwest of Mexico Beach, Fla., packing winds of up to 155 mph. The storm has already knocked out power to 30,000 Florida businesses and residents.

The storm, which is now twice the size of Georgia itself, is forecast to remain a strong hurricane by the time it makes it way into the state later Wednesday. Channel 2 meteorologists predict the storm will make landfall along the Florida Panhandle around 1 pm. Most of the storm's impact are expected to be south of metro Atlanta, in middle and south Georgia.

As of 1 pm Wednesday, no metro Atlanta school systems have cancelled classes.

As it did during last month's Hurricane Florence, Atlanta Motor Speedway is opening its camping facilities to evacuees seeking refuge from Hurricane Michael. The campgrounds, which are equipped to handle thousands of campers during the track's annual NASCAR weekend, will again be made available free of charge for dry RV and tent campers in the Legends Campground. A limited number of camping spaces with water, power and sewer are also available for a nominal fee of $20 per night in the Premier Campground.

The NHC said SW and central Georgia could receive rainfall between 4 and 8 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches, rainfall that could lead to flash floods. The rest of Georgia could see rainfall from 3 to 6 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 8 inches, which could also lead to flash floods.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Michael: Atlanta Motor Speedway Opens For Evacuees
• Hurricane Michael Could Disrupt Southwest Flights In Atlanta
• Gov. Deal Declares State Of Emergency In 92 Georgia Counties
  
• Delta Waives Baggage Fees, Prepares For Hurricane Michael

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.

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