Cobb Officials Readying For Hurricane Michael

MARIETTA, GA -- Cobb County's Emergency Management Agency participated in the National Weather Service's and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency briefings on Wednesday in preparation for Hurricane Michael and its aftermath. County emergency personnel said they expect some gusty winds and up to two inches of rain in the area as the hurricane makes it way north into central and southern Georgia, much of which they expect to happen overnight.

Cobb County Department of Transportation crews spent much of the day clearing clogged storm drains and preparing their tree clearing equipment in anticipation of work tonight.

Cobb County Emergency Management Director Cassie Mazloom says the tornado threat in the Cobb area is low but still worth monitoring. The biggest concern remains downed trees and power outages, especially since the area has been fairly dry lately.

Gov. Nathan Deal 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.

Hurricane Michael was packing "extremely dangerous" 155 mph winds as the category 4 storm came ashore along the coast of the Florida Panhandle near Mexico Beach, Florida Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center. Michael carried life-threatening storm surge and hurricane force winds and heavy rainfall as it slammed into Florida.

A federal official briefing President Trump said that Michael could be the most destructive hurricane to strike the Panhandle since 1851.

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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

The storm surge and waves from Hurricane Michael batter the beachfront homes on October 10, 2018 in the Florida Panhandle community of Shell Point Beach, Florida. The hurricane is forecast to hit the Florida Panhandle at a possible category 4 storm. (Photo by Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images)