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10/10/2018 5 AM Update Hurricane Michael

Current Position: 419 miles SSW of Savannah
Max Sustained Winds: 140 mph (Category 4)
Movement: North at 13 mph
Current CEMA OPCON: 3
The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center indicates that Major Hurricane Michael is expected to make landfall on the Florida Panhandle this afternoon. Michael is then forecast to gradually weaken to a tropical storm as it tracks northeast across GA and SC tonight and Thursday. Despite the weakening trend, significant impacts are expected across southeast GA/SC.
Watches/Warnings/Advisories
- Tropical Storm Warning for all locations across southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina
- Coastal Flood Advisory until late Thursday night
- High Risk of Rip Currents and High Surf Advisory for all beaches into Thursday evening
Winds (moderate confidence):
Tropical storm force wind gusts could occur within any showers/thunderstorms today through this evening. However, more frequent tropical storm force winds will most likely overspread the region from southwest to northeast later tonight into early Thursday morning and will continue Thursday. Sustained winds 20-40 mph and gusts 40-50 mph are possible, with strongest winds expected near the coast.
- Scattered to numerous downed trees/powerlines are likely which could produce power outages
Tornadoes (moderate confidence):
- A few tornadoes are possible this afternoon into Thursday afternoon. Expect tornado watches.
Rainfall (moderate confidence):
- 3-5 inches inland and 2-3 inches near the coast likely through Thursday. Lesser amounts of one-half to one and one-half inches are expected south of Savannah along the I-95 corridor
- Localized flooding possible, particularly near the coast, around times of high tide through Thursday
Coastal Flooding (high confidence):
- Minor to moderate impacts during each high tide cycle through tonight.
- Latest tide observations/forecasts: Charleston Harbor / Ft. Pulaski
Coastal Hazards (high confidence):
- Life-threatening rip currents through Thursday
- High surf and elevated tides will produce some beach erosion around times of high tide
Last Updated: October 17, 2018 10:41 AM