How Hurricane Michael could impact metro Atlanta

Thirteen months since Hurricane Irma whacked Atlanta with high winds and rains, another northbound tempest is threatening to again disrupt life in the Southeast’s landlocked capital city.

But don’t expect Irma, round two.

In light of hurricane-force winds in southern parts of Georgia and the potential for deadly flooding elsewhere, Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency today for 92 counties, although none of them fall within metro Atlanta.

Georgia.gov

WSBTV reports that Hurricane Michael is expected to be a tropical storm as it passes to the south and southeast of Atlanta, beginning early Thursday morning.

Chances of rain for metro Atlanta are hovering around 90 percent or more, but rain totals aren’t expected to match the 3 to 5 inches counties southeast of the city could see.

That’s quite a different story than Irma’s impact a year ago. Following that storm, some 60 streets in the City of Atlanta alone were closed by fallen trees, wires, and debris, while more than a half-million area residents lost power to homes.

Curbed Atlanta

More good news for metro Atlanta: Fox 5 reports the likelihood of hurricane-related tornadoes is nonexistent in the region and slim across the entire state.

Other updates of note:

• As of this writing, more than 100 Airbnb hosts had registered to offer free housing in Georgia and neighboring states to people displaced by Hurricane Michael or relief workers deployed to help.
• Emory University is predicting no disruptions to classes or events.

NHS

• As with Irma last year and Florence last month, Atlanta Motor Speedway is opening its gates to accommodate hurricane evacuees, the speedway announced today.

The campgrounds, which can accommodate thousands, are being made available for free for tent campers and those with dry RVs. Spaces with water, power, and sewer are $20 per night.

NHS