(UPDATED, Oct. 10) A life-threatening category 4 hurricane the morning of Oct. 10, the eye of Michael is expected to make landfall over the Florida Panhandle later in the day.
The storm, moving northerly at 13 miles per hour and located at about 140 miles south-southwest of Panama City Florida at 4 a.m. central on Oct. 10, is forecast to move northeast across the southeastern U.S. on Oct. 10 and Oct. 11, and then move off the Mid-Atlantic coast away from the U.S. by Oct. 12.
A hurricane warning is in effect from the Alabama/Florida border to Suwannee River, Fla,, while a tropical storm warning is in effect for Alabama/Florida border to the Mississippi/Alabama border and into North Carolina.
The National Hurricane Center reported Oct. 10 reported maximum sustained winds have increased to near 140 miles per hour, with higher gusts.
The National Hurricane Center said a life-threatening storm surge is anticipated, with hurricane force winds and heavy rainfall along the northeastern Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center said Michael will then move northeastward across the southeastern U.S. the night of Oct. 10 and Oct. 11.
Through Oct. 12, Michael is expected to produce the following rainfall amounts:
- Florida Panhandle and Big Bend, southeast Alabama, and portions of southwest and central Georgia: 4 to 8 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches;
- The remainder of Georgia, the Carolinas, and southern Virginia: 3 to 6 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 8 inches; and
- Florida Peninsula, eastern Mid Atlantic, southern New England coast: 1 to 3 inches.
Produce impact
U.S. Department of Agriculture shipment figures from 2017 show Georgia produce shipments in October included beans, broccoli, sweet corn, eggplant, cucumbers, greens, and bell peppers.
South Carolina produce shipments in October included greens and green onions. North Carolina produce shipments in October are dominated by sweet potatoes but also include broccoli, cabbage, and greens.
