Hurricane Michael is threatening more than 300 miles of the Gulf Coast, prompting emergency declarations in more than 100 counties from Mobile, Alabama through the Florida Panhandle and into the state's Big Bend region.

Residents in those areas are being warned to prepare for Michael to make landfall Wednesday as a "dangerous major hurricane," bringing damaging winds, and life-threatening storm surge and flash flooding. The storm will move further inland later in the week and bring rain and wind to Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

During storms trees often cause damage to homes. What can you do to help eliminate tree damage to your home?  Look for warning signs for trees at risk of falling.

Mushrooms in the ground near the base of a tree may mean your tree is sick and you should have it checked out.  Artist’s Conk mushroom is a mushroom that grows on the trunk of a tree and may mean there is rot inside the tree.

Space at or near the base of the tree trunk or if the soil is starting to push back as the tree moves may indicate the tree is in danger of falling.

If you’re in doubt about a tree near your house contact a specialist to see if it should be removed before a storm causes the tree to fall.

Though the tempertures are still in the 80's and 90's we know winter be here soon. Here are some tips on preparing your home for the coming winter:

• Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic
• Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks 
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys have them cleaned and inspected 
• Insulate pipes 
• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts)
• Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside
• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain heavy weight from snow or water

Falling trees and limbs cause millions of dollars in damage each year damaging homes and cars and downing power lines. Windstorms, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, are a leading cause of such damage and injury ... Good pruning can prevent many problems, but over-pruning can significantly weaken a tree.

NOAA’s National Hurricane Center issued a Public Advisory at 8 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday, September 13, 2018, due to the presence of Hurricane Florence.

Hurricane Florence is currently located 170 miles east-southeast of Wilmington, North Carolina and is moving to the northwest at 12 mph.

Message from the Georgia State Parks:

We are closely monitoring Hurricane Florence and our thoughts go out to our neighbors and hope everyone remains safe. 

Please know that we welcome evacuees and their pets. We can accommodate equestrians at some parks as well. 

Campsites and cottages are still available and “Dry camping” outside of normal camping areas is available for no charge. Our Group Shelters are also open to those fleeing the storm. Contact park offices directly for assistance.

For more information go to:

 https://gastateparks.org/Alerts

The National Hurricane Center is currently tracking four tropical storms and one Hurricane (Florence) currently.  Having five systems in the Western Hemisphere is fairly common for this time of year.  September 10^th is considered to be the statistical peak of the hurricane season.

On Sunday Tropical Storm Florence was upgraded to hurricane status as it strengthened and moves towards the North and South Carolina coasts, Hurricane Florence is expected to make landfall by the end of the week. 

The National Hurricane Center has advised residents along the southeast coast to prepare.  Virginia, North and South Carolina have already declared states of emergency.