Hurricane Michael: Here’s what Columbus can expect

Columbus, Georgia, is under a tropical storm warning and flash flood watch as Hurricane Michael makes landfall on the Florida coast.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is covering the preparation and response to Hurricane Michael with reporters and photographers tracking developments as they happen. Come back to ajc.com to keep up with Georgia's weather, storm damage, and alerts from officials on how to keep your family safe.

» RELATED: Here's what's closed in Georgia ahead of Hurricane Michael

If you live in Columbus, you can expect Hurricane Michael to hit Wednesday evening, with wind gusts up to 73 miles per hour during the height of the storm, according to the National Weather Service. But forecasters warn of a potential for winds upwards of 70 miles per hour and urge residents to move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

Widespread rainfall of 3-5 inches and thunderstorms are also expected through Thursday, plus an elevated risk of localized flash flooding. Locals should heed any flood watches and warnings.

» RELATED: Hurricane tracker: Where is Hurricane Michael now?

More Hurricane Michael coverage from The AJC:

» S.W. Georgia awaits potentially 'life-altering' Hurricane Michael

» Hurricane Michael: How storm surges build up, destroy and kill

» What is a state of emergency? Georgia braces for Hurricane Michael

» Storm prep checklist for outside the home

» What is a state of emergency? Georgia braces for Hurricane Michael

» The difference between a hurricane watch and hurricane warning

» How to know whether your tree will fall during Hurricane Michael

» What you should do if a tree falls on your house or car — and how to prevent it from happening at all

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.