Forecasts indicate that Hurricane Michael, a Category 1 storm, may intensify into a Category 3 hurricane prior to landfall on the Gulf Coast later this week — with winds reaching 129 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“Heavy rainfall from Michael could produce life-threatening flash flooding from the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region into portions of the Carolinas through Thursday,” the hurricane center said.
#Michael could produce three life-threatening hazards along portions of the northeastern Gulf Coast: storm surge, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds, with storm surge and hurricane watches in effect. Residents in these areas should follow advice given by local officials. pic.twitter.com/JZENNHSQTK
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 8, 2018
To prepare for the storm’s potential impacts, Direct Relief on Monday extended offers of assistance to more than 190 health centers and clinics in Hurricane Michael’s projected path, which includes areas of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Direct Relief also has staged emergency medical packs with 10 health facilities in at-risk communities. The packs were prepositioned at the start of hurricane season through Direct Relief’s hurricane preparedness program.
Each pack contains enough medicines and supplies to treat 100 patients for three to five days and includes medicines to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Direct Relief will continue tracking Hurricane Michael and provide updates as the situation evolves.
