Hurricane Michael was expected to continue strengthening overnight before making landfall on the Florida panhandle Wednesday afternoon.

Troup County should expect to start seeing wind and rain from the storm as early as Wednesday evening, although the timing and track of the storm are subject to change.

The City of LaGrange is already preparing for the storm, and LaGrange Utilities Director Patrick Bowie commented on the storm during the Tuesday city council meeting.

“Everyone is probably aware that Hurricane Michael is approaching,” Bowie said. “I wanted to assure the council and the public that the city staff is ready. They are experienced. They are prepared for whatever might come our way.”

Bowie said that the city plans to send out updates through its social media as they become available, but as of Tuesday night, he hoped that the worst of the storm would miss LaGrange.

If it does hit other areas, Bowie said the city will likely send help to other cities impacted by the storm.

“There is a chance that if it does go to the east of us, we might be sending some crews to help in south Georgia,” Bowie said.

According to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Troup County should expect to see around a few inches of rain.

The storm is forecasted to move into Florida Wednesday and then take a rightward turn through Georgia.

Gov. Nathan Deal issued a state of emergency for 92 counties, not including Troup County, but residents are still encouraged to pay attention to updates on the storm

“Hurricane Michael is moving quickly, gaining strength, and has the potential to impact many Georgians as it makes landfall,” said Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.). “Gov. Deal, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, and local authorities are preparing for the storm and will keep Georgians updated as the situation develops. To ensure everyone’s safety, including the safety of our first responders, please take this storm seriously and heed all advice from local, state and federal officials.”

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) shared similar thoughts.

“We have learned time and again that preparedness saves lives,” Isakson said.

“As Hurricane Michael picks up speed and strength as it approaches the Gulf Coast of the United States, it has the potential to affect Georgians. I urge all Georgians to be vigilant, stay updated and heed the advice of state and local officials and please take advantage of this window of time and the many available resources to prepare. We are working closely with Gov. Deal, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the storm approaches landfall in the United States. As always, Sen. Perdue and I will work together in the Senate and do all we can to support preparedness, response and recovery efforts.”

Stay tuned to Lagrangenews.com or The LaGrange News Facebook page for updates.