Hurricane Michael obliterated towns along the Florida Panhandle when it slammed into the region Wednesday afternoon just shy of a powerful Category 5 hurricane, packing winds of up to 155 mph.
The monster storm carved a path of destruction as it crashed ashore and moved inland, destroying homes and businesses, flooding roads and downing trees and power lines, according to news reports.
Piles of debris and splintered wood, twisted metal and concrete rubble dot the landscape. Hospitals, schools and stores were damaged or destroyed.
Mexico Beach was ground zero when the fierce storm made landfall. It was practically destroyed and so was Panama City.
State officials are still trying to get a grip on the death toll. The fast-forming storm didn’t leave a very big window for evacuations and many people stayed behind, trying to ride out the hurricane.
Michael was downgraded to a tropical storm early Thursday as it swept through central Georgia and was still packing 50 mph winds late Thursday as it barreled through North Carolina.
Live updates:
Hurricane Michael path of destruction
Update 8:00 p.m. EDT Oct. 11: As Hurricane Michael continued its march through the Carolinas and Virginia Thursday, it left a path of destruction in it's wake stretching from the Gulf Coast to Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Managementconfirmed the storm knocked out power to 145,000 homes and business Thursday.
The National Weather Service is warning about dangerous flash flooding in places like Farmville.
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS in Farmville, VA. Numerous homes, businesses, and roads are flooded. Please do not venture out this evening! A Flash Flood EMERGENCY remains in effect. #vawx https://t.co/GN1APzM62i
— NWS Wakefield (@NWSWakefieldVA) October 11, 2018
Nearly 145,000 Virginians are without power as of 7:11 p.m. Heavy rains will continue tonight and additional power outages are possible. Be sure you have flashlights on hand and charge your mobile phones and other devices now if you still have power.
— VDEM (@VDEM) October 11, 2018
A video shot near Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida shows what 155 mph winds look like.
Want to know what 155 mph winds look like?!?
— Gregg Lagerquist (@GreggWGME) October 11, 2018
Tyndall AFB, FL as #HurricaneMichael hit
(Bart Comstock / LSM 📹) pic.twitter.com/JIbG4BvTZb
Parts of the Florida Panhandle have been wiped out by Hurricane Michael. Emergency responders are still trying to get an accurate number of fatalities, but can't get into some areas yet.
Complete devastation in Florida Panhandle
Update 6:30 p.m. EDT Oct. 11: The scenes along the Gulf coast are shocking. Whole towns in the Florida Panhandle, like Mexico Beach and Panama City, were mostly destroyed by Hurricane Michael.
Aerial view of devastation at #MexicoBeach, Fl caused by #HurricaneMichael
— ABC 33/40 News (@abc3340) October 11, 2018
Courtesy LSM/Brandon Clement pic.twitter.com/hqHTdkOz2E
The devastation stretches for miles, with lone structures dotting the landscape where entire neighborhoods once stood.
Thousands of volunteers, rescue crews and first responders spent Thursday trying to assess the storm damage and search for survivors.
Utility crews are on standby to help restore power to thousands of customers, but they can't get through yet because roads are still impassable in many areas.
6 dead in aftermath of Hurricane Michael
Update 5:20 p.m. EDT Oct. 11: The death toll from Hurricane Michael in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina has increased to six so far, according to The Washington Post.
In Florida, the Gadsen County Sheriff's Office has confirmed four storm-related deaths, but other than confirming a man's death Wednesday from a falling tree, officials have not released any information yet on the other victims.
An 11-year-old girl was killed in Georgia by a piece of metal that was whipped into her home when Michael barreled through.
A 38-year-old man was killed in Iredell County, North Carolina when a tree fell on his car, the Post reported.
Meantime, life-threatening flash flooding is underway in parts of North Carolina and Virginia as the storm rips across the region, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.
The NHC is also warning of dangerous storm surge along portions of the North Carolina coast.
Here are the 5 PM EDT Key Messages for #Michael. Life-threatening flash flooding and damaging winds are ongoing across portions of North Carolina and Virginia. pic.twitter.com/Q0amZ4Cz2r
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 11, 2018
Death toll increases
Update 3:03 p.m. EDT Oct. 11: The death toll from Hurricane Michael is rising as first responders and survivors comb through the rubble along the Florida Panhandle. So far the total number killed is three, according to The Associated Press.
A man in Gadsden County, Florida, died Wednesday when a tree fell on his home. Another man reportedly died from a heart attack and an 11-year-old girl in Georgia was killed when a carport that was ripped away by the storm crashed into her home.
>>Photos: Mexico Beach decimated by Hurricane Michael
'Looks like an atomic bomb had hit'
Update 1:28 p.m. EDT Oct. 11: One survivor of the hurricane that battered the panhandle said that his city "looks like an atomic bomb had hit our city," The Panama City News Herald reported.
Some areas are not allowing residents who did evacuate to come back into their neighborhoods until crews can clean up power lines and trees that fell during the storm, the Associated Press reported.
Tyndall Air Force Base is closed as officials deal with "widespread catastrophic damage." No one was injured, but nearly every home on the base has damage to roofs. About 600 families who live on the base were evacuated before the storm, the AP reported.
Power is starting to come back on in some areas with about 713,000 homes and businesses across five states still without power, according to CBS News.
In North Carolina, crews have had to conduct water rescues after neighborhoods were swamped by flash flooding, the AP reported.
In Georgia, the Seminole County coroner has identified the 11-year-old girl who was killed by Hurricane Michael. The coroner says Sarah Radney died after a portable carport was picked up by the wind and dropped on her home's roof. The leg of the carport broke through the roof and hit her in the head. The coroner believes she died of massive blunt force trauma, WSB and the AP reported. Originally Seminole County EMA Director Travis Brooks said it was a tree.
State of Emergency in Georgia
Update 9:25 a.m. EDT Oct. 11: President Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency in Georgia. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that his declaration will allow the state access to federal resources to help local and state efforts to remove debris and recover from the storm.
Gov. Nathan Deal had already declared a state of emergency for most of the state and activated 1,500 National Guard troops.
Meanwhile more than 750,000 power outages have been reported in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama, The Washington Post reported.
Tropical Storm Michael moves over South Carolina
Update 8 a.m. EDT Oct. 11: Tropical Storm Michael is now moving over South Carolina with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 8 a.m. EDT advisory.
The storm is about 40 miles west-northwest of Columbia and is moving northeast at 21 mph, the advisory said.
The center's director, Ken Graham, is scheduled to provide an update on the storm at 8:30 a.m. EDT via Facebook Live.
NHC Director Ken Graham will provide a Facebook Live broadcast regarding Tropical Storm #Michael at 8:30 a.m. EDT https://t.co/ScpIbjDTZF @NOAA @NWS @NWSWPC #HurricanePrep pic.twitter.com/j2P0ZMab4j
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 11, 2018
NHC Director Ken Graham will provide a Facebook Live broadcast regarding Tropical Storm #Michael at 8:30 a.m. EDT https://t.co/ScpIbjDTZF @NOAA @NWS @NWSWPC #HurricanePrep pic.twitter.com/j2P0ZMab4j
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 11, 2018
11-year-old killed by falling tree
Update 5 a.m. EDT Oct. 11: According to WSB-TV, an 11-year-old was killed when a tree fell onto a structure in south Georgia as Michael swept through the state, Seminole County EMA Director Travis Brooks said early Thursday.
Meanwhile, the tropical storm continued to weaken over eastern Georgia with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 a.m. EDT advisory.
The storm is about 30 miles west of Augusta and 90 miles northeast of Macon. It is moving northeast at 21 mph, the advisory said.
#Michael continues to weaken over eastern Georgia, but tropical storm force winds and threat of flooding and tornadoes continue over Georgia and the Carolinas today. Here are the Key Messages from 5 am EDT October 11th advisory. Go to https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb for details. pic.twitter.com/A5pEUkYQbk
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 11, 2018
Tropical Storm Michael continues to weaken
Update 2 a.m. EDT Oct. 11: Tropical Storm Michael is continuing to weaken over central Georgia, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 2 a.m. EDT advisory.
The storm is about 25 miles east of Macon and is moving northeast at 20 mph, the advisory said.
Tropical Storm #Michael Advisory 18A: Michael Continues to Weaken Over Central Georgia. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 11, 2018
Michael downgraded to tropical storm
Update 12:38 a.m. EDT Oct. 11: Michael is no longer a hurricane and has been downgraded to a tropical storm, the National Hurricane Center said in its 12 a.m. EDT update. It is about 30 miles south-southwest of Macon, Georgia, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. Michael is moving northeast at 17 mph, the update said.
#Michael weakens to a tropical storm over south-central Georgia. Here is the 12 am EDT update on October 11th. This is the last hourly update. Next update will be the intermediate public advisory at 2 am EDT. pic.twitter.com/89wX6xYzrs
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 11, 2018
Hurricane Michael weakening through Georgia
Update 11:55 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Hurricane Michael is still a Category 1 storm, but barely. The hurricane's wind speed has dropped to 75 mph, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.
The storm is picking up speed, too, as it whips through Georgia, moving at 20 mph toward the northeast, the NHC said in its 11 pm report.
Hurricane Michael losing steam
Update 10:15 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Hurricane Michael is weakening as it moves through Georgia on track for the Carolinas.
The storms wind speeds have dropped to 80 mph as it moves in a northeasterly direction at 17 mph, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.
The NHC is predicting a moderate risk of flash flooding as the storm moves through Georgia.
"Heavy rainfall from Michael could produce life-threatening flash flooding from the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region into portions of southeast Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas and southeast Virginia," according to the NHC's latest update.
Tropical storm warnings are posted along the coasts of Georgia and the Carolinas.
The storm is expected to reach southern North Carolina sometime Thursday.
For some of you, the storm has passed. What’s Next?
— National Weather Service (@NWS) October 11, 2018
☑️Don’t venture out. Water & power lines don’t go well together; especially in the dark
☑️Let first responders do their work. Stay sheltered & off the roads
☑️Text rather than call family & friends to let them know you are safe
Parts of Florida's Gulf Coast in shambles
Update 9:00 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: The scenes of destruction in the Florida Panhandle in places like Mexico Beach and Panama City are staggering.
Shattered buildings, flooded streets, stripped and downed trees. Entire swaths of the region are completely without power.
State authorities said it could take up to a week to get power restored in some areas, although Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday that repairing the grid is a top priority once first responders can get into communities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Michael
The Category 1 storm is now moving through Georgia and marks the first time since 1898 that the state has taken a direct hit from a hurricane.
Hurricane #Michael Advisory 17A: Eye of Michael Moving Across Southwestern Georgia. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 10, 2018
Update 8:15 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Hurricane Michael has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm.
First death reported in Panhandle, storm weakening
Update 7:10 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: The first death from Hurricane Michael has been reported in the Florida Panhandle, according to The Associated Press.
A man was killed at his home by a falling tree, the AP reported, citing a sheriff's official.
The National Hurricane Center is reporting that Michael is weakening and is now a Category 2 hurricane with wind speeds of 100 mph as it moves through Georgia.
Here is the 7 PM EDT position update for #Michael - Eye of #Michael moving through southwestern Georgia https://t.co/huazqXcQgJ pic.twitter.com/iJzibRVzQF
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 10, 2018
Hurricane Michael moves into Georgia
Update 7:00 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: The outer bands of Hurricane Michael are already being felt in Atlanta as the storm's center moves through the southwestern part of the state.
Tornado warnings are posted in Atlanta.
WSB-TV Meteorologist Glenn Burns said that radar showed a large area of debris lofted over 11 thousand feet into the air in Crawford County, Georgia earlier, indicating that a strong tornado possibly touched down there.
NEW VIDEO: Showing additional damage here in Crawford Country. Home owner tells me that he and his wife took cover under the couch after hearing tornado sirens sound off. @WGXAnews pic.twitter.com/4lJsPscLkF
— Tavares Jones (@tavareskjones) October 10, 2018
Catastrophic damage in Mexico Beach, Florida
Update 6:45 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: When Hurricane Michael made landfall early Wednesday afternoon along Florida's Panhandle, it crashed ashore in Mexico Beach.
Parts of the town look like a bomb went off with debris from homes, businesses and boats strewn about.
Catastrophic storm surge also caused massive flooding.
Aftermath photos of Mexico Beach, Fla. following #HurricaneMichael. Debris is everywhere. (Photo: Tessa Talarico) pic.twitter.com/kNFPcBYTD7
— Jordan Ferrell (@jordaneferrell) October 10, 2018
LOOK at some photos a viewer sent me from Mexico Beach, FL! He was there on vacation and says his family is safe. Hear from him at 6 pic.twitter.com/IJrZxQ4bIK
— Blake Stevens (@bstevensnews) October 10, 2018
At least one storm victim was caught on video trying to hold onto the wall of his house as Michael's powerful winds tore it down.
Emergency response to start when storm passes
Update 6:15 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: The Florida National Guard is waiting to begin assisting in storm recovery efforts in Florida.
We are boots on the ground, in your communities! #Soldiers from one of our search and rescue teams are coordinating with law enforcement in Cedar Key to perform initial recon missions during #HurricaneMichael. #FloridaFirst #FLNGAlwaysThere #CERFP pic.twitter.com/FV5MGBIAwl
— FloridaNationalGuard (@FLGuard) October 10, 2018
Utility companies have thousands of workers preparing to deploy to hard hit areas, as soon as they can safely begin fixing power outages, according to Florida Gov. Rick Scott.
Utility companies have nearly 19,000 personnel staged to begin power restoration. Getting power back on is absolutely critical to our recovery and response efforts- this is a top priority.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 10, 2018
National Guard on standby in four states
Update 5:50 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: The National Guard is on standby in Florida, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina and is prepared to deploy where needed to help with emergency responses after Hurricane Michael passes through.
Major damage in parts of Florida
Update 5:45 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Hurricane Michael has caused major damage in parts of Florida's Panhandle and Big Bend region and the storm is still moving through the state as a powerful Category 3 hurricane.
PHOTOS: #HurricaneMichael makes landfall, leaves destruction behind https://t.co/vIkjssQ0yw #StormWatchOn2 pic.twitter.com/o3FjcCitrA
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) October 10, 2018
Power crews are on standby to help restore power in Florida when Michael moves out late Wednesday.
.@DukeEnergy is grateful for the 7,000 resources from across the country #ReadyToRespond to #HurricaneMichael. This is the scene at our staging site at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center - thousands of crews ready to restore power in #Florida! #ThankALineman pic.twitter.com/TpmsLUjqsB
— Ana Gibbs (@DE_AnaGibbs) October 10, 2018
Florida gov. requests federal disaster declaration
Update 5:15 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Florida Gov. Rick Scott has already requested that President Donald Trump issue a major disaster declaration in the wake of Hurricane Michael.
Scott is also warning people in the Panhandle and other areas to stay off the roads and to shelter in place as the storm continues moving through the state.
We are still in the midst of a Category 4 catastrophic and historic storm. I urge all Floridians in the Panhandle to continue sheltering in place, and listening to local authorities. Stay inside until directed further so that our recovery teams can move in as quickly as possible.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 10, 2018
Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency said in a press conference that people who did not evacuate need to make sure they're in a strong structure and that they get to the highest point.
FEMA: "You always have the option of calling 911 but there's no guarantee that responders can get to you at this point." #HurricaneMichael https://t.co/VwgKKZgTLP pic.twitter.com/tKOiECzNbC
— The Hill (@thehill) October 10, 2018
Tornado threats in Panhandle and Big Bend areas
Update 4:54 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Tornado warnings are posted in parts of Florida and southern Georgia as Hurricane Michael spawns twisters as it moves inland.
The storm has caused major flooding in parts of the Panhandle and Big Bend areas, submerging roads and inundating homes, according to news reports.
Flash flood warnings are posted in several areas.
Dangerous storm surge is still a major concern along the Panhandle as Michael, now downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, blows through the region, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Downed trees and power lines are causing power outages along the storm's path.
Be very careful if you are planning to use a generator following #HurricaneMichael. Follow the instructions that came with it and always keep it at least 20 feet outside of your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. https://t.co/xvdoUtp3ZA pic.twitter.com/BxgaYexATE
— ASPR (@PHEgov) October 10, 2018
Behind the storm now and seeing the damage. Surreal. #Michael pic.twitter.com/ru4nKZzkY9
— Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) October 10, 2018
Reports of major damage
Update: 4:35 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: The extent of the damage from Hurricane Michael in Florida's Panhandle is still largely unknown, but there are reports that the powerful storm has caused major damage in some areas. Damage assessment is underway in some areas and more information is expected by Wednesday evening.
Many reports of roofs ripped away across #FloridaPanhandle as #Michael's center entered the area. Expect to see MAJOR catastrophic damage later this evening & in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/VS7fbtB1sX
— Irene Sans (@IreneSans) October 10, 2018
Take a look at all that lightning! This loop from the #GOESEast Lightning Mapper shows #HurricaneMichael's approach from noon on Oct. 8 until the storm made landfall over Mexico Beach, Florida, on Wednesday afternoon. More imagery: https://t.co/eSQdQ5ZITr pic.twitter.com/4FN2aAwPSL
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) October 10, 2018
Michael moving northeast
4 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: At 3 p.m. the National Hurricane Center says Michael has moved well inland and the storm's winds are sustained at 140 mph. From the NHC:
Marianna Florida airport: 102 mph
University of Florida/Weatherflow Mexico Beach: 83 mph
Panama City Beach National Ocean Service: 80 mph
Tallahassee International Airport: 71 mph
Donalsonville Georgia: 67 mph
Downtown Tallahassee: 63 mph
#HurricaneMichael intensified as the storm made landfall near Mexico Beach, Florida, at around 1:30 p.m. ET. @NOAA's #GOESEast satellite captured this view of the Cat. 4 hurricane moving ashore. Latest updates from @NHC_Atlantic: https://t.co/gcFrOMm2RR pic.twitter.com/ZIqmQslbYP
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) October 10, 2018
Still a very strong Category 4
3:20 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Hurricane Michael is inland now and moving northwest. Maximum sustained winds remain at 150 mph.
More scenes of damage
3:18 p.m. EDT Oct 10
Saddening video from Mexico Beach, FL of the widespread damage and catastrophic storm surge. #Michael
— WeatherOptics (@weatheroptics) October 10, 2018
🎥: talarico.tessa/Instagram pic.twitter.com/sQZ9ZSKmMB
Michael uproots tree, pushes water inland
2:56 p.m. EDT Oct. 10
Trees are being snatched from the roots in Panama City, FL! All of my friends and family please be safe! #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/Hh0eXbBqUO
— Chelsey (@_heyychels) October 10, 2018
Waves Crashing into Navarre Beach Pier. #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/wXsHrM4Esr
— Navarre Beach (@BeachNavarre) October 10, 2018
LIVE view from Indian Pass that shows increasing storm surge and winds! If you're not sheltered in place now, you need to be! #HurricaneMichael https://t.co/kBR8NCGoJb
— NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) October 10, 2018
Some scenes from Michael:
2:36 p.m. EDT Oct. 10:
New construction just collapsed in front of me in Panama City Beach from #hurricanemichael!!! It is going bad fast! pic.twitter.com/CG5R8jcUuf
— Marc Weinberg (@MarcWeinbergWX) October 10, 2018
BREAKING: Hurricane Michael makes landfall near Panama City with 155 mph winds, just shy of Category 5 strength. https://t.co/FXGG7LzbbS #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/MLyNEjkXP4
— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) October 10, 2018
Mexico Beach, FL has extensive damage. Homes are being ripped apart by the wind. #HurricaneMichael
— Brennan Prill ⚡︎ (@WxBrenn) October 10, 2018
Report: @Breaking911 pic.twitter.com/fVM178uyas
How did the storm get so big so fast?
2:23 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: From The Associated Press: "Moist air, warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, and ideal wind patterns turbocharged Hurricane Michael in the hours before it smacked Florida's Panhandle.
Hurricane Michael's wind speed increased by 50 mph in 24 hours, to 140 mph Wednesday.”
Click here to read the rest of the story about how Michael grew into a monster storm.
One of the lowest pressures ever
2:08 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Michael had the third lowest pressure of a landfalling hurricane in the United States when it crossed the coast at Mexico Beach, Florida. The "Labor Day Hurricane" of 1935 and Hurricane Camille in 1969 were the only storms with a lower measured pressure at landfall.
Michael makes landfall
1:44 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Hurricane Michael has made landfall northwest of Mexico Beach, Florida. The highest sustained wind measured during the storm was 155 mph. A Category 5 storm has sustained winds of 157 mph.
Just 24 hours ago Mexico Beach was visible. Wild. #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/Md6xHAF3Y9
— Jacob DeFlitch (@WxDeFlitch) October 10, 2018
Eyewall coming ashore
1:10 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: There are reports of 116 mph gusts as the eyewall of Michael comes ashore. Landfall is not official until the center of the eye (where the lowest pressure is) crosses the coastline. It appears that will take place around Mexico Beach, Florida.
1:06 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: The storm is beginning to come ashore.
Here is the 12 PM CDT position update for #Michael: Eyewall of Michael coming ashore along the coast of the Florida Panhandle between St. Vincent Island and Panama City. Do not venture out into the eye when it passes! pic.twitter.com/KsePFlnTIt
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 10, 2018
Bridges are closing across NW Florida including Hathaway (Bay Co.), St. George Island Bridge (Franklin Co.) with many more to come. Expect bridges in your area to be closed. Road conditions are deteriorating due to debris and flooding. Take shelter now.
— FDOT District 3 (@MyFDOT_NWFL) October 10, 2018
Power outages growing
12:39 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Nearly 30,000 customers are without power as Hurricane Michael nears the Florida Panhandle.
Water continues to rise
12:31 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Apalachicola Police Chief Bobby Varnes tells CNN that water is rising in his city. The surge is about 6 feet now, at low tide. The city is expecting up to 13 feet of storm surge. U.S. Highway 98 has been closed in Apalachicola.
NHC latest update
11:58 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: The National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. CDT update puts Hurricane Michael 35 miles southwest of Mexico Beach, Florida, near Panama City. The storm has sustained winds of 150 mph. That is 7 mph from a Category 5 hurricane.
Michael gets stronger
11:45 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Michael has strengthened, according to the National Hurricane Center, with winds now at 150 mph. Gust are 175 mph.
What does a Category 4 storm look like?
11:15 p.m. EDT Oct. 10: Click here to see a few livestreams of the storm as it makes landfall on the Florida Panhandle.
Storm surge picture from this morning around 6:30am near Rock Landing Florida (near Panacea). Can't stress this enough, these impacts from the surge is only the beginning, it's going to get higher! #Surge #FLwx #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/9JHSV6syhM
— NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) October 10, 2018
Michael is now moving north-northeast
10:50 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: The NHC has issued a 10 a.m. CDT update on Hurricane Michael. The storm remains at 145 mph and is now moving north-northeast. Michael's speed has increased to 14 mph and at 10 a.m. CDT, it is located 60 miles from Panama City, Florida.
Michael is upon us, it is time to seek refuge. Once you are sheltered, STAY PUT. Do not try to leave until the storm has passed. Multiple state and federal resources are staged and ready to respond as soon as it is safe.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 10, 2018
Michael is moving fast
10:10 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: According to the NHC, Michael is maintaining a fast forward motion of 13 mph. Ian Sears, flight director on a NOAA "Hurricane Hunter" airplane, says the pressure in Michael continues to drop. That means the storm is getting stronger as it moves towards the Florida Panhandle.
Water is rising
10 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: Water levels are continuing to rise quickly along the coast of the Florida Panhandle, the National Hurricane Center says. A National Ocean Service water level station at Apalachicola has reported more than 4 feet of inundation above ground level there.
Warnings about the storm surge
9:32 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: Florida Gov. Rick Scott is warning coastal residents that the storm surge from Hurricane Michael can reach 13-feet in some areas.
An ‘unprecedented event’
9:15 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: The National Weather Service in Panama City, Florida, warns that Hurricane Michael's landfall will bring "catastrophic damage" to the Florida Panhandle.
“This is an unprecedented event as there are no Category 4 storms on record to have made landfall along the Florida Panhandle coast,” the NWS statement said.
No emergency services help now
9:05 a.m. EDT Oct 10: The Bay County Emergency Management Agency tweets that fire and emergency medical services are "now unable to respond to calls" because of deteriorating weather conditions. Panama City is located in Bay County.
The latest from the NHC
9 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: Here is the latest update from the NHC:
Here is the 8 AM CDT position update for #Michael - water levels are rising and winds increasing along the Florida Panhandle as potentially catastrophic #Michael approaches. pic.twitter.com/lUQdldzMeG
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 10, 2018
The time for evacuating along the coast has come and gone. First responders will not be able to come out in the middle of the storm. If you chose to stay in an evacuation zone, you must SEEK REFUGE IMMEDIATELY.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 10, 2018
Michael would make history
8:40 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: If Hurricane Michael maintains its current strength when it makes landfall along Florida's Panhandle, it will be one of the strongest storms to ever hit the state. No Category 4 or Category 5 storm has hit the Panhandle since the National Weather Service has been tracking hurricanes.
The latest updated from the National Hurricane Center
7:45 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: Hurricane Michael has sustained winds of 145 mph and is continuing to move north in the Gulf of Mexico. At 7 a.m. CDT, Michael was located 95 miles southwest of Panama City, Florida. The storm is moving north at 13 mph.
The latest from the NHC
7:05 a.m. EDT Oct 10: Here is the latest update from the NHC.
Here is the 8 AM CDT position update for #Michael - water levels are rising and winds increasing along the Florida Panhandle as potentially catastrophic #Michael approaches. pic.twitter.com/lUQdldzMeG
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 10, 2018
Here is the 6 AM CDT position update for #Michael: Tropical storm force winds are spreading onshore of the coast of the Florida Panhandle https://t.co/126FWZpZbU? pic.twitter.com/snketrrnDi
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 10, 2018
Storm surge will be high
6:45 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: Storm surge levels could reach up to 13 feet in some areas as Michael makes landfall.
#Michael is expected to produce a destructive & life-threatening storm surge along portions of the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend & Nature Coast on Wednesday & Wed night. The worst storm surge is expected to be between Mexico Beach & Keaton Beach with 9-13' of inundation possible. pic.twitter.com/Q7OQ3XjypT
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 9, 2018
Michael update from the National Hurricane Center
6 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: Michael is 120 miles south-southwest of Panama City Beach and 115 miles southwest of Apalachicola, Florida, with winds of 140 mph. The storm is moving north at 13 mph. A landfall near Panama City is expected around 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Michael has winds of 140 mph
Here is the 4 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center
Here are the 4 AM CDT Key Messages on #Michael pic.twitter.com/EzXC9XqIkC
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 10, 2018
Michael is a Category 4 hurricane
Update 1:59 a.m. EDT Oct. 10: Michael has become "an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane" with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 2 a.m. advisory.
The storm is about 180 miles south-southwest of Panama City, Florida, and 170 miles southwest of Apalachicola. It is moving north at 12 mph, the advisory said.
Hurricane #Michael is now an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane and its outer rainbands are beginning to reach the coast. This is a life-threatening event for portions of the northeastern Gulf Coast. Go to https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb for details. pic.twitter.com/RtozXvcTE6
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 10, 2018
What it is like to be on a cruise ship in a storm
Update 11:16 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas cruise ship apparently got caught in the outer bands of Hurricane Michael early Tuesday on its way to Cuba. One of the ship's passengers posted video of the encounter on Twitter.
Live look: @RoyalCaribbean’s #EmpressoftheSeas chasing #HurricaneMichael around #Cuba. Arrival to #Havana severely delayed.@CruiseCritic @weatherchannel @SAWeatherServic @bbcweather @breakingweather @TheWeatherStn #tropicalstormmichael #storm #caribbean #lightning #cruiseship pic.twitter.com/52vK6tUjNX
— Snapper Tams (@SnapperTams) October 9, 2018
Hurricane Michael inching toward Category 4 status
Update 11:00 pm. EDT Oct. 9: Hurricane Michael's wind speeds have increased to 125 mph as it maintains a steady pace of 12 mph, tracking for the Florida Panhandle, according to the latest briefing from the National Hurricane Center.
Roads in Alabama are already flooding as Michael closes in.
Roads in Alabama flooded as Hurricane Michael approaches: https://t.co/NLhehE4VEF pic.twitter.com/EhdLTXswBA
— The Weather Network (@weathernetwork) October 9, 2018
The National Weather Service has put out a bulletin urging everyone in Michael's path to move inland "immediately."
Our local offices, emergency management partners and media in Florida are urging people in evacuation zones to move inland IMMEDIATELY. #HurricaneMichael is coming and you're running out of time! We need your help to get this message out. @FLSERT @fema #FLwx pic.twitter.com/cPUFoeWWJp
— National Weather Service (@NWS) October 10, 2018
Update 10:10 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: Warnings for Hurricane Michael now extend from Alabama and Florida along the Gulf Coast to South Carolina, according to the National Weather Service.
Powerful winds and storm surge are a big concern as Michael tracks toward a landing early Wednesday in the Florida Panhandle.
Warnings for #HurricaneMichael now extend from the Gulf Coast in Alabama/Florida to South Carolina. Where will you ride out this storm? Vehicles, exterior rooms and top floors of homes are not safe from the wind when there are tall trees nearby.
— National Weather Service (@NWS) October 10, 2018
✅Get inside, protect yourself. pic.twitter.com/1nPf9VgmWM
Hurricane Michael becoming better organized
Update 8:40 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: Federal agencies are warning residents about the potential for deadly storm surge as Hurricane Michael closes in on the Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center is predicting Michael could cause storm surge between nine and 13 feet.
The chart below shows just how dangerous just a couple feet of surge is.
If you live along the Florida coast between Pensacola and Tampa, THIS is why it's so important to listen to your local/state officials regarding evacuations. The storm surge is expected to reach 9-13 FEET in some areas!
— National Weather Service (@NWS) October 9, 2018
Stay tuned to your local media for updates.
💻📻📺📲 pic.twitter.com/QAykOFg2c3
Update 8:15 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: Hurricane Michael is packing 120 mph winds as it barrels toward the Florida Panhandle.
According to the National Hurricane Center's latest briefing, the storm has become better organized posing a graver danger to those in its path as it nears the Gulf Coast.
It is still moving in a northerly direction at 12 mph and has the potential to increase to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall somewhere in the Panhandle early Wednesday morning, NHC officials said.
Hurricane #Michael Advisory 13A: Major Hurricane Michael Getting Much Better Organized. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 9, 2018
Update 6:40 p.m EDT Oct. 9: The National Hurricane Center has continued to warn that Hurricane Michael could cause potentially life-threatening storm surge.
Some areas along the Gulf Coast could see up to 13 feet of storm surge.
The agency is predicting the worst surge will occur between Mexico Beach and Keaton.
A destructive and life-threatening storm surge event will occur along portions of the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend, and Nature Coast on Wednesday and Wed night. The worst storm surge is expected to be between Mexico Beach and Keaton Beach where 9-13' of inundation is possible. pic.twitter.com/Koao5p4GIk
— NHC Storm Surge (@NHC_Surge) October 9, 2018
With severe storm surge comes flooding. Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency are warning people in Florida and in parts of Georgia and the Carolinas to brace for potentially dangerous flooding as Hurricane Michael makes landfall and moves inland.
Flooding from Hurricane #Michael will affect several states. Finish preparations ASAP and get ready to shelter in a safe location.
— FEMA (@fema) October 9, 2018
Make sure you’re getting weather alerts for your area and stay off the roads once rain and winds start. https://t.co/vHH7oWoK4X https://t.co/KrG7UAv6xn
Update 6:15 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: Hurricane Michael could make landfall in the Florida Panhandle as early as Wednesday morning anywhere from Destin, Florida, to Apalachee Bay as a Category 3 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center. The center is also projecting the storm will track northeast through Georgia and the already storm-weary Carolinas before blowing into the Atlantic late Thursday.
Unlike Hurricane Florence, Michael is moving much faster and forecasters expect the storm to moving quickly once it makes landfall.
Hurricane warnings are posted from the Alabama-Florida border to Florida's Suwanee River. A hurricane watch is posted as far west as the Alabama-Mississippi border, the NHC reported.
Florida gov. issues another warning
Update 5:30 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: Florida Gov. Rick Scott is warning residents in the Panhandle and Big Bend areas that Hurricane Michael is a serious storm.
"This is your last chance to get prepared for this monstrous and deadly storm," Scott said on social media Tuesday afternoon.
"The state is not taking this storm lightly and neither should any family," he said as Michael bears down on the Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Michael will be here TONIGHT. This is your LAST CHANCE to get prepared for this monstrous and deadly storm. The state is not taking this storm lightly and neither should any family.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 9, 2018
Michael strengthens into Category 3 hurricane
Update 5:00 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: Hurricane Michael has been upgraded to a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm is moving in a northerly direction at 12 mph.
Hurricane #Michael Advisory 13: Michael Strengthens to a Major Hurricane. Life-Threatening Storm Surge. https://t.co/VqHn0uj6EM
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 9, 2018
4:15 p.m. EDT Oct.9: If you need help finding a shelter:
If you need a safe place to go before Hurricane #Michael arrives, you can text SHELTER and your zip code (i.e. SHELTER 12345) to 4FEMA (43362) to locate an open emergency shelter near you. pic.twitter.com/L1oU4fyB1A
— FEMA (@fema) October 9, 2018
Visit https://t.co/wmQSE7oNV5 to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes, or call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) contact number at 1-800-342-3557. @FLGovScott #HurricaneMichael
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) October 9, 2018
Warning from the National Weather Service
2:35 p.m. EDT Oct 9: Michael could develop into a potentially catastrophic event for the northeastern Gulf Coast," the Tallahassee National Weather Service office is warning in its area forecast discussion. Storm surges of more than 12 feet are not out of the question, the NWS says.
Airports closed
2:14 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: United Airlines has canceled flights scheduled for Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon to three airports in Florida -- Pensacola, Panama City and Destin.
We have canceled all flights Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon at ECP, PNS and VPS in Florida in advance of #HurricaneMichael. Please continue to check our important notices page for operations & travel waiver updates: https://t.co/IF60HgPIKr pic.twitter.com/6MjhPWA2rE
— United Airlines (@united) October 9, 2018
Thousands have been ordered out
1:45 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: More than 120,000 coastal Florida residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes in advance of Hurricane Michael. Florida Gov. Rick Scott has issued mandatory evacuation orders for 11 Florida counties.
Coastal areas of Bay, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Gulf, Jackson, Levy, Okaloosa, Taylor, Wakulla and Walton counties are under mandatory evacuation orders.
Michael could be the strongest in more than a decade
12:35 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: Michael could be the strongest storm to hit the Florida Panhandle in 13 years. With winds just 1 mph below the threshold for a Category 3 storm, forecasters say it is a good likelihood the storm will be a Category 3 as it makes landfall.
Deal declares state of emergency
12:30 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed an executive order on Tuesday declaring a state of emergency and warning that Hurricane Michael could have "significant inland impacts" in Georgia after the storm makes landfall in the Florida Panhandle.
"The state is mobilizing all available resources to ensure public safety ahead of Hurricane Michael," Deal said in a statement. "In light of the storm's forecasted track, I encourage Georgians in the affected counties to be prepared and remain vigilant."
The latest on Michael
12:00 p.m. EDT Oct. 9: The National Hurricane Center says Michael is a Category 2 storm with winds at 110 mph. According to the 11 a.m. update, Michael is headed north and is about 360 miles south of Panama City, Florida. Michael is moving at 12 mph.
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