Michael is nearing a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches landfall along the Florida Panhandle, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“The dangerous hurricane is expected to move northward to north-northeastward and make landfall along the coast of the central panhandle of Florida by late Wednesday afternoon,” the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in a 10 p.m. update on Oct. 9.
As of 10 p.m., Michael is located 220 miles (355 km) south-southwest of Panama City, Florida, and 200 miles (325 km) south-southwest of Apalachicola, Florida.
Landfall is expected a few miles east of Panama City Beach. However, it is important to remember that hurricanes are not a just a point on a map and their effects are widespread. Folk should be ready for tropical storm and hurricane impacts along the entire FL Panhandle.
— NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) October 10, 2018
The NHC said the storm had strengthened to a “major hurricane” earlier in the day. Life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall are expected along the northeastern Gulf coast.
“A northward motion is expected through tonight, followed by a northeastward motion on Wednesday and Thursday,” the agency said Oct. 9. “On the forecast track, the center of Michael will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico through tonight.”
Here is the latest satellite imagery loop of Michael. The increased eyewall symmetry is indicative of an organizing and strengthening storm. pic.twitter.com/o4FkMr9NdT
— NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) October 10, 2018
The storm will “move northeastward across the southeastern United States Wednesday night and Thursday, and move off the Mid-Atlantic coast away from the United States on Friday,” the NHC said.
“We expect Hurricane Michael to make landfall near Panama City, Florida, Wednesday midday or early afternoon,” according to AccuWeather forecaster Dan Kottlowski. “Historically, hurricanes that approach the Florida coast in this area tend to weaken slightly prior to landfall, but little difference in impact related to wind and storm surge is likely regardless,” Kottlowski said.
The storm surge in some places in Florida could reach more than 10 feet, the NHC warned.
With the combination of high tide and some possible storm surge from #Hurricane Michael, we’re seeing minor flooding in our waterfront parks: Bayfront Park (video), Ken Thompson & Eloise Werlin. Please be careful. Use caution & avoid water covered areas. pic.twitter.com/ZgmQQ8UcGD
— City of Sarasota (@CityofSarasota) October 9, 2018
A tropical storm warning was issued from Fernandina Beach, Florida, to South Santee River South Carolina. A tropical storm watch has been issued from South Santee River South Carolina to Duck North Carolina, including Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds.
Residents are referred to check the latest forecasts and warnings at NOAA’s National Hurricane Center.
Evacuation Orders In Effect
Residents can search by address or check the map to see whether they are in a designated evacuation zone, according to the Florida Disaster website.
If you’re in an evacuation zone, I am urging you to leave RIGHT NOW. Do not risk your life or the lives of your loved ones- get out now.
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) October 10, 2018
The Florida Disaster website on Oct. 9 said that parts or all of Bay County, Citrus County, Franklin County, Dixie County, Gulf County, Jackson County, Levy County, Okaloosa County, Taylor County, Wakulla County, and Walton County have been issued mandatory evacuation orders.
#HurricaneMichael will be the strongest storm to impact portions of Florida in more than 100 years. DO NOT IGNORE #EVACUATION ORDERS #alert
— Florida SERT (@FLSERT) October 9, 2018
Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, Pasco County, Madison County, Liberty County Leon County, Hernando County, Gadsden County, and Calhoun County are under voluntary or phased evacuation orders.
