Storm heads towards Florida

HURRICANE Michael intensified yesterday as it barrelled toward the Florida coast, becoming a major Category 3 storm capable of “devastating damage” which the state’s governor warned could be the worst in decades.

Michael packed winds of 195km/h as it aimed for the Florida Panhandle, the fingershaped strip of land on the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm was expected to make landfall overnight, bringing hurricane-force winds, a “life-threatening storm surge” and heavy rainfall, the Miami- based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Rick Knabb, a former NHC head, urged locals in Michael’s path to waste no time in evacuating.

“Michael could be one of the worst hurricanes to ever strike the Florida Big Bend/ Florida Panhandle region,” he warned.

He said time to complete lifesaving preparations was running out. “Evacuate as instructed from storm surge and shelter smart from wind!”

Governor Rick Scott, who has activated 2500 members of the National Guard in response, echoed Mr Knabb’s assessment saying that: “Hurricane Michael poses a deadly threat (as the) most destructive storm to hit the Florida Panhandle in decades.”

Panama City Beach fire department chief Larry Couch urged residents to evacuate.

“If they decide to stay, there will be a point where we can’t get to them,” Mr Couch said.

“We will shut down operations at a certain point and when we do that, they’re on their own.

“Be safe and leave,” he said.