145mph storm batters Florida

FLORIDA was last night battered by Hurricane Michael – expected to be the largest storm to hit the region in 100 years.

The hurricane, which earlier reached speeds of 145mph and killed 13 people in Central America, was declared an ‘extremely dangerous’ Category 4 storm as it slammed into the Gulf coast.

Florida governor Rick Scott called a state of emergency and warned people in the hurricane’s path: ‘The time to evacuate has come and gone. Seek refuge immediately.’

He said the state could face ‘unimaginable devastation’. More than 370,000 people in Florida were ordered to evacuate, but many refused.

Michael could dump up to a 1ft of rain and isolated tornadoes are also possible. Meteorologist Marshall Shepherd called it a ‘life-altering event’.